Family Tax Benefit Part B Eligibility 2026: Rates, Income Test & How to Claim
Updated April 2026 · General information only
TL;DR
Family Tax Benefit Part B (FTB Part B) is a per-family payment designed to provide extra support to single parents and families with one main income earner. Unlike , which is paid per child, FTB Part B is paid per family based on the age of your youngest child. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for up to $193.34 per fortnight, plus an end-of-year supplement of up to $430.70.
What Is Family Tax Benefit Part B?
Family Tax Benefit Part B is a fortnightly payment from Services Australia (Centrelink) that provides additional financial assistance to families who rely primarily on a single income. It is separate from FTB Part A and is designed to recognise the extra costs faced by single-parent families and single-income couple families.
Key points about FTB Part B:
• Per-family payment — FTB Part B is paid once per family, not per child. The rate depends on the age of your youngest eligible child.
• Targeted at single-income households — If you are a single parent, or part of a couple where the secondary earner has a low income, you may be eligible.
• Complements FTB Part A — Many families receive both FTB Part A and FTB Part B. They are assessed and paid separately.
• Paid fortnightly or as a lump sum — You can choose to receive payments fortnightly throughout the year or as a lump sum after the end of the financial year when you lodge your tax return.
FTB Part B is administered by Services Australia under the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 and is funded by the Australian Government (source: Services Australia, dss.gov.au).
Who Is Eligible for FTB Part B?
To be eligible for FTB Part B, you must meet the following criteria. The rules differ depending on whether you are a single parent or part of a couple.
| Criteria | Single parents | Couples |
|---|---|---|
| Residency | Australian resident or holder of a qualifying visa | Australian resident or holder of a qualifying visa |
| Care of child | At least 35% care of an eligible child | At least 35% care of an eligible child |
| Child age | Under 18 (or under 16 if not in full-time secondary study) | Under 13 (youngest child); some grandparent exceptions apply |
| Primary earner income test | No primary earner income test for single parents | Primary earner's adjusted taxable income must be ~$117,903/yr or less |
| Secondary earner income test | Not applicable | Secondary earner's income is tested — see income test section below |
| Immunisation | Child must meet immunisation requirements | Child must meet immunisation requirements |
Important notes on eligibility:
• Single parents — If you are a single parent, you are generally eligible for FTB Part B without the primary earner income test. You only need to meet the residency, care, and child age requirements.
• Grandparent carers — If you are a grandparent or great-grandparent caring for a child, you may be eligible for FTB Part B even if the youngest child is aged 13 to 18 (source: Services Australia).
• Shared care — If you share care of a child with another person (e.g., after separation), your FTB Part B rate may be adjusted based on the percentage of care you provide.
• Blended families — Special rules apply if you and your partner each have children from previous relationships. Services Australia can assess you as a blended family.
How Much Is FTB Part B Worth?
FTB Part B rates are determined by the age of your youngest eligible child. Unlike FTB Part A, the number of children does not affect the amount — it is a flat per-family payment.
FTB Part B Maximum Fortnightly Rates (2025-26 Financial Year)
| Age of youngest child | Maximum fortnightly rate | Estimated annual maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 years | $193.34 | ~$5,027/yr |
| 5 to 18 years (or 5 to 12 for couples) | $134.96 | ~$3,509/yr |
FTB Part B End-of-Year Supplement
In addition to fortnightly payments, you may receive an end-of-year supplement of up to $430.70 per family after you and your partner (if applicable) have lodged your tax returns or confirmed you are not required to lodge. The supplement is paid as a lump sum after the end of the financial year.
To receive the supplement, you must:
1. Lodge your tax return (or notify Services Australia that you are not required to lodge) by the end of the lodgement year — generally 30 June of the following financial year.
2. Have been eligible for FTB Part B at some point during the financial year.
Source: Services Australia, rates current as of 1 July 2025. Rates are indexed annually and subject to change.
FTB Part B Income Test Explained
The income test for FTB Part B applies differently to single parents and couples.
Single Parents
If you are a single parent, there is no income test for FTB Part B. You receive the maximum rate regardless of your income, provided you meet the other eligibility criteria.
Couples — Primary Earner
The higher-income earner in the couple (the "primary earner") must have an adjusted taxable income of ~$117,903 per year or less to be eligible for any FTB Part B. If the primary earner's income exceeds this threshold, the family is not eligible for FTB Part B at all — it is not a gradual reduction, it is a hard cut-off.
Couples — Secondary Earner
The lower-income earner (the "secondary earner") can earn up to $6,935 per year before FTB Part B begins to reduce. Once the secondary earner's income exceeds this free area, FTB Part B reduces at a rate of 20 cents for every dollar earned above the threshold.
Example: If the secondary earner earns $7,435 per year, they are $500 over the free area. The FTB Part B payment would reduce by $500 x $0.20 = $100.00 per year.
Note: "Adjusted taxable income" includes taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, tax-exempt foreign income, net rental property losses, and certain other amounts. It is not simply your gross salary. Refer to Services Australia for the full definition.
Income Estimate Updates
If your income changes during the year, it is important to update your income estimate with Services Australia promptly. If your actual income ends up being higher than your estimate, you may need to repay some or all of your FTB Part B at the end of the financial year. Conversely, if your income is lower than estimated, you may receive a top-up payment.
How to Apply for FTB Part B
You can apply for FTB Part B through the following steps:
Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility
Use the to check whether you may be eligible.
Step 2 — Gather Your Documents
Before applying, you will need:
• Proof of identity for you and your partner (if applicable)
• Your Tax File Number (TFN) and your partner's TFN
• Income details (payslips, tax returns, or an income estimate for the current financial year)
• Your child's birth certificate or proof of age
• Bank account details for payment
• Immunisation history for your child (available through Medicare or the Australian Immunisation Register)
Step 3 — Submit Your Claim
You can lodge your claim through:
• myGov (linked to Centrelink) — this is the fastest method
• Phone — call the Families line on 136 150
• In person — visit a Services Australia service centre
If you are already receiving , you can add FTB Part B to your existing claim through your myGov account.
Step 4 — Provide Your Income Estimate
When you claim, you will need to provide a reasonable estimate of your family's income for the current financial year. Services Australia uses this estimate to calculate your fortnightly payments.
Step 5 — Lodge Your Tax Return
At the end of the financial year, lodge your tax return (and ensure your partner does the same, if applicable). Services Australia will then reconcile your actual income against your estimate and adjust your payments accordingly, including the end-of-year supplement.
Tips for Maximising Your FTB Part B
1. Single parents are automatically eligible
If you are a single parent, you do not need to worry about the primary earner income test. You are eligible for the full rate of FTB Part B as long as your youngest child meets the age requirement. Make sure you notify Services Australia promptly if your relationship status changes.
2. Update Services Australia when your youngest child turns 5
The FTB Part B rate drops from $193.34 to $134.96 per fortnight when your youngest child turns 5. Services Australia should adjust this automatically, but it is worth checking your payment summary to ensure the correct rate is being applied.
3. Keep your income estimate accurate
Overestimating your income means smaller fortnightly payments (with a top-up later). Underestimating means you may face a debt at reconciliation time. Log in to myGov regularly to update your estimate if your circumstances change — for example, if you return to work, reduce hours, or your partner's income changes.
Related Government Benefits
FTB Part B is just one of several government payments that may be available to your family. Consider checking your eligibility for the following:
• — A per-child payment based on family income. Most families receiving FTB Part B also receive FTB Part A.
• — Reduces the cost of approved child care. The subsidy rate depends on your family income and activity level.
• Parenting Payment — An income support payment for the primary carer of a young child. There are separate rates and eligibility rules for single parents (Parenting Payment Single) and partnered parents (Parenting Payment Partnered). Check eligibility at Services Australia.
• Energy bill concessions — Many states and territories offer energy concessions to families receiving FTB Part A or B. to ensure you are on a competitive plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive FTB Part B if I am a single parent?
Yes. Single parents are generally eligible for the full rate of FTB Part B without a primary earner income test, provided their youngest child is under 18 (or under 16 if not in full-time secondary study) and they meet residency and care requirements (source: Services Australia).
Does FTB Part B reduce if I earn more?
For single parents, there is no income test — your income does not affect your FTB Part B rate. For couples, the secondary earner can earn up to $6,935 per year before FTB Part B starts to reduce at 20 cents per dollar over the threshold. The primary earner must earn ~$117,903 per year or less for the family to be eligible.
Can I receive FTB Part A and FTB Part B at the same time?
Yes. FTB Part A and FTB Part B are separate payments with separate eligibility criteria and income tests. Many Australian families receive both. You can apply for both through your myGov account linked to Centrelink.
What happens to FTB Part B when my youngest child turns 13?
For couples, FTB Part B stops when the youngest child turns 13 (unless the carer is a grandparent). For single parents, FTB Part B continues until the youngest child turns 18 (or 16 if not in full-time secondary study). Source: Services Australia.
How do I get the FTB Part B end-of-year supplement?
The end-of-year supplement (up to $430.70) is paid automatically after you and your partner lodge your tax returns — or confirm you do not need to lodge — by the end of the lodgement year. You do not need to apply separately for it.
Explore government benefits you may be eligible for at .
General information only, not personal financial advice. All rates and thresholds are based on publicly available information from Services Australia and the Department of Social Services as of 1 July 2025, subject to change. Verify your eligibility and current rates directly with .
General information only, not personal financial advice. Internest Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 36 637 557 067).