Exemptions to the limit of taking 10 days at the same time

You and another parent may be able to take more than 10 days of Parental Leave Pay at the same time.

If you’re sharing Parental Leave Pay with someone else, you can both take up to 10 days together. You may be able to take more than 10 days together if you have an exemption.

You may get an exemption if both of the following apply to your child:

  • they developed a complication or illness during the pregnancy, at birth or immediately following the birth
  • they need an extended period of medical care or treatment resulting in higher care needs.

An exemption may also apply if your child either:

  • had to remain in hospital after their birth for at least 14 days
  • was hospitalised immediately after their birth for at least 14 days.

If your child was part of a multiple birth, then you can choose to take more than 10 days at the same time.

If your child was stillborn or died, you can also choose to take more than 10 days at the same time.

You may also have an exemption if you or your partner are suffering from a medical condition.

Finally, an exemption may also apply if the birth mother experienced either of the following:

  • had a caesarean
  • developed a complication or medical condition at birth.

When considering exemptions we may take into account if your circumstances:

  • affected your ability to care for your child on your own
  • caused significant stress
  • resulted in your child having higher care needs, requiring more than one parent.

If you need to take more than 10 days at the same time

You can request an exemption as part of your claim. You can also ask us to assess an exemption after you submit your claim by calling the families line. We may ask you to provide evidence.

What evidence you may need to take more than 10 days at the same time

If we ask you to, you’ll need to provide evidence to get an exemption.

Your circumstancesEvidence we may need
You or your partner are suffering from a medical condition

Document or letter from your doctor or other medical professional stating all of the following:

  • what the medical condition is
  • when the medical condition started
  • the period you expected to be affected by the medical condition, or if it is ongoing.
Your child developed a complication or illness

Document or letter from your child’s doctor or other medical professional stating all of the following:

  • what your child’s medical condition is
  • when the medical condition started
  • that your child is expected to require medical care or treatment, resulting in higher care needs
  • the period of medical care or treatment that will be required, or if it is ongoing.
The birth mother had a caesarean or developed a complication or medical condition at birth

Document or letter from the doctor or hospital stating the birth mother either:

  • underwent a caesarean delivery
  • developed a complication or medical condition from the birth.
Your child was in hospital for at least 14 days following birth

Document or letter from the doctor or hospital stating the date your child was hospitalised and either the:

  • date the child left hospital
  • anticipated length of stay.
Your child was stillborn or died
  • Doctor or Midwife – Proof of Birth Declaration form
  • death certificate for your child
  • letter from the doctor or midwife stating when the child was stillborn or died.
Your child was part of a multiple birth
  • Doctor or Midwife - Proof of Birth Declaration
  • document or letter from your doctor or midwife stating your child was part of a multiple birth.

Contact numbers available on this page.

Centrelink families line

Use this line if you need help with family payments, such as Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy or Parental Leave Pay.

136 150
Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm

If your child’s Youth Allowance payment has been suspended, it may be because we still need information about your income. We may have sent your child a letter asking for this in September or October, read how you can update your income details online.

There are other ways you may want to contact us.

Page last updated: 20 November 2024.
QC 65468