$948 Centrelink Payment 2025, Eligibility and Payment Dates
Australian families welcoming a newborn or adopting a child in 2025 will benefit from the newly revised $948 Centrelink Payment 2025, a financial support system designed to reduce the cost of early childcare. Starting 1 July 2025, eligible parents will receive $948.10 per week, along with an added 12% superannuation contribution, helping them manage day-to-day expenses without risking long-term retirement savings.
The program ensures that working parents can take time off to bond with their child while maintaining financial stability. Over a 24-week period, families may receive $21,979 in payments and $2,637 in super, creating both short-term and long-term support. From July 2026, the paid leave period will increase to 26 weeks, marking a major step forward in Australia’s family support system.
What Is the $948 Centrelink Parental Leave Pay 2025?
The $948 Centrelink Parental Leave Pay 2025 is a weekly income replacement benefit under the national Parental Leave Pay (PLP) scheme. Managed by Services Australia (Centrelink), this payment supports parents who temporarily leave work to care for a newborn or newly adopted child.
Updated Payment Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Authority | Services Australia (Centrelink) |
| Weekly Rate | $948.10 before tax |
| Total Duration | 24 weeks |
| Total Payment | Approx. $21,979 |
| Superannuation | 12% ($2,637) |
| Start Date | 1 July 2025 |
| Future Update | 26 weeks from 12 July 2026 |
| Payment Method | Direct bank deposit |
This payment works alongside any employer-paid parental leave, allowing families to extend their paid time off and reduce financial stress during early childcare.
Why the New $948 Weekly Payment Matters
The increased funding under the $948 Centrelink Payment 2025 helps families face rising living costs, including rent, groceries, medical costs, and essential childcare needs. It also supports gender equality by ensuring women do not lose significant retirement savings during maternity leave. The payment aims to support:
- Everyday household expenses
- Reduced financial pressure during unpaid leave
- Long-term superannuation growth
- Better balance between work and family life
It is one of the most significant improvements to parental support in Australia’s welfare system.
Eligibility for the $948 Centrelink Payment
Centrelink applies strict eligibility rules to ensure payments go to genuinely eligible parents who step away from employment to care for a child.
1. Income Requirements
Parents must meet one of the following:
- Individual taxable income of $180,007 or less, OR
- Family combined income of $373,094 or less.
2. Work Test
Parents must have:
- Worked 10 months out of the 13 months before birth/adoption.
- Logged at least 330 hours of work.
- No more than 12 weeks between workdays.
This includes casual workers, part-time employees, and seasonal workers.
3. Residency Status
Applicants must be:
- An Australian resident, or
- A holder of an eligible visa.
4. Registered Birth or Adoption
The claim will only be processed after the birth or adoption is officially registered.
5. Non-Working Days Only
Payments apply only to days the parent is not working, ensuring genuine caregiving.
Payment Amount Breakdown & Super Boost
The payment is divided into weekly income support and compulsory super contributions.
| Breakdown | Amount |
|---|---|
| Weekly PLP | $948.10 |
| Total Over 24 Weeks | $21,979 |
| Superannuation (12%) | $2,637 |
| Future Increase | 26-week leave from July 2026 |
The superannuation boost is a major upgrade, helping parents, especially mothers, avoid long-term retirement gaps caused by extended periods away from work.
Superannuation Contribution: A Major Upgrade
Unlike previous years, the $948 Centrelink Parental Leave Pay 2025 includes a 12% compulsory superannuation payment. This ensures parents do not suffer a drop in retirement savings while caring for their newborn.
Benefits of the Super Boost
- Reduces long-term superannuation gaps
- Helps women improve retirement outcomes
- Supports financial security decades later
- Boosts compound interest through earlier contributions
With the 24-week structure, parents will earn $2,637 in super—which grows even more over time.
How to Apply for the $948 Centrelink Payment
To get this centrelink payment, families should apply early to avoid delays.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Log into myGov and link your Centrelink account.
- Submit your PLP claim up to 3 months before the due date.
- Provide required documents:
- ID proof
- Income details
- Employment information
- Visa/residency evidence if applicable
- After the child is born, upload the birth certificate.
- Notify your employer 10 weeks before leave starts.
- Secondary parents can submit claims within two years.
The earlier the claim is lodged, the smoother the payment process.
How the $948 Payment Supports Australian Families
The $948 Centrelink Payment offers a balance between short-term support and long-term financial protection.
Key Advantages
- Reliable weekly income to manage living costs
- Super payments to protect retirement savings
- Flexible sharing between both parents
- Works alongside employer leave
- Convenient weekly bank deposits
This structure ensures families remain financially stable during early parenting.
Future Changes: Expansion to 26 Weeks in 2026
From 12 July 2026, the paid leave period will increase to 26 weeks. This additional support aligns Australia with international parental leave standards and strengthens child wellbeing and family outcomes. The government aims to continue improving parental leave policies, promoting work-life balance and supporting gender equality.
The $948 Centrelink Parental Leave Pay 2025 brings significant upgrades for new families by improving weekly support, expanding overall leave duration, and adding super contributions. With rising living costs and increasing pressure on working parents, this enhanced payment system provides essential relief right when it is needed the most.
For parents preparing for a newborn or adoption in 2025 and beyond, understanding the eligibility rules, payment structure, and application process ensures they receive the full benefits available under this improved system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can receive the $948 Centrelink Payment 2025?
Any biological or adoptive parent who meets income, residency, and work requirements.
2. How are payments issued?
Centrelink deposits the payment weekly into the parent’s nominated bank account.
3. Can parents share the leave?
Yes. Parents may split payments, but only on days they are not working.
4. What documents are required?
Proof of identity, employment details, income information, and birth/adoption registration.
5. What changes in July 2026?
Paid leave increases from 24 weeks to 26 weeks, offering two more weeks of financial support.
