Family Tax Benefit Part A vs Part B
Family Tax Benefit has two parts, and they do different jobs. Part A is a per-child payment that helps with the cost of raising each child. Part B is a per-family payment that gives extra help to single parents and families with one main income.
Many families get both at the same time. This page explains how they differ and how they are tested.
| Payment | Maximum a fortnight, incl. supplements | Basic rate | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Tax Benefit Part AMaximum, aged under 13 | $235.48 | — | 1 July 2026 |
| Family Tax Benefit Part BMaximum, youngest child aged under 5 | $200.34 | — | 1 July 2026 |
At three incomes
| Income | Family Tax Benefit Part A | Family Tax Benefit Part B | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $6,139.30 | $5,223.15 | +$916.15 |
| $100,000 | $1,971.00 | $5,223.15 | −$3,252.15 |
| $140,000 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
- Family Tax Benefit Part A pays $6,139.30 at $60,000 of income, $916.15 more than Family Tax Benefit Part B ($5,223.15).
- Family Tax Benefit Part B pays $5,223.15 at $100,000 of income, $3,252.15 more than Family Tax Benefit Part A ($1,971.00).
- Family Tax Benefit Part B stops at $124,327 a year of income, $5,321 lower than the $129,648 at which Family Tax Benefit Part A stops.
The key differences
Basis: Part A is paid per child; Part B is one amount per family.
Rate driver: Part A rates step up with each child's age; Part B has one rate set by the age of your youngest child.
Income test: Part A uses your family's yearly income with two tapers; Part B uses a primary earner limit and a secondary earner test.
Who it targets: Part A is broad family assistance; Part B targets single parents and one-main-income families.
Supplements: both have their own end-of-year supplement, paid after the financial year once your income is confirmed.
Index dates: both are indexed once a year on 1 July, so their figures on this page share the same effective date.
Who gets more
Part A and Part B are not really rivals, because they are added together for families who qualify for both. Part A usually makes up the larger amount for families with more than one child, since it is paid per child and rises with each child's age. Part B is a single top-up that is most valuable to single parents and families with a young child and one main income. The rate table on this page shows the figures for each, with their effective date.
Whether you get Part B at all depends on your income split. A couple where both earn a solid income may get Part A but little or no Part B, while a single parent under the income limit gets the full Part B rate on top of their Part A.
See each payment in full
- Family Tax Benefit Part ARate, tests and calculator
- Family Tax Benefit Part BRate, tests and calculator
Common questions
- Can I get both Family Tax Benefit Part A and Part B?
- Yes. Many families get both at the same time. Part A is paid per child, and Part B is a single extra amount per family for single parents and one-main-income families. They are added together if you qualify for both.
- What is the difference between Part A and Part B?
- Part A is a per-child payment that rises with each child's age and helps with the cost of raising children. Part B is one amount per family, set by the age of your youngest child, aimed at single parents and families with one main income. They use different income tests.
Figures include every indexation up to 20 September 2026; each shows the date it took effect. Next scheduled indexation 1 July 2027. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 23 September 2026.