Birth and adoption

Having a baby or adopting a child is a major event. A range of services and payments are available to assist new parents, including Paid Parental Leave and Baby Bonus. You should also register your new baby or adopted child with the Medicare program.

Who does this information apply to?

This information is for:

• parents of newborns, including members of a couple
• parents of recently adopted children (from within Australia or overseas)
• surrogacy birth mothers

Pregnancy

You will need regular medical services when you are pregnant. You can get a benefit from Medicare for some or all of these services. The amount you get, however, is based on the Australian Government's Medicare Benefits Schedules fee, not on the total that your doctor charges you. Some of your medical costs may also be covered by your private health insurance fund. 

Once you reach a threshold for out-of-pocket medical costs for defined services and qualify for the Medicare Safety Net, visiting a doctor or having tests may cost you less.

More information

• Medicare website - What Medicare covers
• Medicare website - Medicare Safety Net

Financial support

When your baby is born, you may be able to get financial support to help cover the many extra costs involved. 

Working parents may be eligible for Paid Parental Leave at the rate of the National Minimum Wage for a maximum period of 18 weeks. 

Baby Bonus may be paid to eligible families following the birth (including stillbirth) or adoption of a child. 

Paid Parental Leave Scheme and Baby Bonus cannot be paid for the same child. If you are eligible for both payments, you can choose which payment is the best financial decision for your family by using the Paid Parental Leave Estimator. 

Family Tax Benefit A is paid for each child; the amount you get is based on your family's individual circumstance. Family Tax Benefit B may assist single parents and families with one main income.

Special help is available if you live in a remote area, or have a child who is ill or has a disability. You may also get help if you are enrolling to study or starting a job.

If you are separated, you can get help through a range of services available to help you cope with this change.

More information

• Centrelink website - parent or guardian

Overseas adoptions

If you adopt a child from overseas you can add them to your Medicare card from the date the child arrives in Australia if the child is on a:

• permanent resident visa, or
• temporary visa and an application lodged for permanent residence

More information

Medicare website - New residents