In 2025, Australian households welcoming a new child may be eligible for a $948 Centrelink charge, connected to updates in Parental Leave Pay (PLP) and the government’s ongoing superannuation improve initiative. These adjustments are a part of broader reforms aimed at supporting parents in the course of early childcare, enhancing team of workers participation, and addressing long-term retirement gaps—specially for women.
While the $948 parent isn’t a one-off standard payment, it displays the weekly value of Parental Leave Pay on the country wide minimum wage, together with critical structural improvements that increase the overall value of support furnished to new parents.
What Is the $948 Centrelink Payment?
The $948 charge refers back to the weekly Parental Leave Pay payment in 2025, based on the national minimum wage. Parental Leave Pay is run through Services Australia (Centrelink) and is designed to help eligible parents take day off work to care for a new child or newly adopted child. Parental Leave Pay is paid as taxable income and is generally paid through employers or directly via Centrelink, relying at the applicant’s circumstances.
Parental Leave Pay Changes in 2025
One of the most significant updates is the expansion of total paid leave days. Under recent reforms, Parental Leave Pay is being step by step extended, with households able to proportion the entitlement among parents. This encourages each parents to take break day and promotes more balanced caregiving obligations.
By 2025, eligible families can get entry to up to 6 months of paid parental go away, shared between parents, provided eligibility standards are met. The weekly fee stays tied to the minimum wage, that’s why the $948 determine is frequently highlighted.
Who Is Eligible?
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.
Superannuation Boost Explained
A major improvement linked to Parental Leave Pay is the superannuation contribution boost. Historically, parental leave payments did not include super contributions, contributing to long-term retirement savings gaps—especially for women who take extended time off work.
From July 2025, the Australian Government will begin paying superannuation contributions on Parental Leave Pay, calculated at the standard super guarantee rate. This means that while parents are receiving the $948 weekly payment, they will also be accumulating super, helping protect their retirement income. This reform is widely seen as a landmark change in family and workforce policy.
How and When Payments Are Made
Parental Leave Pay is usually paid weekly or fortnightly, depending on whether payments are made through an employer or Centrelink. Payments typically begin after the birth or adoption of the child, once the claim is approved. Applicants are encouraged to submit claims up to three months in advance, as early applications help prevent delays during what can be a financially demanding time.
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.
Why This Matters for Families
The $948 weekly payment, combined with longer leave periods and super contributions, provides more than short-term financial relief. It offers parents extra flexibility, promotes gender fairness in caregiving, and reduces the long-term financial penalties associated with taking time out of the workforce. As living costs continue to upward thrust, these updates offer meaningful support for families at some point of one in all existence’s most essential transitions.
Conclusion
The $948 Centrelink fee in 2025, tied to Parental Leave Pay, represents greater than just weekly income aid. With expanded leave entitlements and the creation of superannuation contributions, the government’s reforms offer each instant economic help and long-term benefits for parents. Understanding eligibility, payment structure, and alertness timing can help households maximise their entitlements and plan with self assurance as they welcome a brand new child.
