Centrelink Parental Leave Pay is financial support provided by the Australian government to help working parents during the period they take time off after the birth or adoption of a child. The payment is based on the national minimum wage and may be paid through an employer or directly by Services Australia, depending on the individual situation.
During the 2025–2026 financial year, eligible parents can receive $189.62 per weekday of approved leave, which totals $948.10 per week before tax.
This government payment is separate from employer-provided parental leave. In many cases, parents can combine both benefits to receive additional financial support.
The program is also expanding. The number of leave weeks available is gradually increasing for children born or adopted between July 2023 and July 2026.
How Claiming the Weekly Rate Works
For children born or adopted on or after 1 July 2023, Parental Leave Pay entitlements are increasing over time. Families can receive up to 20 weeks of payments initially, with the entitlement gradually rising to 26 weeks by 1 July 2026.
This means eligible families could receive approximately six months of income support at the national minimum wage if they meet the work and income tests.
The Paid Parental Leave system also includes dedicated partner leave. Partner leave days will increase from 10 days to 20 days by 2026, giving both parents the opportunity to participate in early caregiving.
PLP Weekly Rate and Duration
| Financial Year / Birth Window | Weekly Rate (Before Tax) | Maximum PLP Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 (PLP taken in this year) | $915.80 per 5-day week | Up to 24 weeks by mid-2025 |
| 2025–26 (PLP taken in this year) | $948.10 per 5-day week | Up to 26 weeks by 1 July 2026 |
The amount you receive depends on both the financial year in which you take leave and the rules related to your child’s birth or adoption date.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Parental Leave Pay, parents must meet several requirements, including:
- Meeting the income cap set by the government
- Passing the work test requirement
- Caring for a newborn or recently adopted child
The work test ensures that the payment supports working parents who temporarily step away from employment to care for their child.
However, some families mistakenly believe they are not eligible and never apply. In many cases, parents can still receive PLP even if their employer offers paid parental leave.
How to Claim the $948 Weekly Support
The easiest way to apply is through your myGov account linked to Centrelink.
Parents are encouraged to submit their claim before the baby is born or before the adoption is finalized. After the birth or adoption, the claim can be updated with official registration details from the state or territory registry.
If both parents plan to share the leave, each parent must submit their own claim and meet the eligibility requirements.
Services Australia recommends arranging parental leave with your employer at least 10 weeks before the expected birth or adoption to avoid delays in receiving payments.
Preparing documents in advance, checking personal details carefully, and submitting claims early can help ensure payments start on time.
Why the $948 Weekly Support Matters
Welcoming a new baby often brings additional financial pressure. Families may face increased expenses while one parent temporarily stops working.
Costs such as diapers, baby formula, healthcare, and childcare can quickly add up. The weekly Parental Leave Pay helps ensure families maintain a minimum level of income during this important time.
Another recent improvement is the addition of superannuation contributions to the payment. This helps parents, especially mothers, avoid long-term retirement savings gaps caused by unpaid caregiving periods.
As a result, the $948 weekly support is not only important for short-term household budgets but also contributes to long-term financial stability and improved gender equity in the workforce.
FAQs
Q1 Is the $948 Centrelink payment a lump sum or weekly?
The payment is made weekly. It is calculated at $189.62 per day for a five-day week during the 2025–2026 financial year.
Q2 Can I combine the $948 weekly PLP with my employer’s paid leave?
Yes. Parental Leave Pay can be combined with employer-provided parental leave in many situations if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Q3 Do both parents need to apply to share the leave?
Yes. If parents want to share the government-funded Parental Leave Pay, both parents must submit separate claims and meet the eligibility rules.