A Centrelink payment of about $948 per week is available to eligible parents who take time off work to care for a newborn or newly adopted child. This payment is part of Australia’s Parental Leave Pay (PLP) scheme, which helps families manage the financial impact of taking parental leave.
The payment is linked to the National Minimum Wage and can be worth tens of thousands of dollars over the full leave period depending on eligibility and the number of weeks taken.
What Is the $948 Centrelink Payment?
The $948 amount represents the approximate weekly rate paid under the Parental Leave Pay program. It is based on the Australian National Minimum Wage, which is currently around $24.95 per hour for a 38-hour week before tax.
Instead of a one-time payment, eligible parents receive payments weekly for the number of approved weeks of leave.
Payments are issued weekly but usually paid in arrears
They may be paid through an employer’s payroll or directly by Centrelink
The payment is taxable income
Parental Leave Pay is separate from other government benefits such as the Family Tax Benefit or Parenting Payment.
Who Can Claim the Payment?
To qualify for Parental Leave Pay, parents must generally meet several eligibility requirements.
Meet the work test by completing sufficient paid work before the birth or adoption
Be under the program’s income cap
Meet residency rules
Be the primary caregiver of the child during the leave period
Both birth parents and partners may be eligible, and adoptive parents can also qualify if they meet the required conditions.
Many families miss out on payments because they assume casual or part-time work does not qualify, or because they submit claims too late.
Parents can submit claims up to three months before the baby’s due date, which can help avoid delays in receiving payments.
Key PLP Settings for 2026
Item
Details
Weekly rate
Up to about $948.10 before tax (linked to the minimum wage)
Maximum leave in 2026
Increasing from around 22 weeks toward about 26 weeks
Administered by
Services Australia (Centrelink)
Who can share leave
Eligible birth mothers, partners, and adoptive parents
Payment method
Employer payroll or direct Centrelink payments
Superannuation
Super contributions added on top of PLP from 2025–26 in many cases
How Parental Leave Pay Is Expanding to 2026
The Australian government is gradually expanding the Parental Leave Pay program so families can spend more time with their children during the early years.
Children born or adopted from 1 July 2023 – up to about 100 days of paid leave
From 1 July 2024 – up to about 110 days
From 1 July 2025 – up to about 120 days
From 1 July 2026 – up to about 130 days (around 26 weeks)
The reforms also increase the number of leave days reserved specifically for partners, encouraging both parents to share caregiving responsibilities.
All Parental Leave Pay days must be used before the child turns two years old. Any unused leave days are forfeited.
How to Avoid Missing Out on Your Payment
Parents can take a few simple steps to ensure they receive their full Parental Leave Pay entitlement.
Create a myGov account linked to Centrelink before the baby’s due date
Check eligibility using the work and income tests
Keep records of employment and payslips
Discuss leave plans with your employer in advance
Register the baby’s birth with your state or territory registry
Update your Centrelink claim once the birth is recorded
If you need assistance, financial counsellors, community legal centres, and registered tax advisers can help explain how the program works.
Why Accurate Information Matters
Because payment rules and rates can change each year, families should rely on official government sources rather than social media rumours.
Parental Leave Pay is taxable income and may affect eligibility for other government benefits. Checking updated guidance from Services Australia helps families make informed financial decisions during parental leave.
FAQs
Q1 Is the $948 Centrelink payment a one-time bonus?
No. The $948 amount represents the approximate weekly rate for Parental Leave Pay based on the minimum wage. It is paid weekly for each approved week of leave.
Q2 Can casual or part-time workers qualify?
Yes. Casual and part-time workers may qualify if they meet the work test, income limits, and residency requirements.
Q3 Where can I find the latest payment rates and rules?
The most accurate information about Parental Leave Pay is available on the official Services Australia (Centrelink) website or by contacting Centrelink directly.
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