In Australia, the government offers paid parental leave to help families with the cost of raising a child. This leave is available to parents who are working, self-employed, or on leave without pay. The leave can be taken as a single block of up to 18 weeks or as two separate blocks of up to 8 weeks each.
The government’s paid parental leave scheme is designed to support families after the birth or adoption of a child. It can be used to help with the costs of childcare, family leave, and other related expenses. The leave is tax-free and paid at the National Minimum Wage.
The government’s paid parental leave scheme is one of the most generous in the world. It is available to all eligible parents, regardless of their employment status. This leave can make a big difference for families and help them to better afford the costs of raising a child.
How to become eligible in the Australian Government Paid Parental Leave scheme.
The Australian Government Paid Parental Leave scheme affords payments to any eligible working parent to help with the costs of having a baby or adopting a child. The scheme is administered by the Department of Human Services.
To be eligible for the scheme, you must have:
• worked for at least 12 months before the birth or adoption of your child
• met the income test
• have an employer that is registered with the scheme
• have an employer that has paid you Parental Leave Pay
If you meet all of the above criteria, you will be eligible for a government-funded Parental Leave Pay at the rate of the national minimum wage for 18 weeks max.
Payment of Parental Leave Pay
Eligible parents can start receiving paid parental leave from the day their baby is born or from the day they adopt a child. Parents can also receive up to two weeks of paid leave before the baby is born if they are the primary carer.
To be eligible for the scheme, parents must have worked for at least 10 of the 13 months before the baby is born or adopted and must have worked at least 330 hours in that 10-month period.