Payment options

You can choose to get your Working for Families payments weekly or fortnightly, or in a lump sum after the end of the tax year (31 March). 

Weekly or fortnightly payments

If you choose to get your Working for Families weekly or fortnightly, your payments will be based on your family situation and estimates of your family income for the tax year (1 April to 31 March).

I got a notice or letter about my Working for Families payments

Working out your family income

After the end of the tax year (31 March), when we know your actual family income, we’ll work out your Working for Families entitlement in a square-up based on the most recent information we hold.

Square-up

If you did not receive your full entitlement during the year (you got less than what you were entitled to) we’ll pay you the rest as a refund into your bank account.

If you were paid too much during the year, you’ll need to repay the overpayment to us.

Your income tax assessment will let you know the amount of your refund or how much you need to pay.

End-of-year assessments

Why choose weekly or fortnightly payments

Getting your Working for Families payments throughout the year will help with your day-to-day living expenses.

Lump sum payment

If you choose this option, you’ll get your full Working for Families entitlement in a lump sum (single payment) after the end of the tax year (31 March).

We’ll work out your entitlement based on your family situation and actual family income for the year.

You do not need to estimate.

You’ll see your entitlement on your income tax assessment.

Why choose a lump sum payment

If you choose a lump sum payment for the full tax year, you will not face the risk of an overpayment you’ll need to repay to us.

Changing your payment option

If you get weekly or fortnightly payments, you can change to a lump sum payment (and the other way around) at any time during the year, but there's an increased chance of an under or overpayment at the end of the tax year.

Changes after we confirm your entitlement for the year

What happens if your income tax is reassessed or your family situation is updated after you get your income tax assessment?

We may need to go back and update your Working for Families entitlement. If that happens, you’ll get a new notice of assessment letting you know if there’s an extra refund, or a bill you’ll need to pay.