Parenting Payment (PP) 001-05000000

This document contains information about the 2 types of Parenting Payment (PP) available to a customer - Parenting Payment Partnered (PPP) and Parenting Payment Single (PPS).

Government intent - PP

Parenting Payment is an income support payment paid to a principal carer of a young child. It is assessed separately to family assistance payments.

Only one parent or guardian can receive the payment.

There are 2 different payment rates:

Parenting Payment (single) for single parents
Parenting Payment (partnered) for partnered parents

PP overview

The applicable PP rate depends on a person's relationship status and age of the dependent child in their care.

PPS is for parents or guardians who are single and the principal carer of a child under 14
PPP is for parents or guardians who are partnered and the principal carer of a child under 6

PPP is affected by both customer and partner income
PPP may be paid at a higher rate where the PP customer is a member of an illness separated couple, respite care couple or has a partner in prison

Only one parent or guardian can be considered the principal carer and receive PP
PP is assessed and paid separately to family assistance payments
Customers may be eligible to receive other payments in addition to PP (for example, family assistance payments, Paid Parental Leave, supplementary payments/benefits)
PP is considered a taxable income

Requirement for a claim

Customers can claim PP online at any time without first contacting Services Australia. Customers can access the Payment and Service Finder on the Services Australia Website to determine if PP is the most appropriate service offer and start their claim.