Eligibility
You can’t get parental leave pay from Services Australia and from Defence for the same child.
Example
Captain Johnson adopts 2 children, one aged 12 and one aged 10, on the same day. This is considered as 2 adoptions, and Captain Johnson may eligible for parental leave pay for both children.
Example
You give birth and you start receiving parental leave pay for that child.
One month later, you adopt a child. You meet the eligibility criteria for parental leave pay for the adopted child. You can get the payment for both children.
Income test
Primary carer and the primary carer test
Continued eligibility
Rate of parental leave pay
How and when you'll get parental leave pay
Apply for parental leave pay
Example
You adopted your child on 30 April 2026.
You're the primary carer of the child.
You returned to work on 30 July 2026.
You can apply for parental leave pay up until 4 May 2027.