$987.70 Payment + $28.30 Pension Supplement Claim Process: Know Eligibility & Payment Dates

The Australian Government, through Centrelink, provides the Parenting Payment and Pension Supplement to support low-income households in raising children.

This financial aid is essential for covering basic expenses like food, education, and clothing, ensuring that children’s needs are met.

Here’s what you need to know about the $987.70 Parenting Payment and the additional $28.30 Pension Supplement, including eligibility and payment dates.

What is the $987.70 Payment + $28.30 Pension Supplement?

The Parenting Payment is a fortnightly payment designed to help parents manage the costs of raising children. In addition, recipients may also qualify for a Pension Supplement, which adds $28.30 to their payment to help with essential living costs like utility bills.

For single parents, the maximum Parenting Payment is $987.70 per fortnight, including the Pension Supplement. Partnered parents receive a lower amount, with the maximum payment being $698.30 per fortnight.

These payments offer critical support to parents juggling childcare and other financial responsibilities, ensuring children’s well-being.

Eligibility for the $987.70 Parenting Payment + $28.30 Pension Supplement

To qualify for the Parenting Payment and Pension Supplement, you must meet certain eligibility criteria:

1. Primary Carer

• You must be the primary carer of a child.
• For single parents, the child must be under 8 years of age.
• For partnered parents, the child must be under 6 years of age.

2. Residency

• Applicants must be Australian residents and physically present in Australia at the time of claim submission.
• Continuous residency is required to remain eligible for the payment.

3. Income and Asset Tests

• The payments are subject to income and asset tests.
• For single parents, assets must not exceed $314,000 if they own a home.
• Income thresholds apply depending on the family’s financial situation.
• Partnered parents must meet combined income requirements based on their household earnings.

4. No Overlapping Benefits

• You cannot receive other payments like Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance, or Austudy while claiming Parenting Payment.

5. Other Circumstances

• In cases where partners are separated due to illness or prison, the maximum payment may be increased to $816.90 for the partnered parent.

How to Claim the Parenting Payment

Follow these steps to claim the Parenting Payment and Pension Supplement through Centrelink:

Step 1: Create a myGov Account

• If you do not have a myGov account, create one and link it to Centrelink. This will allow you to manage your claims online.

Step 2: Verify Your Identity

• You will need to verify your identity by providing documents such as a passport or driver’s license.

Step 3: Make a Claim

• Log in to Centrelink through your myGov account and choose Make a Claim under the Parenting Payment section.
• Follow the instructions to complete the application form.

Step 4: Provide Supporting Documents

• You may need to submit additional documents like medical reports, proof of residency, or financial records, depending on your circumstances.

Step 5: Submit and Track Your Claim

• Once submitted, Centrelink will provide a receipt containing the ID number and the estimated date for processing. You can track the progress of your claim via your myGov account.

Payment Dates for Parenting Payment + Pension Supplement

Parenting Payments are typically made fortnightly, providing families with regular financial support. Here’s a breakdown of key details:

• For single parents, the maximum payment is $987.70 per fortnight, which includes the $28.30 Pension Supplement.
• For partnered parents, the maximum amount is $698.30 per fortnight.
• Payments for separated parents due to illness or prison can increase to $816.90 per fortnight.
• Payment rates are subject to review and adjustment twice a year, typically on 20 March 2024 and 20 September 2024.

Income and Asset Tests Impact

Income and asset tests are key factors in determining the exact amount you receive. For instance:

• Single parents can earn up to a certain threshold before their payment starts to reduce. For each dollar earned over the limit, payments reduce by 40%.
• Partnered parents have different thresholds depending on their combined income.
• If you own a home, your assets cannot exceed $314,000; otherwise, you risk losing eligibility.

To ensure you receive the maximum benefit, it’s important to regularly review your income and assets to stay within the qualifying limits.

The $987.70 Parenting Payment and $28.30 Pension Supplement provide crucial financial support for Australian families, ensuring that children’s basic needs are met.

By meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting the necessary documents, you can claim this financial aid through Centrelink. Regular payments are made fortnightly, helping families manage the cost of living effectively.

Staying informed about income and asset thresholds, as well as any changes to the payment structure, will help you maximize your benefits and maintain financial stability.

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