Family Tax Benefit Explained: FTB Part A and Part B Rates and Eligibility 2026

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a government payment for families raising children in Australia. It comes in two parts: FTB Part A, paid per child depending on the child's age and the family's income; and FTB Part B, paid per family (not per child) to assist single-income families and single parents.

FTB is one of the most widely claimed payments in Australia — millions of families receive some form of FTB. You don't need to be on other Centrelink payments to receive FTB — it's paid based on family income and is available to working families. Use our Family Tax Benefit Calculator to estimate exactly what your family is entitled to based on your income and children's ages.

FTB Part A is paid per child based on age. As of March 2026 (after the latest indexation), the maximum fortnightly rates are:

Child under 13: Up to $219.36 per fortnight. Child aged 13–15: Up to $285.44 per fortnight. Child aged 16–19 in secondary education: Up to $285.44 per fortnight. Child aged 0–19 attracting FTB Part A supplement: Up to $850.70 per child per year (paid after tax return is lodged).

The income test has two steps. If your family income is below $62,634 per year, you receive the maximum rate. Between $62,634 and approximately $98,988, FTB Part A reduces by 20 cents per dollar. There's a base rate (lower amount) that many families continue to receive until income reaches around $110,000–$125,000 per year (depending on the number and ages of children). The second income test phase then reduces the base rate by 30 cents per dollar above $112,578.

FTB Part B supports single-income families and single parents. Unlike FTB Part A, it's paid per family (not per child). The maximum rates as of March 2026 are:

Youngest child under 5: Up to $174.02 per fortnight. Youngest child aged 5–18: Up to $121.54 per fortnight. FTB Part B Supplement: Up to $430.70 per family per year after lodging your tax return.

For couple families, FTB Part B phases out based on the lower-earning partner's income — once the secondary earner earns above $6,059 per year, Part B starts reducing at 20 cents per dollar. It cuts out entirely when the secondary earner earns around $29,600 per year. For single parents, there's no secondary earner income test — you receive the full rate regardless of your income (though the primary earner/your own income test still applies).

Both FTB Part A and Part B include annual supplements paid after you lodge your tax return: the FTB Part A Supplement of up to $850.70 per child, and the FTB Part B Supplement of up to $430.70 per family. These supplements are withheld during the year and paid as a lump sum once Centrelink reconciles your actual income against your estimated income.

This reconciliation also means that if you underestimated your income during the year and received too much FTB, you'll be asked to repay the excess. Keeping your income estimate up to date throughout the year (via myGov) prevents large reconciliation debts. You can also request an advance payment of FTB Part A — up to 3 advance payments of your fortnightly rate — if you have an unexpected expense, repayable over your next 13 fortnightly payments.

Can both parents claim Family Tax Benefit? No — FTB is paid to one parent or carer per child. Couples must nominate one person to receive it. For separated parents, FTB is paid to the parent who has the majority of care (more than 35% of care).

Do I still get FTB if I work full-time? Yes, if your family income is below the thresholds. For FTB Part A, many two-income families continue to receive at least the base rate up to combined incomes of $110,000–$125,000+. Use the calculator to check your specific situation.

Does FTB count as taxable income? No — Family Tax Benefit is not taxable income and doesn't need to be included in your tax return as assessable income. However, you do need to have lodged a tax return for Centrelink to calculate your FTB supplement payment each year.

What happens if I separate from my partner? Contact Centrelink immediately — your FTB entitlement changes significantly as a single parent. You may become eligible for FTB Part B's higher rate (no secondary earner income test) and possibly Parenting Payment Single if your youngest child is under 14. Don't delay — Centrelink can't backdate payments more than 28 days before you notify them of a change in circumstances.

Can I get FTB for a child who has turned 16? Yes, if they're in full-time secondary education or an approved study load. FTB Part A continues for children aged 16–19 who are completing Year 11 or 12 or equivalent. Once a child finishes Year 12 or turns 20, FTB stops for that child.