Starting 2025, Australia’s Family Tax Benefit (FTB) shifts to new payment rates and claims, as announced by Centrelink. Family Tax Benefit’s shifts aim to assist Australian families deal with financial strain. Updated payment rates and claims help families organize their budgets, ensure families receive all benefits to which they’re entitled, and strengthen parents’ and children’s financial situation.
Increases to 2025 Payment Rates
Starting July 2025, both Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A and Part B payments increase which are designed to adjust to inflation and current economic conditions. Under the new rates:
- Part A (0-12 years): 225.50 per child, per fortnight (previously 213.00)
- Part A (13-19 years, in school): 293.40 per child, per fortnight (previously 278.00)
- Part B (under 5 years): 181.20 per family, per fortnight (previously 171.00)
- Part B (5-18 years): 128.30 per family, per fortnight (previously 121.00)
Increment rates may appear minimal, but they account for a lot in families with several kids. For some, the difference means 50-60 more every other week, which adds up to over 1,000 in a year.
How Payments are Made and When
Payments will continue as per Centrelink’s schedule—every two weeks—unless recipients have opted for annual lump sums. The new increased rates will be applicable from the July 2025 payment cycle. Those recipients who prefer annual lump sums will have the new totals processed for payment after tax time. The new rates will also apply to any supplementary top-up payments adjusted for the end of the year.
Updated Application Rules and Changes in Eligibility
In 2025, families will be required to meet, and prove, the Centrelink residency test, the income test, and the dependent children test in order to claim the FTB. Part A will continue to be controversially available for all, while Part B will continue to be directed toward single-earner and sole-parent families. Applications will be electronically processed through myGov and Centrelink, but the required supporting documents and updated income will have to be provided to prevent delays and/or overpayments.
Income Confirmation and Claim Deadlines
Families have 12 months after the end of the financial year to claim their Family Tax Benefit. Income also needs to be confirmed, either through the filing of taxes with ATO or by notifying Centrelink that a tax return will not be filed. Missing these timelines will affect cash flow as Centrelink will apply the tax to the claim.**Planning With The FTB Payment Dates**
In 2025, the FTB Part A and B Payment Dates are planned and set to be paid every 14 days. Knowing how much money to expect helps families plan and pay for monthly expenses such as rent, and keep utilities, and grocery bills in control. It reduces the stress for families during budget stress periods of the month. It allows families to know how much money there is, and how and when to spend during the month.
Data Table – Family Tax Benefit New Rates (per fortnight)
| Benefit Type | 2024 Rate | 2025 Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTB Part A (0-12 yrs) | $213.00 | $225.50 | +$12.50 |
| FTB Part A (13-19 school) | $278.00 | $293.40 | +$15.40 |
| FTB Part B (under 5 yrs) | $171.00 | $181.20 | +$10.20 |
| FTB Part B (5–18 yrs) | $121.00 | $128.30 | +$7.30 |
FAQs
Q1. When do the new FTB rates take effect?
In July 2025. Payments are updated for families automatically.
Q2. Do families need to reapply to get the higher rates?
No. It is for families that are existing recipients.
Q3. How often are FTB payments made?
Every fortnight and once a year as a lump sum if the family wants to.
