Multiple Birth Supplement: FTB Guide for Twins, Triplets and Higher-Order Multiples

Welcoming twins, triplets, or more brings immense joy—and significant additional costs. The Australian government recognises these unique challenges through the Multiple Birth Allowance, an additional payment on top of standard Family Tax Benefit entitlements. Understanding these extra benefits helps families with multiples plan financially for the exciting years ahead.

What is the Multiple Birth Allowance?

The Multiple Birth Allowance (MBA) is an additional fortnightly payment made to families with triplets or more, or families with more than one set of twins born during the same pregnancy. It's designed to help cover the extra costs associated with raising multiple children of the same age—from needing multiple car seats and cots to the increased consumption of nappies, formula, and food.

For the 2026-27 financial year, the Multiple Birth Allowance pays $168.28 per fortnight for families with triplets, quadruplets, or higher-order multiples. This is paid in addition to the standard FTB Part A and FTB Part B payments for each child. The allowance continues until the children turn 16, or up to 18 if they're in full-time secondary study.

It's worth noting that while the MBA specifically targets triplets and higher-order multiples, families with twins still receive substantial support through receiving FTB Part A for each child individually. Two FTB Part A payments combined can provide significant assistance for twin families.

FTB Part A for Multiple Children

Every child in a multiple birth is counted individually for FTB Part A purposes. If you have twins aged 2 years old, you receive two payments at the 0-4 age rate of $187.08 per fortnight each, totaling $374.16 fortnightly. For triplets, that becomes $561.24 fortnightly at the maximum rate—plus the Multiple Birth Allowance.

The income test applies to your total FTB Part A payment, not each child individually. However, having more children increases your overall maximum payment, which means you can have higher family income while still receiving payments. The income reduction rates and thresholds remain the same, but the larger maximum payment provides a cushion against income-related reductions.

Families with multiple births also benefit from the large family supplement—an additional $89.32 per fortnight for the fourth and each subsequent child. While most families with twins or triplets may not reach this threshold immediately, those with existing children plus multiples may qualify for this additional payment.

FTB Part B Considerations

Unlike FTB Part A, which is paid per child, FTB Part B is a family payment. Having twins or triplets doesn't increase your FTB Part B amount—you receive the same payment as a family with one child of the same age. However, if your youngest children are multiples, you'll receive FTB Part B until they turn 13 (or 18 for single parents), ensuring longer-term support.

For families with multiple births, the FTB Part B payment of $167.74 per fortnight (for youngest child under 5) provides general family support while FTB Part A addresses the per-child costs. This payment structure means families with multiples receive significantly more total support than families with a single child, even though Part B itself doesn't multiply.

Newborn Supplement for Multiples

When your multiples are born, you may be eligible for the Newborn Supplement for each child. The Newborn Supplement is paid for 13 weeks following the birth and totals up to $1,852.93 per child for eligible families. This is paid in addition to your regular FTB Part A payments and can provide a significant boost during those expensive early months.

To qualify for Newborn Supplement, your family income must be below $84,000 per year. The supplement is available for families who don't receive Paid Parental Leave, or it can be received alongside PPL if you choose not to receive PPL for any reason. Given the higher costs associated with multiple births, ensuring you receive this supplement can make a meaningful difference.

After the 13-week Newborn Supplement period ends, you may also receive the Newborn Upfront Payment of $617 per child as a lump sum. This one-off payment helps with the initial costs of welcoming new babies and is available to families who receive FTB Part A for their newborns.

Child Care Subsidy for Multiples

Childcare can be one of the biggest expenses for families with multiples. The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) is paid for each child individually, and families with multiple children may receive a higher subsidy rate due to the tiered family income structure. Having two or more children in care can increase your base subsidy percentage.

For families with triplets or more, the childcare costs can be substantial even with subsidies. Some state governments and childcare providers offer additional discounts for multiple children. It's worth researching local options and speaking with childcare centres about their policies for multiples.

Support Services for Multiple Birth Families

Beyond financial assistance, families with multiples can access various support services. The Australian Multiple Birth Association (AMBA) provides invaluable peer support, practical advice, and resources specific to multiple birth families. Local playgroups for multiples can connect you with other families who understand the unique joys and challenges you face.

Many hospitals offer specialist multiple birth clinics that provide ongoing support after discharge. Health visitors and maternal child health nurses often provide additional home visits for families with multiples, recognising the increased demands on parents. Don't hesitate to reach out for support—raising multiples is rewarding but demanding.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple Birth Allowance pays $168.28/fortnight for triplets or more
• FTB Part A is paid separately for each child in a multiple birth
• Newborn Supplement of up to $1,852.93 is available per child
• FTB Part B is a family payment and doesn't multiply with additional children
• Child Care Subsidy rates may increase with multiple children in care
• Support groups and specialist services are available for multiple birth families

Raising multiples is a unique adventure that brings double, triple, or more of everything—including expenses. By understanding your FTB entitlements, the Multiple Birth Allowance, and other available support, you can ensure your family receives all the financial assistance you're entitled to. Congratulations on your growing family!