Family Tax Benefit Part A Rates 2026: How Much Can You Get?

Updated April 2026 · General information only

TL;DR

Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB Part A) is a per-child payment from the Australian Government designed to help families with the cost of raising children. You may be eligible if you care for a dependent child aged 0–19 (up to the end of the calendar year they turn 19, if studying full-time) and your family income falls within the relevant thresholds. Depending on your circumstances, FTB Part A may provide up to $227.36 per fortnight for children aged 0–12 or up to $295.82 per fortnight for children aged 13–19, plus an end-of-year supplement of up to $916.15 per child (if family income ≤ $80,000).

What Is Family Tax Benefit Part A?

Family Tax Benefit Part A is one of the main financial support payments available to Australian families. Administered by
through Centrelink, it's an income-tested payment made for each eligible child in your care. The purpose is straightforward: to help offset the everyday costs of raising kids — from school supplies and clothing to food and utilities.

FTB Part A is paid on a per-child basis, which means the more eligible children in your household, the higher your total entitlement may be. The amount you receive depends on your combined family income, the ages of your children, and how many children you have. Payments can be received fortnightly, as a lump sum at the end of the financial year after lodging your tax return, or a combination of both.

It's worth noting that FTB Part A is separate from
, which provides additional support for single-parent families and families with one main income earner. Many families receive both Part A and Part B simultaneously, so it's worth checking your eligibility for each.

Who Is Eligible for FTB Part A?

Eligibility for FTB Part A is based on several criteria. Here's a summary of the key requirements:

Shared Care Arrangements

If you share care of a child — for example, after separation — FTB Part A is usually split between carers based on the percentage of care each person provides. You must have at least 35% care to receive any FTB Part A for that child. The payment amount is then proportionally adjusted.

For example, if you have 60% care of a child, you'd receive 60% of the FTB Part A rate for that child. The other carer (with 40% care) would receive 40% of the rate, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.

How Much Is FTB Part A in 2026?

FTB Part A has two rate tiers: the maximum rate and the base rate. The rate you receive depends on your family's adjusted taxable income.

Maximum Rates (Per Fortnight, Per Child)

Source:
, as of April 2026, subject to change.

Base Rate

If your family income exceeds certain thresholds, your FTB Part A rate reduces progressively. However, it will not fall below the base rate of $72.94 per fortnight per child (~$1,896/yr) until your income reaches the second income test threshold (see income test section below).

The base rate is the same for all age groups and is designed to ensure that even higher-income families receive some level of support for each child.

FTB Part A Supplement

In addition to regular fortnightly payments, you may be eligible for an end-of-year supplement of up to $916.15 per child (if family income ≤ $80,000). This supplement is paid after the end of the financial year, once you (and your partner) have lodged your tax returns or confirmed you don't need to lodge.

The supplement is not paid as part of your regular fortnightly instalments — it's a separate lump sum, typically processed between July and October once the ATO has confirmed your income details.

Source:
, as of April 2026, subject to change.

Large Family Supplement

Families with three or more FTB-eligible children may also receive a Large Family Supplement of $4.90 per fortnight for each child after the third. This is a small but automatic addition if you qualify.

FTB Part A Income Test: How Your Income Affects Payment

The FTB Part A income test has two parts, which work together to determine how much you receive. Your adjusted taxable income is the key figure — this includes taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, certain tax-free pensions, and net investment losses for both you and your partner.

Part 1 Income Test (Higher Rate Reduction)

Once your combined family income exceeds $66,722, your FTB Part A maximum rate is reduced by 20 cents for every additional dollar earned. This continues until your payment reaches the base rate.

Example: If you have one child aged 8 and your family income is $75,000, your income is $8,278 over the threshold. The reduction would be $8,278 × 0.20 = $1,655.60 per year, reducing your annual maximum rate accordingly.

Part 2 Income Test (Base Rate Reduction)

If your family income exceeds $118,771, the base rate itself starts to reduce by 30 cents per dollar over this threshold. At this stage, you receive whichever amount is higher — the rate from Part 1 or the rate from Part 2.

For most families, the Part 2 test only kicks in at higher incomes. Once your income is high enough that the base rate would reduce to zero under Part 2, you'll no longer receive FTB Part A.

Income Test at a Glance

Source:
, as of April 2026, subject to change.

What Counts as Adjusted Taxable Income?

Your adjusted taxable income (ATI) is not just your salary. It includes:

• Taxable income (from your tax return)

• Reportable fringe benefits

• Target foreign income

• Net investment losses (including negative gearing)

• Tax-free pensions or benefits

• Reportable superannuation contributions

Both your income and your partner's income (if applicable) are combined for the FTB Part A income test.

How to Apply for FTB Part A

Applying for Family Tax Benefit Part A is done through Services Australia (Centrelink). Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Set Up a myGov Account

If you don't already have one, create a
and link it to Centrelink. You'll need proof of identity documents ready.

Step 2: Make a Claim Online

1. Log in to your myGov account

2. Go to Centrelink (linked service)

3. Select Make a claim → Families

4. Choose Family Tax Benefit and follow the prompts

5. You'll need to provide details about your children, your care arrangements, your income, and your partner's income

Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents

You may need to provide:

• Your child's birth certificate or proof of birth

• Proof of immunisation status (this is usually automatically verified via the Australian Immunisation Register)

• Income estimates for the current financial year

• Details of any shared care arrangements

Step 4: Choose Your Payment Option

You can choose to receive FTB Part A:

• Fortnightly — based on your estimated income for the year

• As a lump sum — claimed after the end of the financial year when you lodge your tax return

• A combination — reduced fortnightly payments with a top-up at year's end

Step 5: Lodge Your Tax Return

To receive the FTB Part A supplement and finalise your entitlement, you (and your partner) must lodge your tax return by the end of the lodgement year, or notify Services Australia that you're not required to lodge. If you don't lodge, your supplement may be withheld and your payment may be adjusted.

Important: You can also apply by phone on 136 150 (Families line) or in person at a
.

Tips to Maximise Your FTB Part A

Here are a few practical strategies to ensure you're getting the most from your Family Tax Benefit Part A entitlement:

1. Keep Your Income Estimate Accurate

If you receive FTB Part A fortnightly, your payments are based on your estimated family income for the year. If your estimate is too low, you'll likely receive an overpayment that you'll need to repay when you lodge your tax return. If your estimate is too high, you'll receive less than you're entitled to throughout the year.

Update your income estimate through myGov whenever your circumstances change — a pay rise, job change, parental leave, or your partner starting or stopping work.

2. Consider Fortnightly vs Lump Sum

Receiving FTB Part A fortnightly gives you regular cash flow, which can be helpful for day-to-day expenses. However, there's a risk of overpayment if your income estimate turns out to be too low.

Some families choose the lump sum option (claimed after tax time) to avoid any risk of a debt. You may also consider a reduced fortnightly rate (e.g., 80% of your estimated entitlement) to build in a buffer.

3. Combine With Other Benefits

FTB Part A works alongside other government payments. If your family is eligible, you may also receive:

•
— additional support for single-parent families or families with one main income

•
— to help with the cost of approved child care

• Rent Assistance — if you're renting, an additional component may be added to your FTB Part A

•
— to reduce your family's prescription costs

Check your eligibility for each to ensure you're not leaving money on the table.

Related Benefits Worth Checking

FTB Part A is just one part of the family payments system. Here are other benefits that may apply to your situation:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get FTB Part A if I'm a grandparent caring for a grandchild?

Yes. FTB Part A is available to any person who has at least 35% care of an eligible child, regardless of their relationship to the child. Grandparents, foster carers, and other non-parent carers may be eligible provided they meet the care, residency, and income test requirements.

What happens if I share care of my child with my ex-partner?

FTB Part A is split proportionally based on each carer's percentage of care. You need at least 35% care to receive any FTB Part A. Services Australia uses information from both parties (and court orders or parenting plans, if applicable) to determine the care split. If your care arrangements change, update your details through myGov as soon as possible.

Do I need to lodge a tax return to get the FTB Part A supplement?

Yes. The FTB Part A supplement of up to $916.15 per child is only paid after you (and your partner, if applicable) have lodged your tax returns for the relevant financial year, or confirmed with Services Australia that you're not required to lodge. You generally have until the end of the lodgement year to lodge. If you don't, you may miss out on the supplement entirely.

Can I receive FTB Part A if my child turns 16?

Yes, but with conditions. For children aged 16–19, FTB Part A is only payable if the child is in full-time secondary study (or an approved equivalent, such as a TAFE course at secondary level) and is not receiving a means-tested income support payment like Youth Allowance. The child must also meet attendance requirements.

Is FTB Part A taxable?

No. Family Tax Benefit payments (both Part A and Part B) are not taxable income. You do not need to declare them as income on your tax return. However, overpayments may result in a Centrelink debt that needs to be repaid.

Explore government benefits you may be eligible for at
.

This is general information only, not personal financial advice. Rates are current as of April 2026, subject to change. Always verify with
for the latest rates and eligibility criteria. Sources: Services Australia, Australian Government Department of Social Services.