Do I qualify for Paid Parental Leave? The three tests explained
Parental Leave Pay has three tests: income, work and residence. Most refusals come from the work test, especially for partners.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
To get Parental Leave Pay in Australia you must care for the child, pass an income test (individual adjusted taxable income of $186,487 or less in 2025-26, or a family income of $386,525 or less), pass a work test (10 of the 13 months before the birth, at least 330 hours) and meet residence rules, as of October 2026.
Who can claim
You must be caring for the child and be one of: the birth mother; her partner; the child's biological father or his partner; an adoptive parent or their partner; a gaining parent in a surrogacy arrangement or their partner; or someone caring for the child in exceptional circumstances. For a newborn, you must also have registered or applied to register the birth with your state or territory registry.
Then you need to pass three tests.
1. The income test
Services Australia uses your adjusted taxable income for the financial year before the birth or adoption, or before the date you lodge your claim, whichever is earlier. For most babies born from July 2026, that is the 2025-26 financial year.
| Test | 2025-26 limit | 2024-25 limit |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $186,487 or less | $180,007 or less |
| Family (you and your partner combined) | $386,525 or less | $373,094 or less |
If you are over the individual limit, you can still qualify on the family test. If you are single, your own income is compared with the family limit. Your partner is the person you are in a relationship with on the day you claim.
Services Australia's own examples: Reema earned $215,000 in 2025-26, above the individual limit, but her partner earned $90,000: their $305,000 combined is under the family limit, so she qualifies. Indira, single, earned $276,000: above the individual limit but under the family limit, so she qualifies.
2. The work test
You need to have worked:
- in 10 of the 13 months before the birth or adoption (Services Australia counts 295 days within 392 days);
- at least 330 hours in those 10 months, about one day a week;
- with no gap longer than 12 weeks between two working days.
What counts, and what does not
| Counts as work | Does not count |
|---|---|
| Paid work on any day you worked at least one hour | Unpaid work and volunteering |
| Paid leave: sick, annual, paid maternity leave | Unpaid leave, including unpaid maternity leave |
| Part-time, casual, seasonal, contract or self-employed work | Study, including on a scholarship |
| Several employers, recent job changes, work overseas | Lump sums of leave paid out, including on redundancy |
| Work in a family business for financial gain | Income support programs with a work component |
| Previous Parental Leave Pay days (7.6 hours each), jury service, Defence Reservist work, workers' compensation periods |
Exceptions
If your ability to work during the 13 months was affected by a pregnancy-related illness or complication, a premature birth, a severe medical condition (yours or someone you care for), family and domestic violence, a dangerous job or workplace hazard, or a natural disaster, you may still meet the work test. You will need documents to prove it.
The trap for partners
If you are the birth mother's partner, the biological father or his partner, both you and the birth mother must meet the work test. If she does not, you cannot get Parental Leave Pay either, except in exceptional circumstances. Many families only discover this when the partner's claim is refused.
3. The residence rules
You must live in Australia and hold one of: Australian citizenship, a permanent visa, a Special Category visa, or certain temporary visas (partner provisional or temporary protection). You must meet the rules on the day of the birth or adoption and on every Parental Leave Pay day. If you recently arrived as a resident, a 2-year newly arrived resident's waiting period may apply before the birth, with some exemptions.
The birth mother does not need to meet the residence rules for her partner to claim, but she must meet the work test and approve the claim.
If you do not qualify
- The Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement may be paid through Family Tax Benefit Part A.
- Unpaid parental leave from your employer does not depend on these tests (see maternity leave in Australia).
- Call the Centrelink families line on 136 150 if you are unsure, or 131 202 for help in your language.
Read next
Questions parents ask
What is the income limit for Paid Parental Leave in 2026?
For a claim assessed on 2025-26 income, an individual adjusted taxable income of $186,487 or less, or, if you are over that, a combined family income of $386,525 or less (as of October 2026).
How many hours do I need to work for Parental Leave Pay?
At least 330 hours, about one day a week, in 10 of the 13 months before the birth or adoption, with no gap of more than 12 weeks between two working days.
Does paid maternity leave count for the work test?
Yes. Paid leave such as paid maternity leave, sick leave and annual leave counts as work. Unpaid leave, including unpaid maternity leave, does not.
Can I get Parental Leave Pay if I am self-employed?
Yes. Work for financial reward counts even if your business makes no profit, and Services Australia pays you directly.
Can I get Parental Leave Pay on a temporary visa?
Only with certain temporary visas, such as a partner provisional or temporary protection visa. Otherwise you need citizenship, a permanent visa or a Special Category visa, and a newly arrived resident's waiting period may apply.
Sources
- Services Australia — Who can get Parental Leave Pay checked October 13, 2026
- Services Australia — Meeting the income test for Parental Leave Pay checked October 13, 2026
- Services Australia — Work requirements for Parental Leave Pay checked October 13, 2026
- Services Australia — Activities that count as work for Parental Leave Pay checked October 13, 2026
- Services Australia — Exceptions to the work test for Parental Leave Pay checked October 13, 2026
- Services Australia — Residence rules for Parental Leave Pay checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.