How much is Parenting Payment (single) in 2026?
Parenting Payment (single) · Single principal carer
Basic rate per fortnight · $26,447.20 ≈ per year (×26 fortnights)
- Basic Rate
- $1,017.20
- Pension Supplement — Basic amount
- $30.10
- Pharmaceutical Allowance
- $7
- Energy Supplement
- $12
- Total per fortnight
- $1,066.30
$1,066.30 total with Energy Supplement (paid automatically with this payment).
Effective 20 March 2026 · Source: DSS / Services Australia
The current Parenting Payment single rate is shown in the data block above. It is paid every two weeks and includes the supplements listed in the rate table.
That figure is the maximum before the income test. If you earn income over the free area, your payment is lower. The next increase is on 20 September 2026.
Parenting Payment (single) rates in full
| Variant | Base rate | Supplements | Total /fortnight | ≈ per year (×26) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single principal carer | $1,017.20 | $49.10 | $1,066.30 | $27,723.80 |
Source: DSS Social Security Payment Parameters, 20 March 2026 — Parenting Payment Single
More on Parenting Payment (single)
- Parenting Payment (single) overviewRate, tests and calculator
- Full rate tableEvery variant
- CalculatorEstimate your payment
How much is Parenting Payment (single): common questions
- How much is Parenting Payment single per fortnight?
- The maximum single Parenting Payment is $1,066.30 a fortnight, effective 20 March 2026. It already includes a Pension Supplement basic amount, a Pharmaceutical Allowance and an Energy Supplement. Your own payment can be lower once the income test is applied.
- How much can I earn on Parenting Payment single?
- Parenting Payment single has a higher income free area than JobSeeker, and it rises for each extra child. Above the free area, your payment reduces by 40 cents in the dollar, which is gentler than JobSeeker. The exact free area and cut-off are in the income test table on this page.
- Is Parenting Payment single more than JobSeeker?
- Yes. Parenting Payment single is paid at a higher, pension-style rate and has a gentler income test than JobSeeker with children. See our Parenting Payment single versus JobSeeker comparison for the detail.
- When does Parenting Payment single go up next?
- The rate is indexed on 20 March and 20 September. The next increase is on 20 September 2026. Some income limits are also adjusted on 1 July. This page updates to match.
- Is Parenting Payment single taxable?
- Yes, Parenting Payment single is taxable income and is included in your tax return. Whether you actually pay tax depends on your total income for the year. You can ask Services Australia to take tax out of your payments.
Estimates and general information only — not financial advice. Check Services Australia for your circumstances.
Rates current as of 20 March 2026. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 17 July 2026.