What Is Family Tax Benefit?
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a payment provided by the Australian Government through Services Australia to help eligible families with the cost of raising children. It is split into two separate payments — Part A and Part B — each with different eligibility rules and purposes.
Family Tax Benefit Part A
FTB Part A is a per-child payment paid to families to help with general costs of raising children. It is paid for each eligible child in your care.
Who Is Eligible for FTB Part A?
- You must care for a dependent child aged under 16, or a full-time student aged 16–19 who is not independent
- You must meet the income test — there is both a higher and lower income threshold
- You must meet residency requirements
- Your child must meet immunisation requirements
How Much Is FTB Part A?
The rate depends on your family's income and the number of children you have. There is a maximum rate and a base rate:
- Families below the lower income threshold receive the maximum rate.
- The payment reduces as income increases, and cuts out entirely above the upper income threshold.
- The base rate may still apply at higher income levels depending on circumstances.
Always check the current payment rates on the Services Australia website, as rates are indexed and adjusted regularly.
Family Tax Benefit Part B
FTB Part B provides extra assistance to single-parent families and some couple families where one parent does not work or works reduced hours. Unlike Part A, it is a per-family payment rather than per-child.
Who Is Eligible for FTB Part B?
- Single parents (with no income test on their own income, though an income cap applies)
- Couples where the secondary earner earns below a certain income threshold
- Grandparent carers
- You must care for a child aged under 13 (or under 18 for single parents, subject to conditions)
Key Differences Between Part A and Part B
| Feature | FTB Part A | FTB Part B |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | All eligible families with children | Single parents and single-income families |
| Payment type | Per child | Per family |
| Child age limit | Under 16 (or 19 if studying) | Under 13 (or 18 for single parents) |
| Income test | Yes — both earners | Yes — primary based on secondary earner's income |
How to Claim Family Tax Benefit
- Link Centrelink to myGov: Log in at my.gov.au and ensure your Centrelink account is linked.
- Submit an FTB claim online: Under "Make a claim," select the appropriate payment type for your situation.
- Provide your tax file number and child's details: You'll need proof of your child's birth and your personal income information.
- Choose payment frequency: You can receive FTB as fortnightly payments during the year or as a lump sum at tax time.
Balancing at Tax Time
FTB is based on estimated income during the year. At the end of the financial year, Services Australia reconciles your payments against your actual income from the ATO. If you were overpaid, you may need to repay some. If underpaid, you'll receive a top-up. Lodging your tax return promptly each year is essential to avoid overpayment debts.
Immunisation and FTB
Your children must be up to date with their immunisations on the National Immunisation Program to receive the maximum rate of FTB Part A. Exemptions are available for medical reasons. Check your child's immunisation history via the Australian Immunisation Register through myGov.