Welcoming a newborn or adopted child is an exciting milestone—but it can also be expensive. To help new parents with early costs, Centrelink offers the $2,735 Newborn Payment in 2025. This payment combines an upfront lump sum with a short-term supplement, giving families a financial boost when they need it most.
What Is the Newborn Payment?
The Newborn Payment supports Australian residents who have given birth or adopted their first child. The payment is part of the Family Tax Benefit system and is designed to help cover essentials like baby gear, medical expenses, and everyday living costs.
Payment Breakdown
| Child | Upfront Payment | Newborn Supplement | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| First child | $683 | $2,052.05 | $2,735.05 |
| Additional children | $683 | $685.23 | $1,368.23 |
The supplement is paid over 13 weeks alongside Family Tax Benefit Part A, giving parents a steady boost during those first critical months.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the 2025 Newborn Payment:
- You must live in Australia
- You must have given birth or adopted a child
- You must be the primary carer of the child
- You must meet the income and asset test limits
- You cannot already be receiving Parental Leave Pay for the same child
- Only Australian residents can claim
If your partner is already receiving the payment or Parental Leave Pay, you cannot claim the same benefit for that child.
How Payments Work
- Upfront Payment: $683 paid directly into your bank account.
- Newborn Supplement: Paid over 13 weeks with Family Tax Benefit Part A.
- Twins: One child can receive the Newborn Supplement, while the other may receive Parental Leave Pay, ensuring both children receive support.
These payments are non-taxable, so they won’t affect your tax return or other government benefits.
How to Claim
Claiming is simple and mostly done online:
- Log in to your myGov account linked to Centrelink.
- Navigate to the Family section and start your Family Tax Benefit claim.
- Add details of your newborn or adopted child.
- Submit the claim with supporting documents, such as birth or adoption certificates.
- Centrelink reviews your claim and deposits the payments directly into your account.
Tip: Apply within 3 months of the child’s birth or adoption to avoid missing out.
Quick Tips for Smooth Processing
- Apply early to prevent delays
- Keep your documents ready
- Ensure your myGov account details are up-to-date
- Verify your eligibility before applying
FAQs
Who can claim the Newborn Payment?
Parents who gave birth or adopted a child and meet Australian residency requirements.
Is the payment taxable?
No, it is completely tax-free.
What if I have twins?
You can claim the Newborn Supplement for one child and Parental Leave Pay for the other.
When should I apply?
Apply within 3 months of your child’s birth or adoption.
Can I get this payment along with Parental Leave Pay?
No, you can only claim one benefit per child.
Conclusion
The $2,735 Centrelink Newborn Payment 2025 is a valuable financial boost for new parents, helping ease the pressures of early childcare costs. By applying on time and understanding your eligibility, you can make the most of this support and focus on enjoying life with your new baby.