Summary Overview
Yes, you can receive government-funded Parental Leave Pay at the same time as employer-funded paid parental leave, annual leave, or long service leave. However, there is a strict stacking hard line: claiming PLP on any given day legally locks the family out of Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part B and the Newborn Supplement. You cannot receive both for the same day.
Parental Leave Pay can be combined with other leave entitlements. You are permitted to receive government PPL at the same time as employer-funded paid parental leave, annual leave, or long service leave. This allows families to double-dip and maximise cash flow during the early months of a child's life. However, there is a strict stacking hard line: claiming PLP on any given day legally locks the family out of Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part B and the Newborn Supplement. Families must plan their claim days to ensure they do not accidentally wipe out other eligible entitlements.
Key Requirements:
- ✓ Must be on approved leave from your employer (or self-employed equivalent).
- ✓ Claiming PLP on any given day legally locks the family out of Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part B and the Newborn Supplement.
- ✓ Must report all taxable income, including stacked payments, in your annual tax return.
Common Misconceptions
Myth
"I can receive FTB Part B and PPL for the same days."
Reality
No. Under the law, claiming PLP on any given day completely blocks your eligibility for FTB Part B and the Newborn Supplement on that day.
Myth
"I cannot receive PPL if my employer pays company parental leave."
Reality
You can receive both at the same time. Government PPL does not affect company-funded leave.
Practical Examples
Scenario
Rebecca's employer offers 6 weeks of paid parental leave. She claims government PPL at the same time.
Outcome
She receives her full salary from her employer plus the $200.98 daily PPL rate from the government for those 6 weeks, but she is locked out of FTB Part B and Newborn Supplement for those days.
Double-dipping with employer leave is fully legal, but stacking with other government family benefits like FTB Part B is prohibited on PPL claim days.
Action Checklist
-
Review employer leave policy — Check if your employment contract allows you to take other payments concurrently with company leave.
-
Assess FTB Part B impact — Model whether claiming PLP or claiming FTB Part B provides the better financial outcome for your family on specific days.