Family Tax Benefit Part A: rates, eligibility & income test

The Family Tax Benefit Part A base rate of $72.94 per child per fortnight won’t stretch far if your income is high, but the maximum rates of $227.36 for younger children and $295.82 for teens can make a real difference. This guide walks through the payment structure for 2025-2026, including how the income test works and what you can expect if your family qualifies.

Base rate per child per fortnight: $72.94 ·
Child age limit: 15 or younger (or 16–19 if studying) ·
Payment frequency: Fortnightly

What is the maximum family tax benefit part A?

The maximum FTB Part A payment depends on the age of your child and your family income. For the 2025-2026 year, Services Australia (the government agency that manages family payments) sets two maximum fortnightly rates: $227.36 for children aged 0 to 12, and $295.82 for children aged 13 to 19 (subject to study rules for older teens).

These maximums are reduced if your family’s income exceeds the lower free area, and they can drop all the way to the base rate of $72.94 per fortnight per child before payments stop completely.

What is the base rate?

The base rate is the minimum payment you can receive once your income pushes you past the higher free area. According to the Family Assistance Guide (Department of Social Services – policy authority), the base rate for FTB Part A is $72.94 per child per fortnight for 2025-2026. This acts as a floor – you won’t receive less than this amount unless your income is high enough to reduce it to zero.

What is the supplement?

An annual FTB Part A supplement is paid after the end of the financial year, once your Family Tax Benefit has been balanced. The current maximum supplement is $938.05 per child, says the Family Assistance Guide (DSS – the policy body). To receive the full supplement, your family’s adjusted taxable income must be $80,000 or less, as stated by Services Australia – income test page.

What are the historical maximum rates?

The 2025-2026 maximum rates represent the latest indexation. In the previous financial year (2024-2025), the maximum rates were slightly lower, though exact figures were not provided in the available sources. Indexation occurs each July. The Services Australia rates page is updated annually to reflect changes.

What are the eligibility requirements for Family Tax Benefit Part A?

Before you can receive a cent, you need to meet several criteria set by Services Australia. The rules cover who the child is, where you live, and how much you earn.

What are the residence requirements?

You must be an Australian resident. The Services Australia eligibility page confirms that both you and your child must usually live in Australia. There are special provisions for some visa holders, but generally permanent residency or citizenship is needed.

What are the child age requirements?

You can claim FTB Part A for a dependent child who is either 15 or younger, or aged 16 to 19 if they meet study requirements (full-time secondary study or equivalent). The child must also meet immunisation requirements and, if applicable, the Healthy Start for School requirements, according to Services Australia – eligibility page.

What is the income test?

Eligibility is also determined by an income test. If your family’s adjusted taxable income is above certain thresholds, your payment reduces. The test is applied per family, not per child, meaning having more children doesn’t increase the income threshold. More details on how the test works are in the next section.

How does the income test work for Family Tax Benefit Part A?

The income test is the main mechanism that reduces your payment. It uses two free areas – a lower one and a higher one – and a taper rate that applies to income above the lower free area.

What is the income threshold?

For the 2025-2026 year, the lower income-free area is $66,722. The higher income-free area – which only applies to FTB Part A, not Part B – is $118,771 for all families, per the Family Assistance Guide (DSS – policy guidelines). These thresholds are adjusted each financial year based on indexation.

How does income affect payment rate?

If your family’s adjusted taxable income is below $66,722, you receive the maximum rate. For every dollar between $66,722 and $118,771, your payment reduces by 20 cents. Once your income passes $118,771, the payment drops further until it reaches the base rate, and eventually stops. The exact point where payments cease depends on the number of children and their ages.

What is the taper rate?

The taper rate is 20 cents per dollar over the lower free area, as stated by Services Australia – income test page. Some third-party summaries, like Fair Work Mate (a payroll site), cite a different lower threshold of about $65,189, but the official figure from Services Australia is $66,722. The discrepancy highlights why you should always check the source agency’s rates directly.

What are the payment rates for Family Tax Benefit Part A?

Rates vary by child age and can include both fortnightly payments and an annual supplement.

What is the base rate?

As noted, the base rate for 2025-2026 is $72.94 per child per fortnight. This is the amount you receive if your income is high but not high enough to eliminate the payment entirely.

What is the maximum rate per child?

• Child aged 0–12: $227.36 per fortnight (Services Australia – rates page)
• Child aged 13–19 (if in full-time study): $295.82 per fortnight (Services Australia – rates page)

What is the supplement amount?

The FTB Part A supplement is paid annually after the end of the financial year, once your benefit is balanced. The maximum per child is $938.05. You must have an adjusted taxable income of $80,000 or less to receive the full supplement, per Services Australia – income test page.

Seven payment scenarios, one pattern: higher income means lower fortnightly payments, but the supplement stays intact as long as income stays under $80,000.

Here’s how different income levels affect your payments.

The table uses illustrative reduction estimates based on the 20c taper rate. Actual calculations depend on the number of children and shared care percentages. The pattern is clear: families approaching $80,000 need to watch their income closely to avoid losing the supplement entirely.

How do I calculate my Family Tax Benefit Part A?

Calculating your exact payment involves several inputs, but Services Australia provides a free online estimator to do the heavy lifting.

What factors affect the calculation?

• Number of children – each eligible child adds a payment.
• Child ages – different rates for under-13 and 13–19.
• Family adjusted taxable income – includes your salary, investment income, and some benefits.
• Shared care percentage – if you share care with another parent, your payment is proportional.
• Supplement eligibility – based on end-of-year income.

How to use the FTB Part A calculator?

The Services Australia Payment and Service Finder lets you enter your details and gives an instant estimate. You’ll need your estimated annual income and information about each child. The tool also accounts for the supplement and any other payments you might receive.

What is the income test formula?

In simple terms: Payment = Maximum rate – (20% × (income – lower free area)), but only until income hits the higher free area, after which the payment drops to the base rate and then zero. This formula applies per family, not per child. Use the official estimator to avoid mistakes.

Family Tax Benefit Part A vs Part B

While Part A is per child and income-tested, Part B is a single payment for families with one main income. The table below highlights the key differences.

The structure of each payment reflects different family situations.

The pattern: Part A rewards larger families, Part B supports single-income households. Many families receive both.

Timeline: FTB Part A rates and updates

• 1 July 2024 – Previous rates for 2024-2025 take effect.
• 1 July 2025 – New rates for 2025-2026 begin, with base rate at $72.94 and maximums at $227.36/$295.82.
• 20 March 2026 – Services Australia updates its eligibility page (latest refresh date).

Clarity: what we know and what remains uncertain

Quotes from official sources

“You may be eligible for FTB Part A if you care for a dependent child who’s either: aged 15 or younger; 16 to 19 years of age and meets the study requirements.”

— Services Australia – eligibility page

“The base rate for FTB Part A is $72.94 for each child per fortnight.”

— Services Australia – rates page

“The FTB Part A higher income-free area is $118,771 for all families.”

— Family Assistance Guide (Department of Social Services – policy guidelines)

The implication: official sources are consistent on the key numbers, but third-party sites sometimes lag behind indexation updates. Always cross-check with Services Australia or the Family Assistance Guide before making financial decisions.

Frequently asked questions

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For Australian families, the choice is clear: use the official estimator to know where you stand, and keep your income estimates accurate to avoid a surprise bill at tax time. Missing out on the supplement because your income crept over $80,000 is a mistake you can plan around.