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Family Tax Benefit Part B 

What is Family Tax Benefit Part B?

Family Tax Benefit Part B gives extra assistance to sole parent families and to families with one main income where one parent chooses to stay at home or balance some paid work with caring for their children.

Can I get Family Tax Benefit Part B?

You can receive Family Tax Benefit Part B if you and/or your partner and your child meet the following basic eligibility conditions relating to children, residency, two parent families and single parent families.

Dependent Child(ren)

You have a dependent child who is under 16 years, or 16-18 years and a full-time student who does not receive youth allowance or a similar payment.

Residency requirements

To be paid Family Tax Benefit Part A you, and the child(ren) you are claiming on behalf of, must meet certain residency requirements.

Two parent families with one main income

The parent earning the higher amount earns $150,000 or less for that financial year. If the primary earner's income is under that limit, an income test is then applied to the parent earning the lower amount. The parent earning the lower amount can earn up to $4,672 for the financial year before it reduces the rate of Family Tax Benefit Part B payable. More about Two Parent Families

Single parent families

If you are a single parent, you can get the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit Part B provided your income is $150,000 per year or less. More about Single Parent Families

Please Note: If you share the care of your child, there are special rules about how much Family Tax Benefit Part B you can be paid.

How much is Family Tax Benefit Part B?

The amount of Family Tax Benefit Part B you can receive depends on your circumstances as your payment is determined on the basis of your family income and the age of your youngest dependent.

You may also be eligible to receive the Family Tax Benefit Part B supplement which is paid per family at the end of each financial year after you and/or your partner have lodged an income tax return, if required to do so. If you and/or your partner are not required to lodge an income tax return, you must notify the Family Assistance Office in order to receive the supplement.

For current rates of payment for Family Tax Benefit Part B, including income thresholds, go to Family Assistance Payment Rates.

How can I get Family Tax Benefit Part B?

Family Tax Benefit Part A can be paid in fortnightly instalments or as a lump sum payment. You can apply through the Family Assistance Office, located in all Centrelink Customer Service Centres and Medicare offices, or apply online.

From 1 January 2010, your Family Tax Benefit instalment payments may be stopped if you and/or your partner have not lodged income tax returns or informed the Family Assistance Office that you are not required to do so within the required timeframe.

For more information regarding how Family Tax Benefit part B can be paid, see payment options

Where do I go for more information?

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