You should always check the most up-to-date information for your personal circumstances on the official Services Australia website.
1. When You Are Pregnant or Have Newborn Babies
When you have twins or more on the way, there are several key payments you may be eligible for. Knowing these in advance and understanding the application process can make a world of difference.
Family Payments
Your family may be entitled to one or more of the following:
Multiple Birth Allowance
This payment is specifically for parents of triplets, quadruplets, or more. A common point of confusion for multi-parents is that the Australian Government does not consider twins to be a “multiple birth” for the purpose of this particular allowance. While this may seem unusual, it’s a critical detail to be aware of when filling out your application.
Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement
This payment is designed to help with the initial costs of a newborn. A significant benefit for multi-parents is that you may receive these payments for each child. The Newborn Upfront Payment is a lump sum, while the Newborn Supplement is an ongoing payment for up to 13 weeks. Both are subject to an income test, which is tied to your eligibility for Family Tax Benefit Part A. If you are eligible for Parental Leave Pay, you can still receive the Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement for the other child or children in a multiple birth.
Paid Parental Leave (PPL)
This is a payment for the primary carer of a new child while they are on leave from work. Eligibility is determined by a work test (you must have worked for 10 of the 13 months before the birth) and an income test. In the case of twins, you can only claim Parental Leave Pay for one child.
Dad and Partner Pay
This is a separate, one-off payment for the working parent who does not claim Parental Leave Pay. It is available for up to two weeks to help them take time off work to care for the new babies.
Family Tax Benefit A (FTB A) and Family Tax Benefit B (FTB B)
These are ongoing payments designed to assist with the costs of raising children. They are both income-tested, and the amount you receive depends on your family’s circumstances. FTB A is a per-child payment, while FTB B is a family-based payment for single-income households or those with a primary carer earning a lower income.
2. When You Have Children in Childcare
As your twins grow, you may need to look at childcare options. The Childcare Subsidy (CCS) is a government payment to help with the cost of approved childcare.
Childcare Subsidy (CCS)
This payment replaced the old Childcare Rebate (CCR) and Childcare Benefit (CCB) and came into effect in July 2018. Eligibility is based on a combined family income test. The amount of subsidy you receive is calculated as a percentage of your childcare fees, up to a maximum number of hours per fortnight. This percentage is determined by your family’s income and your activity level, which includes paid work, training, and volunteering. The great news for multi-parents is that the number of hours of CCS you can access per fortnight applies to each child.
3. Applying for Centrelink Payments
The most efficient way to apply for these payments is online through the MyGov website.
Setting Up Your Account
If you don’t have a MyGov account, you’ll need to create one and link it to your Centrelink online account. This can often be done by proving your identity online. If you’ve used Centrelink before, you may have a Customer Reference Number (CRN) and can use a linking code obtained over the phone.
The Application Process
When you log in, go to the Families section. The application is a series of questions that will automatically assess your eligibility for various payments.
Pre-Birth Application
You can apply up to three months before your due date. Given that twins often arrive early, it is highly recommended that you submit your application as soon as you can. This will allow your claim to be assessed early and payments to begin as soon as possible after the birth.
The “Multiple Births” Question
As we mentioned earlier, the Australian Government does not consider twins to be a multiple birth for the purpose of the Multiple Birth Allowance. Therefore, when you get to the question “Is this a multiple birth?”, you must answer “no” if you are expecting twins.
Finalising Your Claim After Birth
After your babies are born, you will need to provide proof of birth to Centrelink. Your midwife will give you a signed form at the hospital. An easy way to submit this is to take a photo of the form with your phone and upload it through the Centrelink Express Plus app.
A Crucial Tip for Parents of Twins
Many multi-parents have encountered issues with getting both twins registered with Centrelink and Medicare. This is often because the application process is not clear, especially after answering “no” to the multiple births question. I highly recommend calling the Families phone line (136 150) to ensure your claim has been processed correctly. If you explain that you are in financial hardship, they may be able to process your claim immediately. I also recommend calling early in the morning when they are less busy. When you speak to a staff member, make sure to explicitly state that this is an application for twins. This simple step can prevent delays and ensure both of your babies are correctly registered for all payments and Medicare.
Don’t let the administrative details add to your stress. With a bit of preparation and the right information, you can navigate the system efficiently and get the support your family is entitled to.
For more expert tips and guidance on all aspects of preparing for the arrival of your babies, consider booking a comprehensive birth and baby care class with us. We’ll help you feel confident and prepared for the beautiful journey ahead.