There is no doubt that bringing a new life into the world is one of the most beautiful moments anyone can experience, however, it is often said that life is beautiful, but it can also be a bit of a costly affair. The Centrelink Newborn Payment comes into play, together with the Australian Government’s support for parents, Centrelink is willing to provide new parents with $2,735 in 2025. Here is some information that you are likely to need if you are either expecting a child or have just had one.
What is the Centrelink Newborn payment?
This is not a single payment, rather, it is two types of financial support consolidated into one. When claiming Family Tax Benefit Part A for your newest addition to the family, Centrelink will automatically determine your eligibility for the Newborn Supplement and the Newborn Upfront Payment. This payment can be combined up to $2,735 with an initial payment and subsequent payment every two weeks for the first four months of parenthood.
Explaining the Payment Amounts
The Newborn Upfront Payment allows the claimant to receive up to $667 as a tax-free payment. The claimant gets paid this lump sum the moment the claim has been processed and this goes a long way in ensuring that the needs of the claimant are catered to.
Newborn Supplement
The main part of the support system is up to $2,003.82 which is paid over the period of 13 weeks. This even support over three months makes the math much easier. The exact figure is determined based of your family’s revenue and the number of children. For your first born, the full $2,003.82 is available, while subsequent children earn $668.85.
If you happen to be blessed with twin, triplets, or more, you would then receive these payments for every single child. This would suggest that, with twins, you receive $1,334 to start, followed by $4,007.64 which is paid over the 13 week period.
Who Can Apply
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship/Visa | Australian citizen or adequate visa holder |
| Primary Caregiver | Must be primary caregiver of baby/child under 12 months |
| Family Tax Benefit | Must qualify for Family Tax Benefit Part A |
| Parental Leave Pay | Must NOT be receiving Parental Leave Pay for the child |
| Special Cases | Includes adoptions and foster care arrangements |
How to Apply
Utilizing the myGov platform, how to apply for the Newborn Payment and complete the application online, is the most convenient option. This can be done from three months prior to the due date. This is how the process is commenced:
I. Apply online: Arrange access to myGov account and navigate to Centrelink online services to apply for Family Tax Benefit Part A. Centrelink will determine your eligibility for Newborn Payment.
II. Phone application: Call 1800 307 758 to request a paper application to use the postal service for submission. Upon approval, send your proof of birth certificate, identification documents, and income details.
Fortnightly payments, along with the Family Tax Benefit, are available over a period of 13 weeks, or, can be received at the end of the financial year. All approved payments will be delivered to the designated bank account. The Newborn Supplement will be paid out according to the determined schedule, while the Newborn Upfront Payment will be transferred and paid out as one consolidated payment at the time of approval. The fortnightly payment option is preferred by most families because it helps with the cash flow during the added expenses in the first few months of having a baby where you need to purchase diapers, formula, and other baby essentials.
Further Support
Besides the Newborn Payment, new parents can also access some other Centrelink supports such as Parental Leave Pay (expected to be up to 24 weeks in 2025), Child Care Subsidy, and the Parenting Payment to primary caregivers. These payments, in conjunction, create a cohesive support system for families in Australia.
As a rule, you cannot simultaneously claim both these payments. For instance, receiving Parental Leave Pay will disqualify you from the Newborn Payment for the same child. However, should you not meet the eligibility criteria for Parental Leave Pay, the Newborn Payment comes in handy during the initial months of having a baby.
