Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a Centrelink payment to help with the cost of raising children, paid in two parts — Part A and Part B — with different eligibility rules for each. This page is general information only.
Family Tax Benefit Part A
Part A is generally paid per child and is income-tested against family income, with the payment rate reducing as income rises above a threshold — it can be paid fortnightly or as a lump sum after the end of the financial year.
Family Tax Benefit Part B
Part B is generally aimed at single parents and families with one main income, and has a different income test to Part A, often based on the lower-earning parent's income specifically.
Reconciliation at tax time
Because FTB is often paid based on an estimate of annual income, Centrelink typically reconciles this against your actual income once you (and your partner, if applicable) lodge a tax return — this can result in a top-up or a debt to repay, depending on whether the estimate was accurate.
Where to check current details
Because payment rates and income thresholds change regularly (often each financial year), always check current figures and your own eligibility on servicesaustralia.gov.au.