Information for parents of teenagers

The age of your child affects your eligibility for:

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A
FTB Part B
Child Care Subsidy.

It also impacts their ability to claim payments and access services in their own right.

If you’re the parent of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student or apprentice, you can claim ABSTUDY. We pay it for children in both primary and secondary study. There are 7 ABSTUDY awards that help us work out which payments you can get. This means there are options whether your child moves away from home for study, or remains at home.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers eligible children and teenagers 2 to 17 years old.

What happens when your child turns 13

When your child turns 13, your Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A and Part B will change. So may your Child Care Subsidy. Your child can also sign an application for a Tax File Number (TFN).

What happens when your child turns 14

When your child turns 14, they can get their Medicare and immunisation history statements. They can also get a bank account.

What happens when your child turns 15

When your child turns 15, there are some changes for your and your child’s Medicare card.

What happens when your child turns 16

When your child turns 16, your Family Tax Benefit (FTB) may change. Your child may be eligible for a payment. They can also register as an organ donor.

What happens when your child turns 18

Your child turning 18 or stopping school may affect Family Tax Benefit (FTB), child support and their eligibility for payment. Turning 18 will also end their Child Dental Benefit Schedule cover.

What happens when your child turns 19

When your child turns 19, your eligibility for Family Tax Benefit (FTB) stops. There are also some things to know if they start tertiary study.

Page last updated: 29 March 2019