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.

2.2.1.20 PPL period

Overview

For children born on or after 1 July 2020, primary carers (and other claimants in limited cases) can be eligible to receive 2 components of PLP.

The first component is an initial period of 12 weeks called the PPL period, which can only be established by a primary claim in which the claimant must nominate a start date from which amounts of PLP may potentially be available to the primary, and, if applicable, subsequent secondary or tertiary, claimants.

The initial 12 week PPL period is intended to support eligible working parents, usually the mother, to take time off work after a birth or adoption to spend time with their child, to support rest and recuperation from birth and to support health benefits for the child.

Eligible parents must use the PPL period in the first 12 months following the birth or adoption.

All relevant eligibility criteria must be met from the child's date of birth or adoption until the end of their PPL period, including the primary care requirement and the requirement to not have returned to work on all relevant days until after the end of the PPL period.

The second component takes place in the person's flexible PPL period (2.2.1.30). If Centrelink is satisfied that the claimant has made an effective claim for a PPL period, Centrelink may also determine that the claimant is conditionally eligible for PLP for a flexible PPL day for the child (1.1.C.143).

Act reference: PPLAct section 31 When a person is eligible for PLP on a day other than a flexible PPL day for a child

Policy reference: PPL Guide 2.2.1.30 Flexible PPL

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