The Australian government provides financial support for newborns through payments like the Newborn Upfront Payment (a lump sum, e.g., ~$683 per child), the ongoing Newborn Supplement (part of Family Tax Benefit A for 13 weeks, up to ~$2,052 for first child), and potentially Parental Leave Pay (based on minimum wage, ~$189.62/day). The exact amounts for supplements and continuous benefits depend on family income, number of children, and if you're eligible for other support like Family Tax Benefit (FTB).
In 2004, the federal government introduced a universal Baby Bonus—$3,000 per child at birth, later increased to $4,000 and then $5,000—to encourage families to “have one for mum, one for dad, and one for the country,” as then–Treasurer Peter Costello famously put it.
The Australian $5,000 Baby Bonus ended on March 1, 2014, when it was abolished and replaced with changes to Family Tax Benefit (FTB) for eligible families, although it was reduced to $3,000 for subsequent children in July 2013 before being removed entirely. This meant that babies born on or after March 1, 2014, no longer qualified for the payment.
There are various payments available to help with the cost of having a baby. Some of them can be claimed 3 months before the baby is due. Centrelink provides a handy tool to help you find the payments that you might be eligible for.
The base rate for FTB Part A is $72.94 for each child per fortnight. The base rate isn't the minimum rate of FTB Part A. We may pay you less than the base rate. For example, you may get less due to your income.
Eligible children born from 2025 to 2028 may receive a $1,000 pilot deposit from the U.S. Treasury, and all eligible children may receive deposits from employers or major philanthropic contributors.
In the 2004 budget, the bonus was raised from $3,000 effective 1 July 2004 to $4,000 payable in 2007 but indexed to inflation so that in October 2007, the amount receivable per eligible child was $4,133. The bonus was paid in a lump sum to a nominated financial institution.
To be eligible for a newborn payment of up to $667 (for each child) which is not taxable you must: have a baby or adopt a child; be eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit
If you cannot apply for Child Tax Credit, you can apply for Universal Credit instead. If you already have 2 or more children in your family, you might not get any additional Child Tax Credit or Universal Credit for a new baby. Child Tax Credit will not affect your Child Benefit.
What can I claim when I have a child?
If you have a baby, you may be eligible to get Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement. You must be both: eligible for Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A. registered or applied to register your child's birth, unless they were born overseas.
The Cash Gift (CG) is disbursed every 6 months until your child turns 6.5 years old. You can use this amount to help manage early childhood expenses.
The baby bonus changed during the Howard government's final years. Initially a payment of $3000, it was increased to $4000 and then $5000. The study found the $3000 payment had the largest impact, with much more modest increases at the higher rates.
The Australian $5,000 Baby Bonus ended on March 1, 2014, when it was abolished and replaced with changes to Family Tax Benefit (FTB) for eligible families, although it was reduced to $3,000 for subsequent children in July 2013 before being removed entirely. This meant that babies born on or after March 1, 2014, no longer qualified for the payment.
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.
A baby bonus offers parents the flexibility to spend on the most important needs facing their family. For some families, that may mean being able to afford the basic necessities—diapers and food.
Parental Leave Pay helps eligible working parents to take time off to care for a newborn or recently adopted child. Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a 2-part payment to help with the cost of raising children. If you claim FTB we'll also check you can get any of the following: a one-off lump sum of Newborn Upfront Payment.
The newborn 5-5-5 rule is a postpartum guideline for new mothers to focus on healing and bonding in the first 15 days home, dividing rest into 5 days in bed, followed by 5 days on the bed, and then 5 days near the bed, encouraging minimal chores, visitors, and activity to prioritize recovery from childbirth and establishing the new family unit, drawing on traditional postpartum rest practices.
Child benefits and grants
The Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child. If you have little or no federal income tax liability, you may qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit, up to $1,700 per qualifying child depending on your income. You must have earned income of at least $2,500 to be eligible for the ACTC.
The amount you get is based on how much you earn. Depending on your earnings, in the 2021/22 tax year you could get either: £151.97 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is less) for up to 39 weeks. £27 per week for up to 14 weeks.
How much to budget for a baby per month. The monthly cost of caring for a baby can vary, but a general range is $1,100 to $2,5005 depending on your location and lifestyle. This includes diapers, formula or food, childcare, and medical expenses.
Child Benefit is a regular payment of money from the government to help with the cost of raising a child. Only one person can claim Child Benefit – and you can claim for every child you're responsible for.
Cash Gift (Baby Bonus Payout)
You may receive the first sum of the Baby Bonus Cash Gift (or Baby Bonus Payout) within 7 to 10 working days after the birth registration of your child, or after completing the online form, whichever is later. The remaining will be given out in four instalments over the next 18 months.
The cost of having a baby can vary significantly depending on factors like location, healthcare coverage, and whether the birth is natural or involves complications. According to Forbes, delivery typically costs could range from $14,000 to $26,000 without insurance, with insurance, costs range between $2,600 to $3,200.