The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.C.10 Caring

Definition

A claimant is caring for a child on a day if the child is in the person's care. It is possible for more than one person to be caring for the same child on any particular day.

The PPL Rules prescribe conditions where a PPL claimant or special PPL claimant remains eligible for PLP although they are temporarily unable to care for the child (1.1.T.50) or where they have lost care of the child (1.1.L.30) without their consent.

A birth mother who relinquishes their child in a surrogacy or adoption arrangement, or a birth mother whose child was removed from their care by a state or territory child protection agency or in accordance with a decision of a court of a state or territory, may be eligible despite not having care of the child for the purpose of maternal recovery if they are otherwise eligible for PLP. For these claimants, PLP will only be payable in the first 20 weeks following the birth.

Act reference: PPLAct section 6 The Dictionary, section 47 When a person is caring for a child

PPL Rules Part 2 Eligibility for PLP

Policy reference: PPL Guide 2.1 PLP eligibility overview

Last reviewed: