As the cost of living continues to rise, the Australian Government has announced targeted relief measures, including a one‑off $1,000 top‑up payment for families receiving the Family Tax Benefit. This payment will arrive with your regular entitlement in April 2025 and aims to help cover everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and childcare.
What Is the $1,000 Family Tax Benefit Top‑Up?
The $1,000 Family Tax Benefit (FTB) top‑up is a one‑off payment added to your existing FTB entitlement. It is part of the Government’s broader cost‑of‑living relief package, designed to ease financial pressure on households with dependent children pm.gov. Eligible families will receive this amount automatically alongside their regular fortnightly FTB payment in April 2025.
Eligibility Criteria for the $1,000 Top‑Up
To qualify for the top‑up, you must already be receiving either FTB Part A or Part B. Below are the key requirements:
Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Dependent children: You must have at least one dependent child aged 0–19 (up to 19 if in full‑time secondary study) servicesaustralia.gov.
- Residency: You and the child must meet Australian residency rules.
- Income test: Your combined family income must not exceed the threshold where FTB Part A begins to reduce. The maximum base rate applies for incomes up to $65,189; above this, payments taper off and cease at $115,997.
Family Tax Benefit Part B
- Primary carer: You must be the primary carer of a child under 5, or a single parent of a child under 19 in full‑time secondary study.
- Income test: The secondary earner’s adjusted taxable income must be under $5,284 per year (or $11,784 if you have a child under one year old).
- Residency: You and the child must satisfy Australian residency requirements.
Tip: If you’re unsure which part of FTB you receive, log in to your myGov account linked to Centrelink and check the “Payments and Claims” section.
How to Claim the $1,000 Top‑Up
Most eligible families will receive the top‑up automatically, but if you need to lodge or update your claim, follow these steps:
- Log into myGov: Visit my.gov.au and sign in with your credentials.
- Access Centrelink: Click on “Services” then “Centrelink” and select “Family Assistance.”
- Select Family Tax Benefit: Choose “Family Tax Benefit” and then “Make a lump sum claim” (if you prefer a one‑off payment) or “Update claim” for fortnightly instalments.
- Confirm details: Ensure your family income, residency, and care arrangements are up to date.
- Submit: Review and submit your claim. You’ll receive a confirmation message once it’s lodged.
Reminder: If you claimed a lump sum at year’s end, you must lodge your tax return or notify Services Australia of your income by 30 June 2025 to avoid repaying any FTB you received.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- April 2025: Top‑up paid automatically with your regular FTB payment.
- 30 June 2025: Deadline to confirm family income and lodge tax returns for lump sum claims to secure your full entitlement.
- Ongoing: Keep your personal and bank details current in myGov to ensure timely payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to apply separately for the top‑up?
A: No. If you already receive FTB Part A or Part B, the $1,000 top‑up will be added automatically in April 2025. If you’re not currently claiming, follow the steps above to lodge a new claim.
Q: What if my income changes after I claim?
A: You must update Services Australia within 14 days of any significant income change to avoid under‑ or overpayments.
Q: Will this top‑up affect my income tests for other payments?
A: No. The one‑off top‑up is tax‑free and does not count towards your income for means‑tested payments.
Q: Can I receive the top‑up as a lump sum?
A: Yes. If you prefer, you can choose to have your FTB paid as a lump sum after the end of the financial year when you lodge a lump sum claim.