Many say raising children is expensive, but those familiar with Australia’s welfare system know better: if you’re a permanent resident (PR) or citizen, raising kids here doesn’t have to break the bank—the government actually pays you along the way. From pregnancy to adulthood, every stage comes with subsidies, making it feel like you’re "getting paid to parent"! Let’s break down the benefits Australian PRs can access.

It starts during pregnancy. In Australia’s public healthcare system, nearly all medical costs for childbirth—prenatal checkups, delivery, hospital stays, and even postnatal recovery services—are covered by the government, a huge relief for families without private insurance. As PRs, parents also receive subsidized prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) using their Medicare card, while children get free vaccinations for common diseases.

Once the baby arrives, the cash benefits kick in. The Newborn Upfront Payment and Supplement provides a lump-sum payment followed by ongoing support adjusted for family income and child count. From July 1, 2025, eligible parents can also access up to 24 weeks of Paid Parental Leave paid at the national minimum wage (around $882 weekly before tax in 2025)—essentially, the government funds your time off to care for your newborn. Note: The former Dad and Partner Pay has now been merged into this unified Parental Leave Pay scheme.

As children grow, the support increases. The Family Tax Benefit is a long-term core payment: Part A is available per child based on age and family income, while Part B aids single parents or single-income couples. Combined, they can add up to thousands annually—like a "parenting annuity." Meanwhile, the Child Care Subsidy covers up to 90% of childcare costs for PRs, leaving many families paying just a few dollars per hour.

Education brings more savings. PR and citizen children attend public schools from primary through high school virtually free, with only minor costs for books or uniforms. New migrant families also access free or low-cost parenting programs, early education, and multilingual support. When kids reach university age, they’re eligible for HECS-HELP loans (interest-free, repaid only after graduation) and additional aid like Youth Allowance for low-income households.

While "getting paid to relax" might sound exaggerated, Australia truly ranks among the world’s most generous nations for family benefits. For PRs and citizens, these subsidies not only ease financial pressure but also encourage families to cherish more quality time with their children.