Welcoming a baby is exciting but also expensive, and in 2025 many Australian families are turning to Centrelink’s Newborn Payment for help. This targeted support provides up to $2,735 for the first child in a family, paid as a mix of a one-off lump sum and a supplement stretched across 13 weeks. For parents facing the rising costs of nappies, formula, medical bills and nursery essentials, this payment can provide some financial breathing room.
What Is the Centrelink Newborn Payment 2025?
The Newborn Payment is part of the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) system, run by Services Australia. It helps parents meet costs during the first few months after a baby is born or adopted.
The payment consists of two parts:
- Upfront Lump Sum: $683 as a one-off direct credit.
- Newborn Supplement: $2,052.05 paid over up to 13 weeks.
Combined, this makes $2,735.05 for a first child. Importantly, the payment is non-taxable, so families keep the full amount.
For additional children, the support is smaller, at $1,368.23, which includes both the lump sum and the supplement. In cases of twins or multiple births, parents may be able to combine Parental Leave Pay for one child with the Newborn Payment for another.
Eligibility Criteria
The Newborn Payment is closely tied to FTB Part A rules, which involve income and residency requirements. To qualify for the $2,735 payment, applicants must:
- Be living in Australia and hold permanent residency or citizen status.
- Be the primary carer responsible for the day-to-day care of the child.
- Have recently given birth or formally adopted a child.
- Not already be receiving Parental Leave Pay for the same child.
- Meet income and asset tests under the FTB Part A system.
A parent will not qualify if their spouse or partner has already claimed the payment for the same child, or if they are receiving Parental Leave Pay instead.
Breakdown of Payments
Here’s how the Newborn Payment is structured:
| Child Type | Newborn Supplement | Upfront Lump Sum | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Child | $2,052.05 | $683 | $2,735.05 |
| Subsequent Child | $685.23 | $683 | $1,368.23 |
The lump sum deposit is paid quickly after approval, while the supplement is usually attached to Family Tax Benefit Part A and is paid fortnightly over a period of up to 13 weeks.
How to Claim the Newborn Payment 2025
To access the Newborn Payment, families must apply through the Family Tax Benefit system. The process is designed to be flexible but must be completed within three months of birth or adoption.
Steps to claim include:
- Apply for Family Tax Benefit: Lodge an application online through myGov linked to Centrelink or submit forms directly. The FTB claim is essential, as it unlocks eligibility for the Newborn Payment.
- Provide documents: Parents must show proof of birth or adoption, proof of residence status, and current income details.
- Services Australia assessment: Centrelink checks residency, caregiving responsibility and financial thresholds under FTB rules.
- Receive payment: If approved, the $683 upfront lump sum is deposited into your nominated bank account, while the supplement starts being paid over the following weeks.
Why This Support Matters
Raising a baby in 2025 is far from cheap, with reports showing families spend thousands in the first year alone. From cot bedding to car seats, formula, nappies and ongoing medical costs, the financial demands add up quickly.
The Newborn Payment effectively bridges part of this gap, reducing stress for parents during a period already full of adjustments. It also prevents families from falling behind on rent or bills due to sudden increased household costs.
By keeping the payment tax-free and linking it to existing FTB structures, the government ensures access is streamlined and direct. The tiered structure between first child and subsequent children reflects realities of cost: many big-ticket baby items are purchased only once but ongoing support is still needed for later children.
Key Points to Remember
If you’re planning to claim the Newborn Payment in 2025, here are the essentials:
- Total $2,735 for first child, reduced to $1,368 for subsequent children.
- Application deadline: 3 months after birth or adoption.
- Must apply under Family Tax Benefit Part A system.
- Cannot be combined with Parental Leave Pay for the same child.
- Non-taxable and paid directly into your nominated bank account.
Broader Family Policy Context
The Newborn Payment sits within a suite of family support measures. In 2025, the government has focused strongly on cost-of-living alignment. Alongside adjustments to pensions and welfare, programs supporting families with young children are seen as vital to preventing poverty risks during the early years.
Other related supports include:
- Paid Parental Leave (up to 20 weeks at minimum wage for eligible parents).
- Family Tax Benefit Parts A and B, providing ongoing assistance beyond the newborn stage.
- Child Care Subsidy, which has also been expanded to reduce early childhood education costs.
Combined, these measures look to soften the financial burden across the entire family lifecycle.
Conclusion
The $2,735 Centrelink Newborn Payment in 2025 is a confirmed support option for families welcoming a child by birth or adoption. Delivered as a $683 upfront lump sum plus a $2,052 supplement across 13 weeks, the payment recognises the steep financial impact of early childcare.
Eligibility depends on residency, caregiving responsibility and income assessment under the Family Tax Benefit system. Applications must be made within 3 months, and the payment is strictly separate from Parental Leave Pay.
For parents currently planning for baby’s arrival, this support can make a big difference in budgeting for essentials and settling into family life with less financial stress.