Single parent Centrelink payments (not for Facebook)

Anon Imperfect Mum

Single parent Centrelink payments (not for Facebook)

Can anyone tell me how much they receive from Centrelink as a single parent with a 14, 10 & 7year old?
I know it varies heaps but I have just done the online calculator and it has estimated $700 per fortnight. I work part time and this amount would not be enough for me to live if I were to leave (And I don’t live extravagantly either!)
I’d there something I’m missing?

Posted in:  Relationships & Marriage, Self Care, Health & Wellbeing, Kids, Money

13 Replies

Anon Imperfect Mum

There is a payment, either spp or newstart, and then there is rent assistance, child support, and Ftb a and b.
Are you estimating all of those?

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Anon Imperfect Mum

So you’d only get spp for the 7 year old and that gets cut off once they turn 8 and then you go on Newstart
You’d also get FTB

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Anon Imperfect Mum

OP here, I calculated FTB and SPP, I already work so wouldn’t get Newstart or rent assistance (own home)
Don’t get me wrong, I’d be totally greatful for whatever I do get but I can’t see how I can continue living as we do now on that amount

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Are you saying you would get $700 a fortnight plus a part time wage, and you couldn't live on that?

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Anon Imperfect Mum

When your child turns eight, you go from single parenting pension to Newstart. If you work part time, you won’t get much. When I was pt earning about 500 a week, Newstart payment for one child was 30, so I didn’t bother claiming. Not sure if you get more for more kids? I don’t think so though. When your child turns eight, all you will likely get is get is ftb a and b.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Yes, that plus my small part time wage I would struggle to pay my mortgage, school fees (catholic school) and other expenses

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Might have to either take your kids out of private schooling or ask the school for help.
Unfortunately Centrelink donnot oay for private education.
And see if you can cut down on other expenses

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Anon Imperfect Mum

You'll have to get familys help, cut costs, work more or earn more.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Most of us end up needing to sell the family home.
What about child support? Is that a decent amount?

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Anon Imperfect Mum

That $700 will probably halve when your youngest is 8. If you can wait to leave then try and start working full time first. If you are eligible for a health care card when you leave then you might be eligible for a discount on school fees. Don't forget about child support too, or work out an agreement with the fees. Work out if you're better off putting a tenant in your house and renting somewhere cheaper. Good luck, it's hard work but it can be done! Just set yourself up with full time employment first, I have been an unemployed single parent and it is horrible. Get job security first then go for it.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Perhaps you could see if you can work full time?

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Thanks, I recently worked a full time week and only brought in an extra $100. I currently work 0.8FTE

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Anon Imperfect Mum

Hmm, may need to go back to state schooling or see if you can apply for a scholarship or concession.

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