How much is Paid Parental Leave in 2026?

From 1 July 2026, Paid Parental Leave (PPL) provides 26 weeks (130 days) of government-funded leave paid at the national minimum wage of $969.00 per week ($138.43 per day). This is paid regardless of your normal salary. In addition, the government pays 12% superannuation on PPL directly to your super fund.

What is the income limit for Paid Parental Leave?

To be eligible for PPL, your individual adjusted taxable income must be under $175,000 per year. This is tested on each parent individually, not on combined family income. So both parents in a couple can each qualify if they each earn under $175,000.

Is superannuation paid on Paid Parental Leave?

Yes. From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government pays 12% superannuation on PPL payments directly to your super fund. This is paid in addition to your PPL amount and helps maintain your retirement savings during parental leave.

Can parents split Paid Parental Leave between them?

Yes. The 26 weeks of PPL can be split between both parents however they choose. However, 4 weeks are reserved for each parent on a 'use it or lose it' basis, meaning those reserved weeks cannot be transferred to the other parent. Single parents receive the full 26 weeks.

Can I take Paid Parental Leave and employer parental leave at the same time?

Yes. You can receive government PPL at the same time as employer-funded parental leave and any accrued annual leave or long service leave. They are not mutually exclusive. PPL can also be taken flexibly: in one block, in separate periods, or on individual days, up to 2 years after the birth or adoption.

What is the work test for Paid Parental Leave?

To meet the work test, you must have worked at least 10 of the 13 months before your child's birth or adoption, and worked at least 330 hours in that 10-month period (roughly 1 day per week). This includes paid employment, self-employment, and some unpaid work in a family business.

Paid Parental Leave Calculator

Calculate your total parental leave income for 2026. See how much you'll receive from 26 weeks government PPL, employer parental leave, and accrued annual leave combined.

Last verified: 20 March 2026

Relationship status

Partnered

Single parent

Your individual income (per year)*

Your individual adjusted taxable income. Must be under $175,000 to be eligible for PPL.

Partner's individual income (per year)

Your partner's individual income. Each parent is income-tested separately (under $175,000 each).

PPL weeks for parent 1

How many of the 26 weeks parent 1 will take. 4 weeks are reserved ('use it or lose it') for each parent.

PPL weeks for parent 2

How many of the 26 weeks parent 2 will take. Combined total cannot exceed 26 weeks.

Employer paid parental leave (weeks)

Weeks of parental leave your employer pays at your normal salary. Can be taken alongside government PPL.

Accrued annual leave (days)

Days of annual leave you plan to use during your parental leave period.

Your annual salary (for employer/leave calculations)

Used to calculate employer leave and annual leave pay. Not used for government PPL (which is paid at minimum wage).

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.

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