Family Assistance

Quick links

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.

Note: You and/or your partner cannot receive Family Tax Benefit Part B during a Paid Parental Leave period. Family Tax Benefit Part B may be paid after the end of the Paid Parental Leave period.

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 B 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 must earn $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. 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 is Family Tax Benefit Part B paid?

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

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 refer to Family Tax Benefit and Lodging Your Tax Return.

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

When can I claim Family Tax Benefit Part B?

You can claim Family Tax Benefit Part A and/or Part B (and other payments such Parental Leave Pay and the Baby Bonus) up to three months before the birth of a child or an adopted child entering your care.

You have up to 24 months after the end of a financial year to lodge a lump sum claim for Family Tax Benefit.

How do I claim Family Tax Benefit Part B?

You can make a claim for Family Tax Benefit Part B using Online Services. You will need to register to use Online Services.

You can call 13 6150 for assistance in completing your online claim or to request a hard copy form. You can also download the claim form or visit the Family Assistance Office located in Medicare offices and Centrelink Customer Service Centres to collect a hard copy.

Where do I go for more information?

[ top ]