Summary Overview
You can claim Parental Leave Pay on weekends (as long as you do not work on those days). This is a useful strategy if you are back to work during the week but still want to claim your remaining entitlements.
A key strategy for returning to work is claiming Parental Leave Pay on weekends. You can claim PPL for any day that you do not work. If you return to work full-time during the week, you can claim your remaining PPL days on weekends. This lets you receive your full salary and still draw down on your PPL entitlement, as long as you do not perform work on those weekend days.
Key Requirements:
- ✓ Must not perform more than 1 hour of work on the days you claim PPL.
- ✓ PPL days must be claimed within 2 years of the birth or adoption.
- ✓ Must declare weekend PPL as taxable income.
Common Misconceptions
Myth
"I can only claim PPL on weekdays."
Reality
You can claim PPL on weekends, public holidays, or any day you are not working.
Myth
"Claiming PPL on weekends is tax-free."
Reality
It is fully taxable and will be added to your wage income, potentially increasing your tax liability. Plan for this.
Practical Examples
Scenario
Sarah returns to work full-time after using 80 days of PPL. She has 40 days left.
Outcome
She claims the remaining 40 days on Saturdays and Sundays over the next 20 weeks.
She receives her full weekday salary plus $189.62 for each weekend day, without violating the work rules.
Action Checklist
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Track remaining days — Monitor your remaining PPL balance in your Centrelink online account.
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Schedule weekend claims — Submit your flexible weekend claims in myGov once you return to work.