How much is Paid Parental Leave in Australia?

Government Paid Parental Leave (PPL) is paid at the national minimum wage rate, which is $969.00 per week before tax as of July 2026. It is not based on your salary. From 1 July 2025, the government also pays 12% superannuation on top of your PPL payments.

How many weeks of Paid Parental Leave are available in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, the government provides up to 26 weeks (130 days) of Paid Parental Leave. This is an increase from the previous 22 weeks. The 26 weeks is the total entitlement shared between both parents.

Do both parents get Paid Parental Leave?

Yes, both parents can share the 26-week PPL entitlement. Each parent must individually meet the work test and income test. There is a 'use it or lose it' reserved portion for each parent to encourage shared care. The entitlement can be split flexibly between parents.

Is super paid on Paid Parental Leave?

Yes, from 1 July 2025 the government pays 12% superannuation on government-funded PPL payments. This is paid directly to your super fund. For PPL at $969/week, that means an extra $116.28 per week going to your super during your leave.

Can I take Paid Parental Leave part-time or in blocks?

Yes, PPL is flexible. You can take it all at once, in blocks as short as one day, or on a part-time basis. You have up to 2 years from the birth or adoption of your child to use your PPL entitlement. This allows you to return to work part-time while still receiving some PPL days.

Parental Leave Calculator — 26 Weeks PPL (2026)

Calculate your total parental leave pay: 26 weeks of government Paid Parental Leave from July 2026 at $969/week, plus employer leave and accrued annual leave. See your income replacement rate and plan for the income gap.

Last verified: 5 May 2026

How much is Paid Parental Leave in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, government PPL runs for 26 weeks (up from 22) at the national minimum wage of $969/week before tax, shared between both parents. Total pre-tax entitlement is ~$25,194. Since 1 July 2025 the government also pays 12% super on top of PPL (~$116/week extra to your super fund). Eligibility requires individual income under $175,000. Source: Services Australia.

Worked example. A parent earning $90,000 (take-home ~$1,359/week) taking 18 of the 26 weeks gets ~$17,442 before tax in government PPL, plus ~$2,094 super. Against their usual take-home pay that's an income gap of ~$6,800 across those 18 weeks. Topping up with 2 weeks of employer leave or accrued annual leave typically closes that gap.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.

From the Mate Network

Employer Parental Leave Rights →

Check your employer parental leave entitlements and return-to-work rights.

Family Tax Benefit →

Check what FTB Part A and Part B you can receive as a new parent.

Parental Leave Calculator — 26 Weeks PPL (2026)

How much is Paid Parental Leave in 2026?

Related reading

Related Tools

From the Mate Network