Paid Parental Leave
Updated: Sep 29
Starting or growing your family is one of life's biggest milestones, but it often comes with financial challenges. That’s where Australia's Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme steps in, offering essential financial support so you can focus on what matters most: your new child.
What Is Paid Parental Leave?
Paid Parental Leave is a government-funded benefit that helps new parents take time off work after the birth or adoption of a child. The scheme ensures income support during this critical period, helping ease the transition into parenthood without risking your financial stability or career.
Who Is Eligible?
To access Paid Parental Leave, you must meet all three of the following tests:
Primary Carer Test: You must be the person who is primarily responsible for the care of a newborn or newly adopted child.
Work Test: You need to have worked for at least 10 of the 13 months before the birth or adoption, and have completed at least 330 hours during that period (approximately one day a week).
Income Test: Your adjusted taxable income must be $150,000 or less in the financial year before the birth or adoption.
How Long Does Paid Parental Leave Last?
Eligible parents can receive up to 18 weeks of government-funded leave, paid at the national minimum wage. As of 2025, that equates to over $850 per week, paid fortnightly.
You can:
Take the leave in a continuous block,
Split the leave into separate blocks (with employer agreement),
Use the leave any time within the first 12 months of the child's birth or adoption.
This flexibility allows families to tailor the leave to suit their unique needs and employment situations.
How to Apply for Paid Parental Leave
Applying is straightforward, but it’s crucial to start early:
When to Apply: You can lodge your claim up to 3 months before your child is due. Final applications must be submitted within 40 weeks after the birth or adoption.
Where to Apply: Submit your application through Services Australia via MyGov.
Documents Needed:
Proof of birth or adoption,
Employment and income history,
Personal identification.
Note: Employers may need to confirm your work details, especially if they’ll be passing the payments on to you.
Paid Parental Leave is a vital support tool for working families across Australia. By understanding the eligibility criteria, leave options, and application process, you can confidently plan your transition into parenthood without financial stress.
If you're unsure about how this impacts your financial position or employer obligations, speak to your accountant or business advisor. At Dolman Bateman, we’re here to help you navigate this important time with confidence and clarity.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial, legal or tax advice. All content relates to the current financial year only. Future changes to tax laws, thresholds or administrative requirements may affect the accuracy or relevance of this information, so you should always confirm that the guidance remains current. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, Dolman Bateman accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information. You should seek professional advice tailored to your circumstances before making any financial or tax decision.
