Getting the right financial support for your family starts with understanding how $917.18 Family Tax Benefit Part A payments work. Whether you’re a new parent or have teenagers at home, knowing what you’re entitled to helps you plan your family budget better.
How Your Payment Amount Gets Calculated
Your Family Tax Benefit Part A payment isn’t a one-size-fits-all amount. The government looks at several factors to determine what your family receives each fortnight.
Your family’s adjusted taxable income plays the biggest role in determining your payment rate. The more your household earns, the less Family Tax Benefit you’ll receive. This income testing ensures families who need support most get the highest payments.
The ages of your children also matter significantly. Older children attract higher payment rates because raising teenagers typically costs more than caring for younger children.
If you share custody with an ex-partner, your payment gets calculated based on your percentage of care. This means if you have your child 50% of the time, you’ll receive half the full payment rate.
Payment Rates You Can Expect
Base Rate Payments
Every eligible family receives at least the base rate of $72.94 per child every fortnight. This isn’t the minimum amount you’ll get though – depending on your income, you might receive less than this base rate.
Think of the base rate as a reference point rather than a guaranteed minimum. Higher-income families often receive payments below this amount, while lower-income families typically get much more.
Maximum Payment Rates
The maximum Family Tax Benefit Part A rates depend entirely on your child’s age:
- Children aged 0 to 12 years: $227.36 per fortnight
- Children aged 13 to 15 years: $295.82 per fortnight
- Children aged 16 to 19 years: $295.82 per fortnight (must meet study requirements)
These maximum rates apply when your family income falls below certain thresholds. As your income increases, your payment gradually reduces until it reaches the base rate or stops entirely.
Annual Supplement Payments
Beyond your regular fortnightly payments, eligible families receive an annual Family Tax Benefit Part A supplement. This extra payment comes after the financial year ends when the government balances your payments.
For the 2024-25 financial year, the supplement reaches up to $916.15 per eligible child. Looking ahead to 2025-26, this increases to up to $938.05 per child.
Your supplement amount depends on your family’s total income, how many children you care for, and how many days you were eligible during the year.
Family Tax Benefit Part A Payment Rates Table
| Age Group | Maximum Fortnightly Rate |
|---|---|
| 0-12 years | $227.36 |
| 13-15 years | $295.82 |
| 16-19 years (studying) | $295.82 |
| Base rate (all ages) | $72.94 |
Important Requirements to Remember
Maintenance Action Test
If you or your partner have children from previous relationships, you must meet the Maintenance Action Test to receive more than the base rate. This typically means taking reasonable steps to obtain child support from the other parent.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
Your children need to meet immunisation requirements and complete Healthy Start for School health checks. If they don’t, the government may reduce your Family Tax Benefit payments.
Don’t worry if your child hasn’t met these requirements yet – Services Australia will contact you first and explain what needs to happen before any payment reductions occur.
Keeping Your Payments Accurate
The key to receiving the right amount lies in keeping your income estimate current. When your family’s financial situation changes, update your details immediately to avoid overpayments or underpayments.
Overpayments create debt you’ll need to repay, while underestimating your income means missing out on support your family deserves right now.
Use the online Payment Finder tool to estimate your potential Family Tax Benefit Part A entitlement. This calculator considers your specific family circumstances and provides personalized estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if my income changes during the year?
A: Update your income estimate online or by phone immediately to ensure accurate payments.
Q: Can I receive payments for children who don’t live with me full-time?
A: Yes, payments are calculated based on your percentage of care for shared custody arrangements.
Q: When do I receive the annual supplement?
A: The supplement is paid after the financial year ends, usually around July-August following payment balancing.
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