Yes, single mothers can receive government financial support, like Australia's Parenting Payment and Family Tax Benefit, plus other aid for housing or energy, but eligibility depends on income, assets, and children's ages, with specific amounts varying based on family circumstances and regular government reviews.
For single mums in Australia, Centrelink's main payment is the Parenting Payment (Single), providing fortnightly support for primary carers of children under 14, with rates varying based on age of youngest child and meeting income/asset tests. Other potential payments include Family Tax Benefit (FTB) and help with childcare costs via the Child Care Subsidy, with claims made through a linked Centrelink online account and myGov.
Yes. The United States has multiple federal and state programs that provide cash assistance, benefits, and services to single parents; eligibility and amounts vary by program and state.
Single mums in Australia primarily access government support through Parenting Payment (Single), an income support payment for low-income carers, alongside Family Tax Benefit (Parts A & B) and potential Rent Assistance, with specific amounts depending on income, assets, and children's ages, often managed via Services Australia (Centrelink). Eligibility involves being the principal carer, meeting income/asset tests, and potentially mutual obligation requirements once children reach school age, with extra help available for childcare, health, and education.
Maximum rate for FTB Part A for each (fortnightly payment):
$222.04 for a child 0 to 12 years. $288.82 for a child 13 to 15 years. $288.82 for a child 16 to 19 years who meets the study requirements $71.26 for a child 0 to 19 years in an approved care organisation.
Eligible single parents with dependants looking to build a new home or purchase an existing home are able to apply for a loan to purchase an eligible property through a participating lender.
To get this payment, you must:
Smart budgeting tips for single parents
Child Support & Child Care
The child-support scheme can provide financial certainty and strengthen resilience in the children's primary household. Child Support has the potential to assist in more secure housing, provide the basics for children and reduce hardship.
There isn't a universal "minimum" child support payment; it depends heavily on your country and specific circumstances, but often involves low-income payers contributing a set minimum (e.g., around $500+ annually in Australia for low earners) if their calculated amount is less, or if they don't have regular care, while private agreements allow parents to set their own amount. The actual minimum is determined by government agencies (like Services Australia) based on income, care arrangements, and child age, with higher care reducing or eliminating the payment.
I think the best thing you can do right now is get on welfare ( housing, childcare, food, healthcare) and get an education. That's the best short and long term solution. Others have mentioned working from home. It is doable but there are not many opportunities and your children will have to be quiet.
The 50/30/20 rule is a straightforward way to divide your income into three main categories: 50% for needs (things you absolutely must pay for) 30% for wants (things you enjoy but don't necessarily need) 20% for savings and debt repayment (your future financial security)
The Parenting Payment
You may qualify for this payment if you meet certain criteria. Some of these are: you are single and care for at least 1 child younger than 8 years of age; your income and assets are below certain amounts; and.
Child Benefit is a tax-free payment that can be claimed by anyone responsible for a child under the age of 16 (or under 20 if they are still in education or training). Single parents are eligible for this benefit, and it can be claimed regardless of income.
Federal and state programs like TANF, SNAP, WIC, and HUD housing vouchers provide financial, food, and housing assistance for single parents. Child care and job training support are available through programs such as CCAP, Head Start, and Community Action Agencies.
Applicants must have saved a minimum deposit of 5% for first home buyers or 2% for single parents. First home buyers must not have owned (in full or in part) residential property (whether as an investment or owner occupied) in the past 10 years.
If you do not know people locally, ask your health visitor what local groups are available in your area or contact Gingerbread, a charity for single parent families that can put you in touch with other parents in a similar situation and give you much needed support.
A child under 18 cannot take legal title to property, so there are two ways in which the property can be held: a simple 'bare trust' or a more formally constituted trust, such as a life interest or discretionary trust. Under a 'bare trust', another person holds the title to the property as a nominee.
Centrelink parental payments vary, but Parental Leave Pay (PLP) is currently around $948.10 per week (before tax), based on the national minimum wage, for up to 24 weeks shared by parents. For ongoing support, Parenting Payment (PP) provides fortnightly payments, with amounts depending on your situation (single/partnered, income) – for instance, up to ~$998.20 fortnightly for a single person as of late 2025. Other potential payments include the one-off Newborn Upfront Payment (around $683) and Family Tax Benefit (FTB).
What can I claim when I have a child?
Your income and the tax-free threshold
Payers include employers, government agencies, or work you do as a sole trader. You can choose to claim or not claim the tax-free threshold ($18,200) on the income you earn. If you claim the tax-free threshold: you won't pay tax where your income is $18,200 or less.
Put aside just $13.70 per day, and at the end of the year you'll have $5,000; double that to $27.39 daily and you'll have $10,000 by year-end—and that doesn't include the interest you may earn. You can save money by making a budget, automating savings, reducing discretionary spending and seeking discounts.
What is the 52-week money challenge? The 52-week money challenge could help you build a savings habit by putting away an amount of money that corresponds to the week you save it. So, start with $1 in week 1. In week 2, save $2. In week 3, save $3.