Am I Eligible for Paid Parental Leave

Mothers of babies born on or after 1 January 2011 may be eligible for Paid Parental Leave. The initial primary carer of a child under 16 years of age who is adopted on or after this date may also be eligible.

• You may be eligible for Paid Parental Leave if you:

• are the mother of a newborn child

• are the initial primary carer of a recently adopted child

• have met the Paid Parental Leave work test before the birth or adoption occurs

• have an individual income of $150,000 a year or less, and

• are living in Australia and you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

The work test means that for the first time many women in seasonal, casual, contract and self employed work have access to Paid Parental Leave.

You must be on leave or not working from the birth or adoption of your child until the end of your 18 weeks of Parental Leave pay. If you return to work before this time, your partner may be able to receive any unused Parental Leave pay.