Welcoming a new baby is one of the most exciting yet financially challenging times for any family. To ease this transition, the Australian government has rolled out a $948 Centrelink payment through its Parental Leave Pay (PLP) program.
This initiative provides weekly support to help parents manage daily expenses while caring for their newborn, ensuring that no parent has to choose between financial security and spending time with their child.
What makes this update even more beneficial is the addition of retirement savings (superannuation) contributions — a long-term investment in parents’ futures while they focus on nurturing their children today.
Overview
The $948 Centrelink payment offers direct weekly financial assistance to eligible parents for up to 24 weeks. This support aims to help families cover essential living expenses during the early months of parenthood.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the scheme:
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Authority | Services Australia (Centrelink) |
| Program Name | Parental Leave Pay (PLP) |
| Country | Australia |
| Amount | $948.10 per week before tax |
| Super Boost | 12% contribution ($2637 over 24 weeks) |
| Effective Date | July 1, 2025 |
| Duration | 24 weeks (Direct Deposit) |
| Next Update | Leave may extend to 26 weeks from July 12, 2026 |
| Category | Australia Finance |
| Official Website | https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ |
Support
The $948 Centrelink payment gives parents financial breathing room when they need it most. With the cost of living steadily increasing, this payment ensures that every baby’s arrival doesn’t come with the burden of unpaid bills.
Parents can receive up to $21,979 in total over 24 weeks — money that can cover baby essentials like nappies, food, healthcare, and utilities. This payment can also complement employer-based leave benefits such as maternity or paternity leave.
Importantly, the payment only applies to days when the parent is not working, making it a genuine support system for those taking time off.
Super
A major new addition to the PLP scheme is the 12% superannuation boost, giving parents an extra edge in saving for retirement. This is the first time parental leave pay has included a mandatory super contribution — a move widely celebrated for promoting gender equality and long-term financial security.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Boost | 12% added automatically |
| Applies To | $2637 for 24 weeks (children born/adopted from July 1, 2025) |
| Next Change | Leave extended to 26 weeks from July 12, 2026 |
This contribution ensures that while parents focus on their newborns, their future savings also continue to grow — bridging the gap that often occurs in super balances for mothers and caregivers.
Eligibility
To qualify for the $948 Centrelink Payment, applicants must meet specific conditions:
- Income Test: Individual taxable income must not exceed $180,007, or a combined family income below $373,094.
- Work Test: At least 10 consecutive months of employment within the 13 months before the child’s birth or adoption, with a minimum of 330 hours worked.
- Residency: Must be an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa.
- Registration: The baby’s birth or adoption must be officially registered.
- Work Status: Payments are only made for days the parent is not working.
This benefit applies per child and not per birth event — meaning it’s calculated individually, even in the case of multiple births.
Apply
Applying for the $948 Centrelink Payment is simple and can be done online:
- Set up a myGov account linked with Centrelink.
- Submit an application up to three months before the expected birth or adoption.
- Provide proof of birth or adoption once the child arrives.
- Inform your employer at least 10 weeks prior to starting leave.
- Ensure submission deadlines: The primary parent must apply within 12 months of birth/adoption, while the secondary parent has up to two years.
Centrelink also provides multilingual assistance and online tools to make the application process smoother for all families.
Payments
Starting July 1, 2025, caregivers will receive $948.10 per week before tax under the PLP program. Payments are deposited directly into the nominated bank account every week, continuing for 24 weeks.
During this period, the parent’s super fund will also receive an additional 12% contribution, equivalent to about $2637 over the full payment term.
This reform aims to strengthen both short-term stability and long-term financial health, ensuring parents can focus on bonding with their baby instead of worrying about finances.
Future
From July 2026, the PLP leave period is expected to extend from 24 to 26 weeks, providing even greater support for working parents. This change aligns with Australia’s commitment to making family-friendly workplace policies that encourage better work-life balance.
Ultimately, the $948 Centrelink Payment represents more than financial assistance — it’s a symbol of Australia’s effort to support parents emotionally, financially, and professionally.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the $948 Centrelink payment?
Parents earning under the income cap and meeting work and residency rules.
How long does the PLP payment last?
It runs for 24 weeks, with a plan to extend to 26 weeks in 2026.
Is the $948 payment before or after tax?
The amount of $948.10 is before tax deductions.
Does the PLP include superannuation?
Yes, a 12% super boost worth $2637 is added over 24 weeks.
When can I apply for the $948 Centrelink payment?
You can apply up to three months before your baby’s birth or adoption.
