Raising children alone is no easy task, and for single parents in Australia, financial challenges can often make things even tougher. To support these families, the Australian Government has confirmed a payment increase under the Parenting Payment scheme. Starting from 20th November 2025, eligible single parents will receive a base payment of $998.20 per fortnight through Centrelink.
This change follows a smaller increase earlier in March 2025 and aims to provide additional help with everyday expenses such as rent, groceries, child care, and education. If you’re a single parent caring for a child under 14, here’s everything you need to know about the $998.20 Parenting Payment update.
Table of Contents
Overview
The Parenting Payment is a financial support initiative for low-income parents, primarily aimed at single parents with dependent children. The recent adjustment, effective from November 2025, increases the base payment to $998.20 per fortnight.
Here’s a quick overview of the updated payment structure:
| Category | Amount (Fortnightly) |
|---|---|
| Base Payment | $998.20 |
| Supplement Payment | $29.50 |
| Energy Supplement | $12.00 |
| Total for Single Parents | $1,039.70 |
This support is provided by Services Australia through Centrelink, and payments are made fortnightly to eligible individuals.
Quickfacts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Benefit Name | Parenting Payment |
| Amount (Base) | $998.20 per fortnight |
| Effective Date | 20th November 2025 |
| Country | Australia |
| Authority | Services Australia / Centrelink |
| Eligibility | Single parents with child under 14 |
| Payment Frequency | Fortnightly |
| Official Website | www.servicesaustralia.gov.au |
Eligibility
To qualify for the updated $998.20 Parenting Payment, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a single parent caring for a child under 14
- Be the principal carer of the child
- Be an Australian resident and meet residency rules
- Meet income and assets limits set by Centrelink
- Fulfill any mutual obligation requirements (like job search or participation in services)
Here’s a breakdown of the income eligibility:
| Status | Previous Limit | New Limit | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Free Area | $224.60 | $224.60 | – |
| Disqualifying Income (Under 67 + Allowance) | $2,800.35 | $2,840.85 | $40.50 |
Rates
Let’s take a closer look at how payment amounts are changing in November 2025 for different categories of parents:
Under Age Pension Age
| Category | Previous Total | New Total | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Parent | $1,023.50 | $1,039.70 | $16.20 |
| Partnered Parent | $723.00 | $734.40 | $11.40 |
Over Age Pension Age
| Category | Previous Total | New Total | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Parent | $1,080.20 | $1,097.20 | $17.00 |
| Partnered Parent | $788.70 | $801.10 | $12.40 |
These updated amounts include the supplement and energy supplement where applicable.
Payments
Payments are made every two weeks, helping single parents with a regular and predictable source of income. While the exact payment dates can vary slightly depending on weekends and holidays, the increase will apply from the 20th of November, 2025.
Make sure your Centrelink records are up to date in your myGov account to avoid delays or missed payments.
How to Apply
If you’re a single parent and not already receiving the Parenting Payment, here’s how you can apply:
- Create a myGov account and link it to Centrelink.
- Prepare documents – ID, proof of residency, bank details, and child’s birth certificate.
- Go to Centrelink > Payments and Claims > Parenting Payment.
- Submit the application along with all required documents.
- Check your status in myGov regularly and respond to any requests.
Once approved, payments will be deposited into your account fortnightly.
Fact Check
Yes, the $998.20 Parenting Payment amount for single parents is official and confirmed by Services Australia. This is the base amount only, and with supplements included, the full fortnightly amount can go up to $1,039.70 for eligible single parents.
These changes aim to reflect the increased cost of living and provide some breathing room for struggling households. If you’re unsure about your status or want to check your eligibility, visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au or dss.gov.au.
FAQs
When does the $998.20 payment begin?
The new rate starts from 20th November, 2025.
Who qualifies for Parenting Payment?
Single parents caring for a child under 14 years old.
Is the $998.20 amount total payment?
No, it’s the base rate—extras bring it up to $1,039.70.
How often is the Parenting Payment made?
It is paid every two weeks to eligible parents.
Do I need to reapply for the increase?
No, existing recipients will get the increase automatically.
