Highlights
- If you have been a permanent resident for less than four years, you can't access Parenting Payments, but you can get Special Benefit from Centrelink.
- Concession cards are available for single parents.
- Single parents can also access rent assistance and Family Tax Benefits.
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In June 2021, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that one in seven families in Australia were one parent families (1.1 million). 79.8% of these families were headed by single mothers.
Mum-of-one MJ and mum-of-two Apreal (last names withheld) are part of the growing statistic.
Apreal of Cairns
Apreal Source: Apreal
Separated since October 2021, Apreal has been able to access childcare subsidies and governement entitlements and support for single parents.
"The kids are with me. I'm not on good terms with my ex.
"I used to work in a hotel, but after we separated I felt guilty about our situation and then putting the kids in childcare; so I quit my job to take care of them."
Apreal's eldest attends childcare twice a week for socialisation and she says that because she has no income, the $100+ fee is subsidised and she only pays $23 a day.
What helps as well is that her aunt has taken them in and allows them to live with her rent-free.
She admits that while her ex pays child support, the amount is not significant and that she relies on Centrelink to survive.
Appreal was also given a concession card so that she could access medication and medical services on a discount.
"I've only recently become a permanent resident, so I can't access other entitlements given to citizens and those who have been permanent residents for four years.
"Also, I made sure that all the entitlements we had before we separated, such as the Family Tax Benefit, go to me and the kids."
Apreal, who is now studying Aged Care and Disability, is hoping to save enough in the future so that she and her children can move out and move forward on their own.
"I'm teaching myself to be okay.
"I also came from a broken family and it's sad that my kids have to go through this too; but I want to prove to everyone that I can raise my kids on my own. My mum raised me by herself too and I'm so thankful to her."
MJ of Sydney
MJ Source: MJ
"I don't want my son to feel like he's missing out on time with us. If he misses either of us, we're close by."
Although the former couple tries to maintain closeness for their son's sake, MJ admits that it can get hard facing the days by herself.
"I don't have family here. Thank goodness for my ex and former in-laws who help with my son."
MJ used to work for an accounting firm, but decided to look for work locally when COVID hit.
"I couldn't go to the office because I had to homeschool my son. It's hard finding a job that will accommodate my time with my son and time for myself.
"Currently, I work doing bookkeping for my ex and I also work as a bar attendant.
"My salary covers my rent and essentials for me and my son.
"Hopefully, my side hustle will pick up so I can earn more."
She says that Parenting Payments given as support by the government help alleviate the financial stress.
"My rent is 380 per week. I have other expenses, such as gas, food, electricity, etc. The government support helps a lot."
MJ admits that she went through a bout of depression when she separated from her husband and questioned the decision she had made.
"I questioned why I did it or if i could do it on my own.
"My family in the Philippines also relies on me for money sometimes and they couldn't quite understand why I had to slow down on sending money when I got separated.
"When I separated, my mum in the Philippines also died of tubercolosis. I couldn't go home because of COVID."
She sought the help of a psychologist and took time to take care of herself.
"I would go to Bondi. I would jog and swim as part of my meditation.
"I tell myself that nothing compared to the hardship I went through growing up poor. I'm strong. I can do this."
Other available support
Aside from the entitlements and support Apreal and MJ receive from the government, eligible single parents can also enquire with Centrelink if they can acquire rent assistance and; get access to Centrepay to help manage their finances.
For more information:
For single dads: MensLine Australia
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