What Is Family Tax Benefit?
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is an Australian Government payment designed to help families with the cost of raising children. It is administered by Services Australia (Centrelink) and paid fortnightly either directly to families or as a lump sum at tax time.
FTB is split into two distinct parts — Part A and Part B — each with its own eligibility rules, income tests, and payment rates. Many families are eligible for both.
FTB Part A vs Part B: Quick Comparison
| Feature | FTB Part A | FTB Part B |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | All eligible families with children | Single-income families and sole parents |
| Paid per... | Per child | Per family |
| Max rate (2025–26) | A$227.36/fortnight (child 0–12) | A$188.86/fortnight (youngest child under 5) |
| Income test | Family's combined income | Secondary earner's income only |
| Secondary earner cut-off | N/A | A$28,681/year |
| Supplement (annual) | A$938.05 per child | A$448.95 per family |
| Age limit | Child under 19 (in secondary study) | Youngest child under 18 |
2025–26 Rates in Detail
FTB Part A
The standard fortnightly rate per child for 2025–26:
- Children aged 0–12: A$227.36 per fortnight
- Children aged 13–15: A$295.54 per fortnight
- Children aged 16–19 (in approved secondary study): A$227.36 per fortnight
There is also a base rate of A$68.46 per fortnight per child that applies if your family income is higher but still below the upper income threshold.
The FTB Part A Supplement is an additional A$938.05 per child per year, paid as a lump sum after you lodge your tax return and Services Australia reconciles your actual income. You must lodge your tax return (or notify Services Australia of non-lodgement) within the required timeframe to receive it.
FTB Part B
The standard fortnightly rate per family for 2025–26:
- Youngest child under 5: A$188.86 per fortnight
- Youngest child aged 5–18: A$131.74 per fortnight
The FTB Part B Supplement is A$448.95 per family per year, also paid as a lump sum after tax reconciliation.
Who Qualifies?
FTB Part A
To be eligible, you must:
- Care for a dependent child under 16, or a young person aged 16–19 who is in full-time secondary study
- Meet the residency requirements (Australian resident or certain visa holders)
- Have a combined family income below the higher income threshold (this varies based on the number of children and ages)
FTB Part B
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a single parent, or a couple where one partner earns significantly less than the other
- Have a youngest dependent child under 18
- Meet residency requirements
- If you are a couple, the secondary earner must earn less than A$28,681/year
Two-income couples where the lower-earning partner earns more than A$28,681 will not qualify for FTB Part B.
How to Apply via myGov
- Link Centrelink to your myGov account at my.gov.au
- Navigate to Payments and Claims > Make a claim > Family Tax Benefit
- Complete the online claim, including your income estimate for the financial year
- Provide proof of birth or entry into care for any new children
You can also apply by visiting a Services Australia service centre or calling 136 150.
It is important to provide an accurate income estimate, as FTB is paid based on your estimate and then reconciled against your actual income at tax time. Overestimating your income results in a top-up; underestimating results in a debt.
Related Resources
- Family Tax Benefit 2026: Rates, Thresholds and Updates
- FTB Part A vs Part B: Full Comparison
- Child Benefits Calculator
Source: Services Australia (servicesaustralia.gov.au), Family Assistance Guide. Rates apply to the 2025–26 financial year (1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026). FTB rates are indexed on 1 July each year. Verify current rates at servicesaustralia.gov.au/familytaxbenefit.