$667 Baby Bonus from Centrelink in 2025 – Are You Eligible to Get it?

$667 Baby Bonus from Centrelink in 2025: Starting or growing a family can be one of life’s most exciting journeys — but it often comes with significant financial pressure. From buying baby essentials to navigating unpaid leave, the costs of raising a newborn can stack up quickly. Fortunately, Services Australia provides a range of financial supports for families, and in 2025, one of the most talked-about benefits is the $667 Baby Bonus from Centrelink, officially known as the Newborn Upfront Payment.

This detailed, expert-backed guide explains exactly what the Baby Bonus is, how much you could receive, who is eligible, and how to apply. Whether you’re expecting your first child, expanding your family, or exploring options as a carer or adoptive parent, this article is packed with practical advice and easy-to-understand information — all written to help you make confident decisions about your family’s future.

$667 Baby Bonus from Centrelink in 2025

What is the $667 Baby Bonus?

The $667 Baby Bonus is a non-taxable, one-time lump sum provided to families who meet the eligibility criteria. Officially called the Newborn Upfront Payment, this benefit is part of the broader Newborn Supplement available through Centrelink under Services Australia.

It’s intended to help parents and caregivers with the upfront costs of caring for a newborn or adopted child. Think about all the things a baby needs in their first few weeks: nappies, baby formula, clothing, bottles, bedding, a car seat — it adds up. This payment helps alleviate that initial financial stress.

The scheme is more focused and means-tested than the old Baby Bonus abolished in 2014. It’s designed to ensure families who need the most help are the ones who receive it. This targeting also means that more support may be given through other programs depending on your family situation and income.

How Much Can You Get From Baby Bonus from Centrelink?

There are two parts to the financial assistance:

1. Newborn Upfront Payment

• Amount: $667 per child
• Type: One-time lump sum
• Timing: Paid soon after birth or adoption once claim is processed

2. Newborn Supplement

• Amount (First Child): Up to $2,003.82 over 13 weeks
• Amount (Subsequent Children): Up to $668.85 over 13 weeks
• Paid: Fortnightly with your Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A

The Newborn Supplement is income-tested and calculated based on your family income and how long you are the child’s primary carer. This additional amount is especially helpful for families needing time off work to care for their newborns.

Together, these two payments can provide over $2,670 in financial support for a first child.

Who is Eligible for the Baby Bonus in 2025?

To receive the Baby Bonus (Newborn Upfront Payment and Supplement), families must meet the following criteria:

General Eligibility Requirements:

• You must be eligible for Family Tax Benefit Part A
• You must be the primary carer of a newborn or adopted child
• You must not be receiving Parental Leave Pay for the same child

Additional Eligibility Conditions:

• You must be an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa
• The child must be in your primary care for at least 35% of the time
• The child must be under 1 year of age when you claim

Special Cases:

• Multiple Births: If you have twins, triplets, or more, you can receive the payment for each child.
• Adoptive parents, legal guardians, or carers (such as grandparents or kinship carers) may also qualify under certain circumstances.

What Disqualifies You?

• Receiving Parental Leave Pay for the same child
• Not meeting the residency or care requirements

Pro tip: Use the online eligibility checker on Services Australia to assess your status.

How to Apply for the Newborn Upfront Payment

Applying is straightforward if you follow the steps carefully. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Create or Log in to Your myGov Account

• Visit myGov
• Link your myGov account to Centrelink
• If you’re new, create a Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN)

Step 2: Submit a Pre-Birth Claim

• You can lodge your claim up to 3 months before your baby is due
• This helps ensure faster payment after the birth

Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents

• Submit proof of birth or adoption documentation
• These can usually be uploaded through the Centrelink Express Plus mobile app

Step 4: Wait for Approval

• Centrelink will assess your application and determine eligibility for both the lump sum and supplement

Step 5: Receive Payment

• Once approved, funds are released either as a lump sum or in combination with your Family Tax Benefit Part A payments

If you don’t have a myGov account, contact Centrelink directly or visit a Service Centre to complete your claim in person.

What if You Are Also Eligible for Parental Leave Pay?

Here’s a crucial detail: You cannot receive both the Baby Bonus (Newborn Upfront Payment) and Parental Leave Pay for the same child. You need to decide which benefit suits your situation best.

Comparison:

• Parental Leave Pay provides up to 100 days (20 weeks) of payments based on the national minimum wage (currently around $882 per week before tax)
• The Baby Bonus is smaller but may be better for parents who are ineligible for Parental Leave Pay due to employment history or income

Which Should You Choose?

• If you’ve worked enough in the months leading up to your child’s birth and meet the income and residency test, Parental Leave Pay usually offers more money
• If you haven’t met work requirements or need flexibility, the Baby Bonus may be better suited

More information is available on the Parental Leave Pay page.

Other Family Support Payments You May Be Eligible For

Family Tax Benefit Part A

• For families with children aged 0–19
• Paid fortnightly or annually
• Income-tested

Family Tax Benefit Part B

• Additional payment for single parents or single-income families
• Helps with the cost of raising children

Parenting Payment

• Income support for eligible low-income parents
• Can be combined with other benefits

Rent Assistance

• Helps low-income earners who rent privately
• Paid as part of your regular Centrelink payments

Multiple Birth Allowance

• Extra support for families with triplets or more

Each payment has different eligibility requirements, so it’s worth visiting the Family Assistance Guide to see what else you may qualify for.

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FAQs About $667 Baby Bonus from Centrelink in 2025

Can both parents receive the Baby Bonus?

No. The Baby Bonus is paid only to the primary carer of the child — usually the mother or the person legally responsible for the child.

Can I get the Baby Bonus if I’m not an Australian citizen?

You may still be eligible if you hold a permanent visa, special category visa, or meet residency exemptions (e.g., refugee status).

Is the Baby Bonus available for every child I have?

Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each child — including for twins, triplets, or children adopted separately.

What documents do I need to submit?

Typically, you’ll need:

• Proof of birth (from the hospital or birth registration)
• Proof of adoption (if applicable)
• Identification documents for yourself and the child

How long does it take to receive the payment?

Once all documents are submitted and approved, you’ll usually receive the lump sum within 2–4 weeks.

Does the payment affect my other benefits?

No, both the Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement are non-taxable and do not reduce other payments you receive.