Understanding government support payments like Family Tax Benefit A and B can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling parenting, work, and everything in between. Add in changing income, child care costs, and new stages in your child’s life, and it’s no wonder many families aren’t sure what they’re entitled to.
If that’s you, you’re not alone. Many Milestones families ask us:
- What is Family Tax Benefit?
- Can I get it if I also receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
- What happens if my income changes mid-year?
This guide breaks it all down clearly, calmly, and without the jargon. We'll cover who’s eligible, how it all works, what to watch out for, and how we can help.
What Is Family Tax Benefit (FTB)?
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a government payment that helps with the cost of raising children. It’s split into two parts:
- FTB Part A - Paid per child, based on your income, how many children you have, their ages, and whether they attend child care.
- FTB Part B - Paid per family, designed for single parents or families with one main income (for example, when one parent stays home or is on parental leave).
You might receive both, just one, or neither, depending on your situation.
Can You Get Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy (CCS)?
Yes! You can receive both the Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy at the same time. They are separate types of government support that serve different purposes:
- CCS helps reduce your out-of-pocket child care fees
- FTB helps with general expenses like groceries, clothing, or school supplies
And here’s even better news: from January 2026, more families will be eligible for up to three days of subsidised child care per week through the new 3 Day Guarantee.
Learn more about the 3 Day Guarantee and how it could support your family.
Who Can Get the Family Tax Benefit?
Here’s a quick checklist to see if you might be eligible:
You have a dependent child under 19
You care for the child at least 35% of the time
You meet the Australian residence rules
Your child is fully immunised (or has an approved exemption)
You meet the income tests for FTB Part A and/or Part B
How Much Can You Receive? (2025-26 Maximum Rates)
Here’s a general guide to the maximum fortnightly payments:
FTB Part A (per child)
- 0-12 years: $227.36
- 13-15 years: $295.82
- 16-19 years (if in full-time study): $295.82
FTB Part B (per family)
- Youngest child under 5: $193.34
- Youngest child 5-18: $134.96
These rates may be reduced depending on your income.
What Are the Income Limits?
Here’s a rough guide to income limits based on your family structure.
FTB Part A Income Thresholds (Base Rate Begins Reducing After):
- One child (0-12): ~$86,852
- Two children (both under 13): ~$106,982
- Three+ children: higher limits apply
- Payments reduce further and cut out around $118,771+
FTB Part B Income Thresholds:
- For single parents: cut-off at $120,007
- For couples:
- The secondary earner can earn up to $6,935 before the payment reduces
- Cut-out is reached at approx. $34,438 (depending on age of youngest child)
Important: You don’t need to memorise these figures, just keep your income estimates updated in myGov to stay on track.
Real-Life Family Examples
Here’s how Family Tax Benefit might apply in different household situations, and why some families qualify while others don’t.
Single Parent, One Child Attending Childcare
Jade is a single mum earning $45,000 per year. Her 2-year-old daughter attends childcare three days a week.
She receives FTB Part A, as her income is below the threshold.
She receives FTB Part B, because she’s a single parent.
She also receives CCS, which reduces her childcare fees.
One Working Parent, One on Parental Leave (Child Starting Childcare Soon)
Josh works full-time while his partner Asha is on parental leave with their 3-month-old baby. Their combined income is $70,000.
They receive FTB Part A, based on their income and child’s age.
They receive FTB Part B, because the lower-income earner (Asha) earns under the threshold.
Once their baby starts childcare, they’ll be eligible for CCS, and potentially the 3 Day Guarantee in 2026.
One Stay-at-Home Parent
David works full-time while his partner stays home with their 3-year-old son. Their combined income is $65,000.
They receive FTB Part A.
They receive FTB Part B, as only one parent earns income.
They’ll also be eligible for CCS when their son starts childcare.
Two Working Parents, Two Kids Attending Childcare
Lina and Tom both work and earn a combined $100,000. Their 1- and 4-year-old attend childcare five days a week.
They receive FTB Part A at a reduced rate due to their income.
They don’t receive FTB Part B, as both parents earn income and exceed the income threshold.
They do receive CCS, which offsets their childcare fees.
Single Parent, Higher Income
Tara is a single mum with a 4-year-old daughter. She earns $150,000 per year and works full-time.
She does not receive FTB Part A, as her income exceeds the limit (approx. $122,000).
She also does not receive FTB Part B, which cuts off at $100,900 for single parents.
She may still be eligible for a lower rate of CCS.
What If Your Income Changes?
Family Tax Benefit is reconciled at the end of the financial year. If you underestimate your income, you may need to pay money back.
To avoid this:
- Update your income estimate regularly via myGov
- Notify Centrelink of changes to your job, relationship or number of dependents
- Review your estimate every few months
Do You Need to Apply Separately for FTB and CCS?
Yes. While both are managed through myGov, they are separate applications. If you’re receiving one, it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for the other. It only takes a few clicks, and it could help your budget stretch further.
What About FTB Supplements?
If you’re eligible for FTB Part A or B, you may also receive a year-end top-up called a supplement.
For 2025–26, you could receive:
- Up to $938.05 per child (FTB A Supplement)
- Up to $459.90 per family (FTB B Supplement)
These are paid after Services Australia balances your payments based on your actual income.
Are There Other Payments You Might Be Eligible For?
Yes - depending on your situation, you might also receive:
- Parenting Payment
- Paid Parental Leave
- Rent Assistance
- Health Care Card (discounted prescriptions, doctor visits, etc.)
You can check eligibility for these at Services Australia.
How Milestones Can Help
We can’t apply for benefits on your behalf, but we’re here to support you:
- We can provide supporting documents if needed
- We’ll explain how CCS and your weekly fees work
- We’ll help you choose an enrolment pattern that suits your family’s needs and budget
At Milestones, we’re proud to support families of all shapes, sizes, and stories. If you're not sure where to start, we’ll guide you.
Summary: What You Need to Know
- FTB helps cover the cost of raising children
- You can receive both Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy
- Keep your income estimate updated to avoid overpayments
- The 3 Day Guarantee (coming in 2026) may increase your CCS support
- You must apply for FTB and CCS separately
- Extra family support payments may also be available
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're planning childcare for 2026, now is a great time to learn what you're entitled to and explore your options.
👉 Book a tour at your local Milestones centre and let’s talk about how we can support your child’s learning and your family’s goals.
We’re here to help you give your little one the very best start in life.