Dad and Partner Pay

photo of dad holding baby

Dads and partners play an important role in the vital early months of their child’s life.

Dad and Partner Pay is now available to eligible working dads or partners, helping them to take time off work to bond with their new baby, share experiences as a family, and support mums or partners during this time.

 

What is Dad and Partner Pay?

Download the Dad and Partner Pay print ads

photo of blocks

Dad and Partner Pay is a new payment under the Australian Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme. It’s now available to eligible working dads or partners (including adopting parents and same-sex partners) who care for a child born or adopted from 1 January 2013.

It provides up to two weeks of government-funded pay at the rate of the National Minimum Wage (currently about $606 per week before tax).

Claims must be lodged by the dad or partner who is eligible to receive the payment. Claims can be lodged up to three months before the expected date of birth or adoption or within 12 months following their child’s birth or adoption.

Bonding with your babyphoto of a baby rattle

A strong relationship between a parent and their child provides an excellent start to healthy social, emotional and cognitive development. It is important for dads or partners to take some time off work to bond with their new baby, share the caring responsibility and support mothers or partners from the very beginning.

Dads or partners taking some time off work also have more opportunity to share and learn from the experiences of early parenting: exploring their baby’s moods and needs, establishing routines, and enjoying their emerging personality.

To read more about bonding and tips for new parents, visit the Raising Children Network website.

Am I eligible?

Full-time, part-time, casual, contract, seasonal and self-employed workers may be eligible for Dad and Partner Pay.

Claims must be lodged by the dad or partner who is eligible to receive the payment. Claims can be lodged up to three months before the expected date of birth or adoption or within 12 months following their child’s birth or adoption.

Eligible dads or partners must:

  • be caring for a child born or adopted from 1 January 2013
  • be an Australian resident
  • have worked for at least 10 of the 13 months prior to the start date of their Dad and Partner Pay period
  • have worked for at least 330 hours in that 10 month period (just over one day a week), with no more than an eight week gap between two consecutive working days
  • have an individual adjusted taxable income of $150,000 or less in the previous financial year
  • not be receiving paid leave or not working during the Dad and Partner Pay period.

In addition to Dad and Partner Pay, families may be eligible for other family assistance such as Paid Parental Leave or Baby Bonus, and Family Tax Benefit.

For more information on eligibility visit the Human Services website.

How can I apply?

Claims must be lodged by the dad or partner who is eligible to receive the payment. Claims can be lodged up to three months before the expected date of birth or adoption or within 12 months following their child’s birth or adoption.

Claiming early, before the birth or adoption, and lodging proof of birth or entry into care as soon as possible, helps to avoid payment delays.

For more information on how to apply visit the Human Services website or call the Parents hotline on 136 150

Information for employers

Download the Dad and Partner Pay fact sheet for employers

Employers do not have a role in providing Dad and Partner Pay. Dad and Partner Pay is administered and paid directly by the Australian Government.

Dads or partners who are employees will need to discuss and agree on unpaid leave arrangements with their employer, and the employee will have to apply for Dad and Partner Pay themselves.

Most working dads or partners may be eligible. They must not be receiving paid leave or working during their Dad and Partner Pay period.

Dads or partners may be eligible if they work full-time, part-time, casually, seasonally, on contract, or in a family business.

For more information visit the Human Services website or call the Business hotline on 131 158

Resources

A range of materials have been developed for parents who may be eligible for Dad and Partner Pay:

photo of baby

Content Updated: 11 February 2013