The "$3,000 per child benefit" typically refers to the temporary expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in the United States or a similar one-off payment in other countries' past schemes.
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.
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.
Australia's $5,000 Baby Bonus ended on March 1, 2014, when the scheme was abolished and replaced by increased Family Tax Benefit payments for eligible families, though it had already been reduced to $3,000 for second and subsequent children from July 1, 2013. The bonus, introduced by the Howard government, provided a one-off payment for new babies, reaching $5,000 for first children before its final removal.
The Newborn Supplement depends on your income and how many children you have. The maximum amount is $2003.82 (over 13 weeks) for your first child and $668.85 for subsequent children.
For single mums in Australia, the main Centrelink payment is the Parenting Payment (Single), a fortnightly payment for primary carers of children under 14 (or under 6 if partnered), subject to income/asset tests, with higher rates for those with children. Other supports include Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, and potentially JobSeeker or Youth Allowance if criteria are met, with claims made via myGov linked to Centrelink.
Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods (Scotland only)
If you're eligible for FTB, you might also get an annual bonus: FTB A Supplement - up to $938.05 per child. FTB B Supplement - up to $459.90 per family.
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.
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.
The $4,000 Centrelink payment isn't a direct cash payment but a one-time boost to the Work Bonus income bank for eligible pensioners (Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment) over Age Pension age, starting January 1, 2024, with an increased maximum balance of $11,800, allowing them to earn more without reducing their pension. You get this $4,000 starting credit automatically if you're a new claimant or haven't received a previous $4,000 boost, effectively giving you a $4,000 buffer to earn income before Centrelink reduces your pension.
If you're eligible you'll get £26.05 a week for your first child and £17.25 a week for any children after that. You can claim Child Benefit if: you're 'responsible for the child' the child is under 16 years old - or under 20 years old and still in full-time non-advanced education or training.
What can I claim when I have a child?
Family Tax Benefit
To receive this payment, you must: have a dependent child or full-time secondary student aged 16 to 19 years who isn't getting a pension, payment or benefit like Youth Allowance. care for the child for at least 35% of the time. meet an income test.
The CDA First Step Grant of $5,000 for the first and second child, and $10,000 for the third and subsequent child born on or after 18 February 2025 will be automatically deposited when you open the CDA for your child at any of the following banks: DBS/POSB, OCBC or UOB.
You won't be eligible if either: your partner has already got these payments for the child. you or your partner has got Parental Leave Pay for the child.
The type of bonus you receive will determine when it is paid out. Year-end bonuses are typically paid within the first few months of the new year. Annual bonuses may be paid at the same time each year, although the company typically sets the timeline for when they will be paid to employees.
View details of Baby Bonus benefits
Go to Family View on Parent Portal Services to check your: Baby Bonus Cash Gift benefits. Child Development Account (CDA) benefits.
You can claim Child Benefit 48 hours after you've registered the birth of your child, or once a child comes to live with you. Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months from the date you make the claim. If you're making a new claim for a child over 16, check they're eligible.
In the 2002 Budget, Mr Costello implemented a $3,000 "baby bonus" and urged Australian families to have "one for your husband and one for your wife and one for the country". Australia's fertility rate has since fallen to a near-record low of 1.48 births per woman.
Benefits you might be able to claim include:
In general, family benefits per person are highest in Northern and Western Europe, and lowest in the South and East. After Luxembourg, Nordic countries top the list: Norway (€2,277), Denmark (€1,878), Iceland (€1,874), Sweden (€1,449), and Finland (€1,440).
How to Get Free Baby Stuff (15 Real Options)
You may be eligible for Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement if you or your partner have a baby or a child comes into your care. The amount you get depends on your family's income and how many children you have.
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.