The 2023-24 Federal Budget introduced changes to the Single Parenting Payment by raising the age cut-off from 8 to 14 years. This policy modification means single parents will continue to receive the higher-rate payment until their youngest dependent child turns 14, instead of transferring to JobSeeker when the child turns 8.

The policy change affects financial support and helps ease cost of living pressures for single parents. The government estimates this change will provide additional support to 57,000 single principal carers. This includes 52,000 women and approximately 5,700 First Nations carers. The total investment is $1.9 billion through to 2026-27. The government notes that by age 14, children have typically settled into high school and require less parental supervision, creating an opportunity for parents to increase workforce participation.

Mutual obligation requirements will remain in place. These requirements encourage single parents to participate in employment, study, or training, and maintain connections with the labour force to support their return to work as children grow older.

• Extends Parenting Payment (Single) from child's age 8 to 14

• Increases payment from $745.20 to $922.10 per fortnight

• Supports 57,000 single parents

• Represents a $1.9 billion investment through 2026-27

• Maintains mutual obligation requirements

[1] https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/eight-was-too-low-single-parent-payment-extended-until-youngest-child-is-14-20230508-p5d6jb.html

[2] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-08/single-parenting-payment-cut-off-lifted-from-eight-to-14/102315762

[3] https://www.dss.gov.au/system/files/resources/parenting_payment_-_single_-_fact_sheet_fa.pdf

[4] https://www.pm.gov.au/media/extending-financial-safety-net-single-parents