Parental Leave Pay: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to claim up to 20 weeks of pay to support you as a primary carer for your newborn or newly adopted child.
Parental Leave Pay is a government payment designed to help support you while you take time off to care for a new child.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically for the primary carer of a newborn baby or a newly adopted child. It is intended to provide financial support to the person taking on the main caregiving responsibilities during the early stages of a child's life.
What you get
If you qualify, you can receive up to 20 weeks of pay to help manage your household finances while you are away from work. The amount of money you receive is calculated based on the national minimum wage.
What it costs you
While there is no fee to access this support, there are strict work history requirements you must meet. You must satisfy a "work test," which requires you to have worked for 10 of the 13 months immediately before your period of leave begins.
The catch to know
It is important to understand that you cannot receive these payments while you are working. There is a small exception for "keeping in touch" days, which allow you to perform limited work duties without losing your eligibility, but generally, the payment is intended for when you are not working.
How to apply
- Confirm that you meet the work test requirements regarding your employment history over the previous 13 months.
- Prepare any necessary documentation related to the birth or adoption of your child.
- Visit the official government portal to submit your application and provide the required details.
- Follow the instructions on the portal to complete your claim process.