MPs have been told a $25 a week increase in benefits will not lift families out of poverty.
Parliament's social services committee is hearing submissions on legislation that aims to support children in hardship by lifting benefits and increasing work obligations on parents.
UNICEF advocacy manager Deborah Morris-Travers said $25 a week was inadequate, with most families needing at least an extra $100 a week.
A advocate for beneficiaries, Kay Brereton, told the committee proposed work obligations on solo parents should also include study.
She said a parent who was learning has higher expectations for their child to learn.
