The Abbott government insists it "absolutely" stands by its controversial budget changes to welfare and pensioner concessions.
But it has conceded its overall welfare reforms may not survive in their current form as it wrestles two social security bills through a hostile Senate this week.
It's been reported the government is prepared to cut a deal with Labor to split contentious aspects of the bills that could put planned cuts to pensions and unemployment benefits on the back-burner.
Labor insists its door is open to passing some budget changes but was still awaiting a knock from the government.
Opposition officials told AAP that despite Labor putting forward a clear list of measures the party was prepared to support, the government had yet to hold any talks on whether the bills would be split or the amendments accepted.
The measures include passing changes to the family tax benefit part B primary earner income limit from $150,000 to $100,000, and a stricter means test for the seniors healthcare card, that will assess untaxed superannuation.
It is opposing more contentious measures that quarantine benefits from young people for six months and lock out family payments for those with kids older than six.
Opposition families spokesman Jenny Macklin told reporters on Monday Labor was prepared to support "sensible reforms".
"I call on the government to get real - support Labor's amendments and scrap forever these cruel cuts," she said.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott told parliament the government stood by its budget as it was laid out in May.
But it was prepared to accept some measures needed to be negotiated through the Senate.
"We absolutely stand by all of the proposals in the budget but we absolutely accept and understand that in the end (we) must get parliamentary support," he told parliament.
It is understood Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews' officials plan to hold talks with the Palmer United Party this week, despite the party's public statements opposing the budget measures.
The government needs six crossbench votes, or Labor's support, in the Senate to pass any bills.
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