What you're entitled to
Every Australian government payment for new parents, in one place. Figures are estimates — rates change each financial year, so confirm on the official pages linked below.
Roughly how much is on the table?
A family where the birth parent qualifies for full Paid Parental Leave could receive around $26,122.2 before tax (26 weeks at about $1004.7/week) — before Family Tax Benefit, the Newborn payments and Child Care Subsidy are considered. Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement are alternatives for eligible families who do not receive Parental Leave Pay for the same child, not extras on top.
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Paid Parental Leave (Parental Leave Pay)
Government-paid leave for the birth parent, and now partners too.
- Who gets it
- Working parents, including self-employed and casual workers, who meet the work, income and residency tests. Check the individual or family income test and any residency waiting period. Eligible parents share the family entitlement; partner days are part of the same scheme.
- Roughly how much
- For births or adoptions from 1 July 2026: up to 26 weeks shared by the family, not per parent. The 2026–27 rate is $1004.70 per five-day week before tax; the rate depends on when payment days are taken.
- How to claim
- Claim through myGov linked to Centrelink. You can start the claim up to 3 months before your due date, then confirm once baby arrives.
Family Tax Benefit
Ongoing fortnightly payments to help with the cost of raising kids.
- Who gets it
- Most families with a dependent child. How much depends on your combined family income and the child's age. FTB Part B also supports single-income families.
- Roughly how much
- Varies a lot by income — from a small top-up to several thousand dollars a year. Use the official estimator for your figure.
- How to claim
- Claim through myGov linked to Centrelink, ideally soon after the birth so backpay isn't missed.
Child Care Subsidy
The government pays a percentage of your child care fees straight to the centre.
- Who gets it
- Families using approved care who meet income, residency and other eligibility rules. From 5 January 2026, eligible families can get at least 72 subsidised hours per fortnight regardless of recognised participation. Participation or exemptions may allow more hours.
- Roughly how much
- The percentage depends on family income, hourly fee caps and your children in care. Higher rates may apply for second and younger children; subsidised hours do not mean free care. Check the current official estimator.
- How to claim
- Apply through myGov linked to Centrelink before care starts and confirm the enrolment. Check the official claim timing and backdating rules if care has already started.
Newborn Upfront Payment & Newborn Supplement
A lump sum and an ongoing top-up, paid with Family Tax Benefit Part A.
- Who gets it
- Families eligible for FTB Part A who aren't receiving Parental Leave Pay for the same child.
- Roughly how much
- A one-off upfront payment plus a supplement paid for up to 13 weeks. Amounts depend on eligibility and whether this is your first child; check current figures on the official page.
- How to claim
- It's assessed automatically when you claim Family Tax Benefit — no separate form.
General information only, not financial advice. Eligibility and rates are set by Services Australia and change over time — always confirm on the official pages before relying on a figure.