Money can be scarce for single parents, therefore Parenting Payment might be a lifeline. But what exactly is it, who may obtain it, and how does it work?
If you are a single parent, you may be eligible for government financial assistance. The Parenting Payment is the primary source of economic support.
Because there may be less arguments and disagreements between parents (at least in front of the child! ), single parenting can lead to more domestic harmony. When there is just one parent in the home, conflicts in parenting styles or opinions are minimized.
There are more than one million single parent households in the USA. Being a parent is not cheap, and single parents may face additional stress. If you are a single parent, it is critical that you understand what financial assistance is available to you.
What exactly is the Parenting Payment?
The Parenting Payment is a kind of economic support provided by the government. It is intended for low-income families with small children. The money is also available to those seeking work and caring for small children.
If you are single or in a partnership, you may be eligible for the Parenting Payment. If you are a qualified single parent or guardian, you may be eligible for a greater rate of compensation than if you are married. However, this will be dependent on your specific scenario.
What is the amount of the Parenting Payment?
Your eligibility for the Parenting Payment is determined by your circumstances, income, and assets.
Singles can get up to $915.40 each fortnight as of early 2023. This includes a $26.20 Pension Supplement (if qualified).
Couples receive less money. This is now capped at $608.70 per two weeks. Couples who are separated because of illness, respite care, or incarceration get up to $718.60 each fortnight.
Who is eligible for the Parenting Payment?
You must:
- Be the primary caregiver for a kid, which means you are responsible for their day-to-day care, welfare, and development. Because only one person may be the primary caregiver at a time, if you share care of your child, whomever has the most day-to-day care will be the primary caregiver. If two persons are providing equal care, they must designate a primary caregiver.
- If you are single, you must care for a kid under the age of eight; if you have a partner, the child must be under the age of six.
- There is a waiting time for various payments and concession cards for recently arrived residents, which can last up to four years for Parenting Payment.
You must also fulfill specific income and wealth requirements, and you cannot collect the payout before the kid is born.
Income Verification
Your salary must be below specific levels to be eligible for the full Parenting Payment. The criteria are determined by the number of children you have. They are currently, for single parents:
- One child – gross income of $202.60 per fortnight
- Two children = $227.20 gross income every two weeks
- Three children – gross income of $251.80 per fortnight
- More than three children: $251.80 + $24.60 each additional kid.
If you are single and earn more than the qualifying amount, you may be eligible for a partial payment. The payout will be decreased by 40 cents for every dollar earned above the appropriate level.
If you make more than $2,537.60 per week in gross income (before deductions such as tax), you will not be eligible for the Parenting Payment. If you have more than one kid, the cut-off point rises by $24.60 per child.
Assets examination
If your assets exceed a particular threshold, you will not be eligible for the Parenting Payment. Your assets comprise any property or possessions that you fully own. For individuals, this is presently $280,000 if you own a property and $504,500 if you don’t. If you get Rent Assistance, your limitations will be increased.
What else does the Parenting Payment include?
There are few things you must do once you start getting the Parenting Payment to maintain it. For example, if your youngest kid reaches six or if you are a mandatory ParentsNext participant, you may be required to meet mutual responsibility standards’. This means you’ll have to carry out the duties and activities outlined in your Job Plan, which may involve attending appointments with an employment services provider or Centrelink, as well as doing job searches and applying for jobs.
When do payments for single parenting come to an end?
Single parenting payments will be made until your youngest kid reaches the age of eight (depending on your income and other conditions). The Sydney Morning Herald emphasizes how difficult it may be for a single parent when funds stop. Another April 20234 ABC News report addresses the possibility of Labor extending the single parenting payout till after a child’s eighth birthday.
However, you may still be eligible for jobseeker payments (formerly known as Newstart allowance) or other types of income support payments. Based on your unique situation, you will have more extensive and relevant information on what financial assistance you may be entitled for.
If you are still dissatisfied, you may request a fair hearing. There is a time limit. Within 30 days after the day you believe you were underpaid, request a fair hearing. Submit your request to the address using a check stub maker.
There is no doubt that single parenting may be difficult when you are the major caregiver, there is only one main source of income, and the cost of raising children is only increasing. The government does provide income support payments to qualified families, but determining what is best for you can be difficult. Most single parents would be eligible for a single parenting payment provided their income did not exceed the stipulated level and they met all of the other conditions. The most convenient approach to file a claim is online.
