The rules for couples
- 26 weeks (130 days) in total for children born or adopted from 1 July 2026.
- 4 weeks (20 days) are reserved for each parent. If one parent doesn’t use theirs, those weeks are lost — so the birth parent can take at most 22.
- Both parents can be on PPL at the same time for up to 4 weeks (20 days).
- Days can be taken flexibly within 2 years of the birth or adoption.
Two splits compared
| 22 + 4 | 18 + 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Birth parent PPL | $22,103.40 | $18,084.60 |
| Partner PPL | $4,018.80 | $8,037.60 |
| Family total before tax | $26,122.20 | $26,122.20 |
| Estimated tax (both) | $8,609 | $8,609 |
| Family total after tax | $17,513 | $17,513 |
(Birth parent with $50,000 of other income in 2026-27, partner with $110,000.) The family receives the same $26,122.20 either way. PPL is taxed at each parent’s own marginal rate: here both parents stay in the 30% bracket (32% with Medicare), so the split changes the after-tax total by only $0. If the higher earner’s income went past $135,000, their PPL weeks would be taxed at 37% + 2% instead, and giving more weeks to the lower earner would save tax.
Things that matter more than tax
- Employer leave: if one parent’s employer pays generous parental leave, it may be better for that parent to use it first and PPL after.
- Recovery and feeding in the early months.
- Return-to-work plans and keeping in touch days (you can do up to 10 paid work days without losing PPL).
The pre-filled calculator shows the 18 + 8 split. Change the weeks to try your own plan.
Claiming it
The birth parent (or adopting parent) usually lodges the claim first in myGov through Centrelink and nominates how many days the partner will take. The partner then lodges their own claim. You can claim up to 97 days before the expected birth. Payments are made fortnightly in arrears, either by your employer (for employees who have worked there 12 months or more) or by Services Australia directly.
Plans change, and that’s okay: you can usually adjust the dates of remaining days as long as they are taken within two years of the birth or adoption.
Key Paid Parental Leave figures (checked 5 November 2026)
| Item | From 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Daily rate | $200.94 ($1,004.70 a week) |
| Weeks per family | 26 (130 days) |
| Reserved per parent (couples) | 4 weeks |
| Super | 12% paid by the ATO |
| Income test | $186,487 individual / $386,525 family (2025-26 income) |
FAQ
How many PPL weeks can the birth parent take?
Up to 22 of the 26 weeks for couples, because 4 weeks are reserved for the partner.
Can both parents take PPL at the same time?
Yes, for up to 4 weeks (20 days) together.
Does the split change the total PPL?
No — the family gets $26,122.20 before tax either way. The after-tax amount depends on each parent’s income.
Sources (checked 5 November 2026): Services Australia “Paid Parental Leave scheme rate changes for the new financial year” (from 1 July 2026: $26.44 an hour, $200.94 a day, $1,004.70 a week, $26,122.20 for 26 weeks); Paid Parental Leave Act 2010 and Paid Parental Leave Amendment (Improvements for Families and Gender Equality) Act 2023 (26 weeks and reserved weeks from 1 July 2026); Paid Parental Leave Amendment (Adding Superannuation for a More Secure Retirement) Act 2024 (12% super); Services Australia income test (2024-25 limits $180,007 / $373,094, indexed; 2025-26 limits $186,487 / $386,525 as published for 2026-27 claims); ATO 2026-27 tax rates.