Parenting Payment single vs partnered
Parenting Payment has a single version and a partnered version, and they are paid very differently. The single payment is for single principal carers and is paid at a higher, pension-style rate. The partnered payment is for partnered principal carers and is paid at the lower allowance rate.
Which one applies depends on whether you have a partner, and the gap between them is large. This page explains how they compare.
| Payment | Maximum a fortnight, incl. supplements | Basic rate | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parenting Payment (single)Single principal carer | $1,087.20 | $1,037.50 | 20 September 2026 |
| Parenting Payment (partnered)Partnered (each) | $763.00 | $755.10 | 20 September 2026 |
At three incomes
| Income | Parenting Payment (single) | Parenting Payment (partnered) | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250 | $1,080.24 | $713.00 | +$367.24 |
| $500 | $980.24 | $563.60 | +$416.64 |
| $1,000 | $780.24 | $263.60 | +$516.64 |
- Parenting Payment (single) pays $1,080.24 at $250 of income, $367.24 more than Parenting Payment (partnered) ($713.00).
- Parenting Payment (single) pays $980.24 at $500 of income, $416.64 more than Parenting Payment (partnered) ($563.60).
- Parenting Payment (single) pays $780.24 at $1,000 of income, $516.64 more than Parenting Payment (partnered) ($263.60).
The key differences
Rate: the single payment is paid at a higher, pension-style rate; the partnered payment is at the allowance rate, the same as partnered JobSeeker.
Supplements: the single payment includes a Pension Supplement basic amount and a Pharmaceutical Allowance; the partnered payment does not.
Income test: the single payment has a higher free area and a gentler 40 cent taper; the partnered payment uses the allowance test with your income and your partner's income.
Child age: the single payment is available until your youngest child reaches the higher age set for single parents; the partnered payment ends at a younger child age.
Assets test: the partnered payment has a hard assets limit on your combined assets; the single payment does not have an assets test in the same way.
Index dates: both are indexed on 20 March and 20 September.
Who gets more
The single Parenting Payment is significantly higher than the partnered payment. It uses a pension-style base rate, adds supplements, and reduces more gently as you earn. The partnered payment sits at the allowance rate, and both your income and your partner's income are tested. The rate table on this page shows both totals, with their effective dates.
The gap reflects the assumption that a partnered carer shares household costs with a partner, while a single carer carries them alone. If a single parent later partners, or a partnered carer becomes single, the payment they qualify for, and the amount, can change.
See each payment in full
- Parenting Payment (single)Rate, tests and calculator
- Parenting Payment (partnered)Rate, tests and calculator
Common questions
- Why is Parenting Payment single so much higher than partnered?
- The single payment is set at a higher, pension-style rate with extra supplements and a gentler income test, because a single carer carries household costs alone. The partnered payment is at the allowance rate, the same as partnered JobSeeker. The rate table on this page shows both.
- What happens to my Parenting Payment if my relationship changes?
- If your relationship status changes, the version of Parenting Payment you qualify for can change, and so can the amount. A carer who becomes single may move to the higher single payment, and one who partners may move to the partnered rate. Tell Services Australia about any change so your payment is correct.
Figures include every indexation up to 20 September 2026; each shows the date it took effect. Next scheduled indexation 20 March 2027. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 23 September 2026.