Government Benefits for Families in Australia – What Working Mums Should Know in 2025

Living in Australia as a working mum has its fair share of challenges, but the good news is: there are several government support programs designed to make life more manageable. Whether you're raising young children, juggling part-time or full-time work, or planning parental leave, here's an up-to-date summary of benefits you might be eligible for.

✅ Can I receive benefits immediately after getting PR?

Getting permanent residency (PR) in Australia doesn’t always mean instant access to all welfare payments. Some payments are subject to the Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period (NARWP).

Benefit TypeEligible Immediately After PR?Waiting Period Applies?

Family Tax Benefit	Mostly yes (some delays up to 1 year)	Yes (up to 1 year)
Child Care Subsidy	✅ Yes	No
Paid Parental Leave	✅ Yes	No
Dad and Partner Pay	✅ Yes	No
Parenting Payment	❌ No (1–4 years wait)	Yes (up to 4 years)

💡 Exceptions apply if you have a humanitarian visa or your child is an Australian citizen. For detailed information, visit Services Australia – NARWP.

---

✅ 1. Family Tax Benefit (FTB) – Part A & B

What is it? A fortnightly or lump-sum payment to help with the cost of raising children.

Eligibility:

• Have a dependent child under 16, or under 20 and still in school
• Meet income test (varies by family structure)
• Be a permanent resident or Australian citizen

Tip: FTB Part B gives extra support for single parents or families with one main income earner.

🔗 Family Tax Benefit – Services Australia

---

✅ 2. Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

What is it? A subsidy paid directly to your childcare provider to reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

Eligibility:

• Using an approved childcare service
• Meet residency requirements
• Pass activity test (based on hours you work/study/volunteer)
• Meet income threshold (up to $530,000 family income in 2024–2025)

How much? Depends on:

• Your family income
• Hours of recognised activity
• Type of childcare (long day care, family day care, etc.)

🔗 Child Care Subsidy – Services Australia

---

✅ 3. Paid Parental Leave (PPL)

What is it? Up to 20 weeks of paid leave (minimum wage rate) for the birth or adoption of a child.

Eligibility:

• You are the birth parent or primary carer
• Worked at least 10 of the 13 months before the birth
• At least 330 hours of work in that period
• Income under $168,865 (individual) in the financial year before

🔗 Parental Leave Pay – Services Australia

---

✅ 4. Dad and Partner Pay (DAPP)

What is it? Up to 2 weeks of pay at the national minimum wage for eligible partners.

Eligibility:

• Partner of the birth parent (dad, same-sex partner, etc.)
• Meet work and income tests
• Not working or on leave during the paid period

Note: Integrated into the main PPL scheme from 2023 but still available for flexible use.

🔗 Dad and Partner Pay

---

✅ 5. Parenting Payment

What is it? Income support for parents who are the main carer of a young child.

Eligibility:

• Have a child under 8 (single parent) or under 6 (partnered)
• Pass income and assets tests

🔗 Parenting Payment

---

✅ Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out Because You Didn’t Ask

Many working parents miss out on help because they either:

• Assume they earn too much
• Think it’s too complicated
• Don’t know how to apply

Even if you're working full-time, some benefits (like FTB Part A or CCS) can still apply based on income bands.

📝 Tip from me: Create a myGov account, link it to Centrelink, and use their online estimators to check your eligibility.

📎 이 글의 한국어 버전 보기 – 2025년 호주 직장맘이 받을 수 있는 정부 혜택 총정리