During parental leave

Changes to Parental Leave Pay

From 1 July 2026, your family can get 130 days of Parental Leave Pay. This is an increase from the previous 120 days.

Find out more about these and other changes at Services Australia – Parental Leave Pay changes for families expecting a child from 1 July.

While on parental leave, employees can receive payments, as well as other entitlements to keep them connected to the workplace.

On this page:

Screenshot of the Unpaid parental leave made simple timeline showing key stages, actions and milestones before, during and after unpaid parental leave.Unpaid parental leave made simple

Our Unpaid parental leave made simple timeline Unpaid parental leave made simple timeline takes you through the parental leave journey, from before birth through to returning to work.

It highlights the key steps you need to take, and when to take them, so you can plan ahead and understand your workplace rights and responsibilities at every stage.

Payment during parental leave

During parental leave, employees can receive payments from the Australian Government, or their employer, or both.

For more information, go to Payment during parental leave.

Accruing and taking other leave during parental leave

Employees can build up and use some types of leave during parental leave, such as annual leave.

For more information, go to Accruing and taking other leave during parental leave.

Keeping in touch days

Employees on parental leave can agree with their employer to return to work for up to 10 days to keep up with workplace changes while they are away.

For more information, go to Keeping in touch days.

Extending parental leave

Employees can extend their parental leave in certain circumstances.

For more information, go to Extending parental leave.

Ending parental leave early

An employee’s parental leave can be ended early by either the employee or employer in certain circumstances.

For more information, go to Ending parental leave early.

Ending employment during parental leave

Employment can end during parental leave, either by the employee resigning or the employer terminating their employment.

For more information, go to Ending employment during parental leave.

Stillbirth, premature birth and infant death

Employees who experience stillbirth, premature birth or infant death are able to access additional entitlements.

For more information, go to Stillbirth, premature birth and infant death.

Tools and resources

Related information