Support options for single parents
It can be really hard to think about your own needs as a single parent when you’re constantly focused on your child. But be assured: you don’t have to parent your child on your own.
We’ve put together this handy guide to the financial and wellbeing supports that are available to you. Reaching out when you’re stressed or run-down is one of the best ways to look after both your wellbeing and your child’s.
Financial support services for single parents
Your first stop for a wide range of government supports, including:
Family Tax Benefit (helps with the cost of raising children)
Child Care Subsidy (for children aged 13 and under)
Double Orphan Pension (if you’re caring for a child whose parents cannot care for them or have died)
Isolated Children Scheme (for children who can’t attend local schools due to their location or special needs)
Youth Allowance (for young people aged 16–24 who are studying or looking for work)
Medicare (bulk-billed GP visits and other health benefits)
education supplements (to cover such expenses as school fees, uniforms, excursions and extracurricular activities)
crisis payments (one-off payments if you’re experiencing severe financial hardship)
They also provide:
referrals to financial counsellors
Visit the Services Australia website or call Services Australia to explore the support options available.
Free, independent and confidential financial counselling if you’re experiencing money worries.
Call 1800 007 007, 9.30 am–4.30 pm, Monday to Friday; or visit the National Debt Helpline website for an online chat, 9 am–8 pm, Monday to Friday. You can also search the NDH counsellor directory to find a local financial counsellor.
A not-for-profit supporting women, girls and families. Offers No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS) to help with essentials like school expenses, whitegoods or car repairs – no interest, no fees.
Visit the Good Shepherd website for eligibility and application info.
Many community centres offer:
emergency relief and food vouchers
help with utility bills
parenting programs
financial education.
Use the Ask Izzy website or app to search for free local services near you.
Wellbeing support services for single parents
Free, confidential online service for parents of 12–18-year-olds. Includes up to four coaching sessions with a family support professional to help with parenting strategies and challenges.
Sign up for your first coaching session, or check out the One-on-One Support FAQs for more info.
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention via phone and online chat.
Call their 24/7 hotline on 13 11 14, or check out the Lifeline website for more info.
Provides confidential sexual assault and family and domestic violence counselling via phone and webchat.
Call their 24/7 helpline on 1800 737 732, or visit the 1800RESPECT website for more info.
Offers relationship counselling, parenting advice, dispute resolution and legal assistance for separated parents. Multilingual services are available.
Check out the Family Relationships Online website for more info.
Support groups and mentorship for separated parents, focusing on preventing isolation and suicide. If you’re in a place where you want to help other single parents, they’re also always looking for people to get involved.
Check out the Parents Beyond Breakup website for more info.
Professional counselling for men via phone or online chat, covering parenting, separation, relationships and mental health.
Call their 24/7 hotline on 1300 789 978, or check out the MensLine Australia website for more info.
The national peak body for single mothers. Offers support, advocacy, resources and an active Facebook group.
Visit the Single Mother Families Australia website for more info.
Offers support, advocacy and referrals for Victorian single mothers.
Visit the Council of Single Mothers and their Children website for more info.
Provides family law support and advocacy for separated parents, not just dads. (One-third of their members are women.)
Visit the Lone Fathers Association of Australia website for more info.
Support for navigating blended families. Offers online resources, counselling referrals and parenting strategies.
Visit the Stepfamilies Australia website for more info.
Other sources of support for single parents
Your friendship network can be a powerful source of informal support, and it can be less complicated than looking to family members for help. Even simple things can be helpful.
Ask a trusted friend to help with occasional school pickups.
Text or call someone when you need to vent or just to catch up.
Chat to other parents at school events – you may have more in common than you might think.
Your employer or university may offer:
flexible working hours
parental leave options
on-site child care
student welfare officers and counselling.
Always ask – you might be surprised by what’s available.
Your GP can:
refer you to free or low-cost mental health services
provide care plans for counselling (Medicare rebates available)
recommend support for parenting, health and relationships.
Don’t hesitate to raise your concerns with your GP, as they’re there to help.
Find single-parent support groups, playgroups, food banks and low-cost legal clinics through:
your local council
community centres
libraries
neighbourhood houses.
You can also explore shared-interest groups like book clubs, walking groups or creative workshops, to expand your social circle.
Sometimes, you might just need an app to help you juggle everything you’ve got on your plate. Here are some that will help to make life a bit easier.
Frollo: Budgeting and bill tracking.
Bring!: Shareable grocery lists.
Supercook: Recipe ideas based on what you have at home.
Cozi: Shared family calendar and organiser.
Headspace or Smiling Mind: Guided meditations to help you recharge.
Ask Izzy: Find local services like food relief, housing and parenting support.
Check out our list of helplines for parents of teens. These services are really helpful if you spend a lot of time at home or sometimes just need someone to listen.
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