Single Parent Payment Australia 2026: $1,047.30/fortnight [Full Guide]
Complete guide to Single Parent Payment (Parenting Payment Single) rates, eligibility, income and assets tests, and how to apply through myGov.
Single Parent Payment (officially known as Parenting Payment Single) is one of Australia’s most important income support payments. It helps single mothers, fathers, and guardians who are raising children on their own by providing regular financial assistance while supporting part-time work or study. The Single Parent Payment provides up to $1,047.30 per fortnight from 20 March 2026 [1].
The Single Parent Payment is designed to provide financial stability for single-parent households, helping cover everyday living costs while allowing parents to balance work, study, and caring responsibilities. As of 20 March 2026, the Single Parent Payment has been indexed to $1,017.20 per fortnight plus a pension supplement of $30.10, bringing the total to $1,047.30 before the Energy Supplement is added [1].
The Single Parent Payment provides up to $1,047.30 per fortnight from 20 March 2026 [1]. You may be eligible if you are the principal carer of a child under 14 years, meet residency requirements, and pass income and assets tests [2]. You can earn up to $224.60 per fortnight (with one child) before your payment is reduced [3].
What Is the Single Parent Payment?
The Single Parent Payment (Parenting Payment Single) is a Centrelink income support payment for people who are the principal carers of a child under 14 years of age [2]. Its purpose is to:
- Provide financial stability for single-parent households
- Help cover everyday living costs
- Allow parents to balance work, study, and caring responsibilities
The Single Parent Payment is classified as a pension-type payment, which means recipients also receive the Pensioner Concession Card — giving access to discounted prescriptions, bulk billing, and utility concessions. This is a significant advantage over JobSeeker Payment, which is an allowance-type payment with less favourable conditions [2].
Single Parent Payment Rates (2026)
Single Parent Payment rates are updated twice a year — on 20 March and 20 September — based on the Consumer Price Index [1]. The rates below are effective from 20 March 2026:
| Your Situation | Maximum Fortnightly Payment |
|---|---|
| Single Parent (Parenting Payment Single) | $1,017.20 + $30.10 pension supplement = $1,047.30 |
| Partnered Parent | $740.30 |
| Partnered, separated due to illness, respite care or prison | $866.00 |
Source: Services Australia, effective 20 March 2026 [1]. You may also receive Energy Supplement and Rent Assistance [4].
Who Can Get the Single Parent Payment?
You may be eligible for the Single Parent Payment if you meet all of the following conditions [2]:
Basic Eligibility
- You are the principal carer of at least one child under 14 years [2]
- You are single (not partnered) — separated but not divorced counts [2]
- You live in Australia and meet residency requirements [2]
- You have at least 35% care of the child [2]
Residency Requirements
- You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa [2]
- You must be physically present in Australia [2]
- Newly arrived residents may have a 2-4 year waiting period [2]
Income Test (How Much You Can Earn)
The income you can earn before your Single Parent Payment is reduced depends on how many children you have [3]:
| Number of Children | Income per Fortnight Before Payment Reduces |
|---|---|
| 1 | $224.60 |
| 2 | $249.20 |
| 3 | $273.80 |
| More than 3 | $273.80 + $24.60 for each extra child |
Source: Services Australia [3]. If your income exceeds $2,898.35 per fortnight, your payment reduces to $0.
Assets Test
Your Single Parent Payment will cancel when your assets exceed the following limits [3]:
| Your Situation | Homeowner | Non-homeowner |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $333,000 | $600,000 |
| Couple (combined) | $499,000 | $766,000 |
Source: Services Australia, effective 1 July 2026 [3]. Assets include savings, investments, vehicles, and property (excluding your main home).
Mutual Obligation Requirements
- If your youngest child is under 6: no compulsory job search — focus on parenting [2]
- If your youngest child is 6–13: part-time work or study requirements apply (minimum 15 hours/week) [2]
- When your youngest child turns 14: you transition to JobSeeker Payment [2]
Additional Support You May Receive
If you are eligible for the Single Parent Payment, you can also receive [2]:
- Rent Assistance — up to $253.12 per fortnight for single parents with 1–2 children [4]
- Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A & B — single parents receive Part B regardless of income [5]
- Energy Supplement
- Child Care Subsidy (CCS) — typically the maximum 90% rate for single parents on PPS [6]
- Pensioner Concession Card — discounted prescriptions, bulk billing, utility concessions [2]
How to Apply for the Single Parent Payment
You can apply through Services Australia in one of the following ways [2]:
Online (Recommended)
- Log in to myGov
- Link your account to Centrelink
- Select Payments and Claims → Parenting Payment (Single)
- Upload required documents
In Person
- Visit a Services Australia Service Centre
- Staff can help you apply and request an interpreter if needed
Documents You’ll Need
- Proof of identity
- Child’s birth certificate or care documents
- Income and bank details
- Rental or housing information (if applicable)
- Care agreements or court orders if shared care [2]
Need help with your claim?
Contact Services Australia for assistance with your Single Parent Payment application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Single Parent Payment in 2026?
From 20 March 2026, the maximum Single Parent Payment is $1,017.20 per fortnight plus a pension supplement of $30.10, giving a total of $1,047.30 [1].
What age does my child need to be for Single Parent Payment?
You can receive the Single Parent Payment until your youngest child turns 14 years [2].
Can I work and still receive the Single Parent Payment?
Yes. The Single Parent Payment has a generous income test — you can earn up to $224.60 per fortnight (with one child) before your payment is reduced [3]. Your payment reduces by 40 cents for every dollar over that amount [3].
Does child support count as income for the Single Parent Payment?
No. Child support payments received from a former partner are not counted as income for the Single Parent Payment [3]. However, child support may affect your Family Tax Benefit entitlement.
Can I claim the Single Parent Payment if I’m separated but not divorced?
Yes. The definition of “single” for the Single Parent Payment includes being separated from your partner — you do not need to be legally divorced [2].
What is the asset limit for the Single Parent Payment?
For a single homeowner, the asset limit is $333,000. For a single non-homeowner, the limit is $600,000 [3].
References
Disclaimer: AssistInfoAU provides general information about the Single Parent Payment and other Centrelink payments. We are an independent publisher and are not affiliated with Services Australia, Centrelink, or any Australian Government department, and we cannot access or change your personal Centrelink record.
Rates, thresholds and rules are set by the Australian Government and can change without notice. This article was checked against Services Australia publications on July 2026 — always confirm current figures at servicesaustralia.gov.au. See our full Disclaimer, Editorial Policy, and Privacy Policy.