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.

2.2.7.20 Primary carer for PLP - partner of birth mother or partner of initial primary carer adoptive parent, or the child's other legal parent or their partner

Non-birth mother parent or partner of a parent is the primary carer

In usual circumstances, it would be expected that the other parent or their partner who has taken on primary care of the child may be eligible as a secondary claimant (2.2.11) as the result of:

  • a transfer of the balance of the birth mother's or other primary claimant's PPL period, or
  • permission (6.2.3.50) from the primary claimant for them to claim up to 30 flexible PPL days.

The PPL Rules prescribe the exceptional circumstances (1.1.E.100) where the other parent of a child (who is not the birth mother or original adoptive primary carer parent), or the current partner of that parent, may be a primary carer (1.1.P.230) and primary claimant for PLP in respect of the child in their own right (2.2.10.30).

Act reference: PPLAct section 47 When a person is the primary carer of a child, 17D Permission to claim flexible PPL days for a child

PPL Rules Part 2 Eligibility for PLP, Part 3 Claims for PLP

Policy reference: PPL Guide 2.2.1.10 PLP core eligibility requirements, 2.2.10 Who is a primary claimant for PLP?, 2.2.11 Who is a secondary claimant for PLP?, 2.2.12 Who is a tertiary claimant for PLP?, 6.2.3.50 Permission to claim flexible PPL days

Last reviewed: