Paid Parental Leave scheme for working parents and it’s proposed extension for fathers and other partners Part 1
Ashley Stevens is a Solicitor at Mullane & Lindsay in Newcastle and specialises in Family, Relationship and Matrimonial Law
The Paid Parental Leave scheme entitles working parents of children born or adopted from 1 January 2011 to receive Parental Leave Pay which is funded by the government.
In order to receive Parental Leave Pay, certain eligibility criteria must be met. If eligible, working parents can receive Parental Leave Pay at the rate of the National Minimum Wage (currently $589.40 a week) for up to 18 weeks. Tax is payable on this pay.
It is not possible to receive both Parental Leave Pay and the Baby Bonus for the same child. If you meet the eligibility requirements for both payments, you can compare both options to help you choose which is the best for your family. For more information, see the paid parental leave comparison estimator at www.familyassist.gov.au.
In the case of multiple births (eg twins or triplets), you may be entitled to receive Parental Leave Pay for one child, as well as the Baby Bonus for another child.
Whilst you are receiving Parental Leave Pay, you generally aren’t eligible to receive Family Tax Benefit Part B or some other tax offsets.
If you are eligible for Parental Leave Pay, Centrelink advises that you lodge your claim before the birth or adoption of your child to avoid any delays in receiving payment. A claim can be lodged up to 3 months before the expected due date of birth or adoption.
Ashley Stevens is a Solicitor at Mullane & Lindsay, and practises extensively in Family, Relationship and Matrimonial Law. If you require any assistance in this area please contact Ashley Stevens to arrange a consultation or contact our Newcastle office.