Australia $998.20 Parenting Payment Update September 2025
Caring for children as a single parent in Australia can often mean dealing with heavy financial pressure. Between rent, bills, school expenses, and daily living needs, managing money is a constant challenge. To ease this burden, the Australian Government has confirmed a new Centrelink Parenting Payment of $998.20, which will begin from 20th September 2025. This payment will replace the earlier base rate of $982.50 provided from March 2025.
The new base payment will go to single parents caring for children under 14 years, regardless of whether they are below or above the Age Pension age. It is designed as a stable fortnightly support to help families cover essential life expenses while raising children.
Australia Parenting Payment September 2025 – Quick Overview
| Post Title | Australia $998.20 Parenting Payment September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Year | 2025 |
| Month | September |
| Country | Australia |
| Benefit Name | Parenting Payment |
| Provided By | Services Australia / Centrelink |
| Who Qualifies? | Single parents with a child under 14 years |
| Purpose | To provide financial support |
| Payment Frequency | Fortnightly |
| Base Amount | $998.20 per fortnight |
| Supplement Amount | $29.50 per fortnight |
| Energy Supplement | $12.00 per fortnight |
| Total Payment (for singles) | $1,039.70 per fortnight |
| Effective Date | 20th September 2025 |
| Category | Finance |
| Official Portal | www.servicesaustralia.gov.au |
Australia $998.20 Parenting Payment Update September 2025 Eligibility Criteria for Parenting Payment
To receive the $998.20 fortnightly Centrelink Parenting Payment, single parents must meet the following conditions:
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Be the main carer of a child under 14 years old.
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Be a single parent.
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Meet Australian residency rules.
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Satisfy mutual obligation requirements.
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Stay within income and asset limits.
Australia $998.20 Parenting Payment Update September 2025 Updated Income Thresholds for Single Parents
| Criteria | Previous | New | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Free Area | $224.60 | $224.60 | – |
| Disqualifying Income Limit (Under 67 years + Pharmaceutical Allowance) | $2,800.35 | $2,840.85 | +$40.50 |
Australia $998.20 Parenting Payment Update September 2025 – Under Age Pension Age
| Category | Previous | New | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Pension | $982.50 | $998.20 | +$15.70 |
| Supplement | $29.00 | $29.50 | +$0.50 |
| Energy Supplement | $12.00 | $12.00 | – |
| Total (Single Parents) | $1,023.50 | $1,039.70 | +$16.20 |
| Category | Previous | New | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Pension (Partnered) | $715.10 | $726.50 | +$11.40 |
| Energy Supplement | $7.90 | $7.90 | – |
| Total (Partnered Parents) | $723.00 | $734.40 | +$11.40 |
Over Age Pension Age
| Category | Previous | New | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Pension (Single) | $982.50 | $998.20 | +$15.70 |
| Supplement | $83.60 | $84.90 | +$1.30 |
| Energy Supplement | $14.10 | $14.10 | – |
| Total (Single Parents) | $1,080.20 | $1,097.20 | +$17.00 |
| Category | Previous | New | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Pension (Partnered) | $715.10 | $726.50 | +$11.40 |
| Supplement | $63.00 | $64.00 | +$1.00 |
| Energy Supplement | $10.60 | $10.60 | – |
| Total (Partnered Parents) | $788.70 | $801.10 | +$12.40 |
Fact Check: Parenting Payment September 2025
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The $998.20 Parenting Payment is confirmed and reliable.
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Becomes effective from 20th September 2025.
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Applies to all single parents with children under 14, regardless of Age Pension eligibility.
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Supplements and energy allowances are provided in addition to the base rate.
FAQs – Australia $998.20 Parenting Payment September 2025
What is the $998.20 Parenting Payment?
It is the new base Centrelink Parenting Payment effective from 20th September 2025.
Who is eligible?
Single parents caring for children under 14 years.
Is the payment reliable?
Yes, the payment increase has been confirmed by the Australian Government.
Where to check updates?
Parents can visit Services Australia or the Department of Social Services (dss.gov.au).
When does the new rate apply?
From 20th September 2025.