The Australian government continues to provide financial support to families raising children through the Family Tax Benefit scheme. In 2025, the payment amounts have been confirmed under FTB Part A, where eligible parents can receive $227.36 per fortnight for children aged 0 to 12. For older children, higher rates apply, easing the financial pressure of daily expenses such as food, schooling, and other family needs.
What is the Family Tax Benefit?
The Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a long-standing welfare program aimed at supporting parents with the costs of raising children. It is managed by Services Australia and is split into two main parts:
- FTB Part AÂ which helps with the general cost of raising a child.
- FTB Part BÂ which provides extra payment for single income families or sole parents.
The 2025 update focuses mainly on FTB Part A base rates, ensuring parents with eligible children receive direct support every fortnight.
Payment Rates for 2025
The payouts vary depending on the age of the child. Services Australia has released details for this year which state:
- 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 be in full-time study or training to qualify).
These family payments are designed to cover everyday costs and provide parents with ongoing relief. Families with multiple children will receive payments for each eligible child.
Eligibility for Family Tax Benefit 2025
Families need to meet a specific set of eligibility rules to claim the fortnightly payments. Basic conditions are:
- The child must be between 0 to 19 years of age.
- Parents must meet the income test criteria set by Services Australia.
- For older children aged 16 to 19, the child must be studying, training, or approved for special conditions.
- Claims must be made only if the child is in your care and living in Australia.
FTB Part A also includes a base rate of $72.94 per child which is factored into the final payments. Some families may receive additional supplements during tax time depending on their income reporting.
Why the Payments Matter in 2025
The cost of living has increased significantly across Australia in 2025, with major expenses like housing, groceries, and education putting pressure on parents. For this reason, the governmentâs consistent support through Family Tax Benefit is an important form of relief. Parents of young children receive the base amount for care and maintenance, while teenagers in school or training attract higher payments due to increased expenses.
The $227.36 payment for each child remains central to the scheme, but what makes 2025 notable is the structured rate for older age groups to encourage families to keep teenagers in study or training.
How to Claim the $227.36 Per Fortnight Family Tax Benefit
The claiming process is handled online through Services Australia via the MyGov platform. Parents who wish to receive the payment can follow these steps:
- Visit the official portal at servicesaustralia.gov.au.
- Log in to MyGov and link it with Centrelink if not already connected.
- Select the Family Tax Benefit claim option.
- Fill in all required personal details, including information about children and family income.
- Upload identification and mandatory documents such as birth certificates, tax details, and financial records if required.
- Submit the application and track claim status online.
Once approved, payments are directly deposited into the nominated bank account every fortnight.
Payment Frequency and Tax Details
Payments are made fortnightly by default, although parents can request annual lump sums during tax time, which is often used to balance Family Tax Benefit supplements.
Since these payments depend on income tests, families need to report their annual income accurately. Overpaid benefits are adjusted against tax returns, while underpayments can be topped up at the end of the financial year.
Latest Updates for 2025
As of October 2025, Services Australia has confirmed the payment base amounts for each child age group. While $227.36 remains the highlighted standard rate, the updated higher payments for older children address the reality of increased education and living costs.
Additionally, like other Centrelink benefits, FTB rates are reviewed regularly and may change with inflation and government policies. Families are encouraged to stay updated through the official website to check if new supplements or one-off top-up payments are announced later this year.
Benefits of Family Tax Benefit for Parents
- Helps offset essential living expenses like food, clothing, and education.
- Encourages continuing education for teenagers with higher benefits.
- Supports families with multiple children through individual payment rates.
- Provides consistent fortnightly income support that parents can rely on.
Key Takeaways
- $227.36 per fortnight is the base rate for children aged 0 to 12 years.
- Higher payments of $295.82 apply for children aged 13 to 19 years.
- Families must pass the income test and meet eligibility rules to qualify.
- Applications are quick and online through MyGov linked to Centrelink.
- Payments are regular, with options to choose fortnightly or annual claims.
Final Word
The $227.36 Family Tax Benefit 2025 remains an essential support for Australian families. With rising costs of raising children, the structured rates for different age groups provide fair assistance that grows with the childâs needs. Parents should ensure their income information is up to date and their MyGov accounts are linked properly to avoid delays with payments.