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Government assistance for grandparents

Being responsible for the wellbeing of your grandchildren has many financial implications which can put extra strain on your family finances. Centrelink and the Family Assistance Office will be able to advise you about any financial assistance you are entitled to, as well as providing information and services for grandparents bringing up their grandchildren.

In certain circumstances you can apply for child support from the child’s parents. More information can be found at the Child Support Agency website.

For information about any payments read Are you a grandparent or relative caring for children?

Find out more:

• ABSTUDY — an allowance that may help you stay at school or in further study if you are an Indigenous secondary or tertiary student or a full-time Australian Apprentice.
• Age Pension — ensures you have an adequate income in your retirement.
• Carer allowance (child) — is a supplementary payment for parents or carers who provide daily care and attention for children with a disability or severe medical condition at home.
• Carer payment — helps if you provide constant care of a child who has a disability or medical condition.
• Child Care Benefit — helps you with the cost of child care.
• Disability Sickness and Carers — payments are available if you are ill, injured, or have a disability.
• Double Orphan Pension — helps you meet the costs of caring for children who are orphans.
• Family Assistance Offices — have been set up in Medicare Australia offices and Centrelink Customer Service Centres across the country, offering a range of payments to support families with their work and family responsibilities.
• Family Tax Benefit Part A — helps you with the cost of raising children.
• Family Tax Benefit Part B — helps single parents and families with one main income.
• Foster Child Health Care Card — may be eligible for the foster child in your care.
• Grandparent Child Care Benefit Brochure — provides information about Centrelink assistance and Medicare benefits.
• Health Care Card — entitles you to cheaper medicines and some other concessions.
• Maternity Immunisation Allowance — is a payment to encourage parents to immunise their children.
• New Start Allowance — helps you while you are looking for work and allows you to participate in activities designed to increase your chances of finding work.
• Parenting Payment — helps people who are primary carers of children.
• Low Income Health Care Card — entitles you to Commonwealth health and other concessions.
• Retirement Services — Information for those planning for or needing help with retirement.
• Youth Allowance — can help if your child is aged between 16 and 20 years and studying or looking for work.
• Youth and Student Services — assistance for children looking for work or studying.

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• Page updated: Jul 13, 2010