Changes are being made to the paid parental leave scheme which will come into effect from 1st July 2023. These changes aim to enhance support for parents and provide greater flexibility in accessing benefits. Here’s a summary of what’s changing:

Combination of Entitlements

– Starting from 1st July 2023
– Current entitlement to 18 weeks’ paid parental leave pay combined with the current Dad and Partner Pay entitlement of 2 weeks’ pay
– Partnered couples can now claim up to 20 weeks’ paid parental leave pay together
– Single parents will still have access to the full 20 weeks

Additional Changes

– Partnered employees can claim a maximum of 20 weeks’ pay, with each partner taking a minimum of 2 weeks (except in specific circumstances)
– Introduction of a $350,000 family income limit (indexed annually from 1st July 2024) for claiming paid parental leave pay
– Expanded eligibility rules for fathers or partners to claim paid parental leave pay
– Flexibility in payment structure, allowing eligible employees to claim it in multiple blocks until the child turns 2
– Removal of the requirement to return to work to be eligible for the entitlement

For more detailed information on these changes, visit Services Australia