With the cost of living climbing across Australia, many families welcoming a new baby can receive government assistance through Parental Leave Pay (PLP) from Centrelink. This payment provides $948.10 per week before tax, allowing parents to take time off work and focus on caring for their child.
A recent update to the program also includes superannuation contributions, boosting retirement savings for parents who access PLP. Despite this, many eligible caregivers, particularly fathers and partners, are missing out on claiming this valuable support.
Overview
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $948.10 weekly pre-tax |
| Maximum Duration | 24 weeks, 120 days |
| Super Boost | 12% super added automatically |
| Eligibility Basics | Income under $180,007 |
| Flexibility Features | Shareable, 4 weeks concurrent |
| Claim Window | Before child’s second birthday |
| Who Misses Out | Dads, partners unaware |
| Future Changes | 26 weeks from 2026 |
What Is Parental Leave Pay and How Much Can You Receive?
PLP is a government-backed payment that replaces part of your wages, so you can care for your baby without the stress of lost income. Starting July 1, 2025, it is set at $948.10 per week, or roughly $183.16 per day.
Eligible families can access up to 120 workdays (24 weeks) in total, depending on their situation. Over the full period, this could add up to around $21,979. Parents may use PLP alongside maternity or paternity leave offered by employers, but it cannot be claimed on days when you are working.
The New Boost: Superannuation Contributions
From July 1, 2025, PLP payments also include a 12% contribution to superannuation funds, managed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This amount is deposited into your super at the end of the financial year.
For parents taking the full 24 weeks, this could mean an extra $2,637 or more added to retirement savings, helping close the gender gap in super balances. This rule applies automatically for children born or adopted on or after July 1, 2025.
Additionally, from July 1, 2026, the scheme will extend to 26 weeks (130 days) while keeping the super boost in place.
Recent Program Changes for More Flexibility
To better reflect modern parenting needs, the PLP scheme has introduced several updates:
- Extended Duration: Families can now access up to 24 weeks of PLP. Four weeks are reserved for partners or secondary caregivers.
- Shared Leave: Parents may split PLP days, take them in blocks, or even overlap up to four weeks together. Days must be used before the child’s second birthday.
- Payment Delivery: Typically handled by employers (reimbursed by government), though Centrelink can pay directly when required.
- Updated Rate: Increased from $915.80 to $948.10 per week, in line with the national minimum wage rise.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for PLP, applicants must meet specific requirements:
- Income Test: Individual taxable income must be below $180,007, or combined family income under $373,094.
- Work Requirement: At least 10 months of work in the 13 months before the child’s birth/adoption, with a minimum of 330 hours worked.
- Residency: Must be an Australian resident or hold a valid visa.
- Other Rules: Births must be registered, and PLP cannot be claimed on working days. Payments cover one child per birth/adoption (no doubling for twins).
How to Claim
Claiming PLP is straightforward if planned ahead:
- Set Up myGov: Link your Centrelink account to myGov.
- Apply Early: Submit your claim up to 3 months before birth/adoption. Both parents apply if sharing.
- Provide Proof: Submit registration documents once the child arrives.
- Notify Employer: Give at least 10 weeks’ notice before starting leave.
- Follow Deadlines: Claims must be made within 52 weeks of birth for the primary parent, and by the child’s second birthday for partners.
For help, families can access Services Australia’s calculators, online resources, or multilingual helplines.
Why Are Many Families Missing Out?
Despite its benefits, data shows that only around one-third of applications come from fathers or partners. Many assume PLP is only for mothers, or that employer leave entitlements make them ineligible.
This lack of awareness means families not only miss out on immediate support but also lose the long-term financial advantage of super contributions. Services Australia continues to encourage both parents to claim, supporting shared caregiving and financial stability.
$948 Centrelink PLP: Immediate and Future Benefits
The enhanced $948 weekly PLP—combined with super contributions—provides crucial financial relief and retirement support for Australian families. By claiming, parents gain flexibility, income security, and a stronger future foundation.
Yet underuse remains a challenge, especially among partners. Families are urged to explore their eligibility and make the most of this program via Services Australia.
