Maternity Leave Planning: A Timeline for Australian Parents
Relevant during pregnancy weeks
Maternity Leave Planning: A Timeline for Australian Parents
Planning your maternity leave can feel like putting together a puzzle with too many pieces. Between government entitlements, employer policies, health fund considerations, and financial planning, there is a lot to sort out. The good news is that starting early makes everything easier.
This timeline walks you through what to do and when, from early pregnancy right through to returning to work.
First Trimester (Weeks 1 to 12): Start Researching
You do not need to tell your employer yet, but this is a good time to start gathering information.
- Check your entitlements: Review your employment contract or enterprise agreement for details on paid parental leave, unpaid leave, and any return-to-work arrangements. Full-time and part-time employees in Australia are entitled to 12 months of unpaid parental leave under the National Employment Standards, with the right to request an additional 12 months.
- Understand government payments: Visit servicesaustralia.gov.au to learn about the Paid Parental Leave scheme. As of 2025, eligible parents can receive up to 22 weeks at the national minimum wage, increasing to 26 weeks by July 2026. Both parents can share this entitlement.
- Review your finances: Start looking at your household budget. How long can you afford to take off? What will your income look like on government payments alone versus a combination of employer and government pay?
- Check your health insurance: If you have private health insurance with pregnancy cover, confirm what is included and any waiting periods. If you do not have pregnancy cover, it is too late to add it for this pregnancy due to the 12-month waiting period, but the public system provides excellent care.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13 to 27): Tell Your Employer and Start Planning
Most women tell their employer during the second trimester, often around weeks 14 to 20. There is no legal requirement to tell your employer at a specific time, but you must give at least 10 weeks' notice before your intended start date for parental leave.
- Notify your employer in writing: Include your expected due date, when you plan to start leave, and how long you intend to take. Keep a copy for your records.
- Discuss handover plans: Start thinking about how your work will be covered while you are away. A thorough handover plan makes things easier for your colleagues and reduces the chance of being contacted during your leave.
- Apply for Paid Parental Leave: You can submit your claim through myGov up to 3 months before your due date. It is worth doing this early so any issues can be resolved before the baby arrives.
- Consider your return date: You do not have to decide everything now, but having a rough plan helps. Think about whether you want to return full-time, part-time, or on a different arrangement. Under Australian law, you have the right to request flexible working arrangements on your return.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28 to 40): Finalise Everything
With the due date approaching, this is the time to tie up loose ends.
- Complete your handover: Document your current projects, key contacts, passwords, and any ongoing commitments. The more detailed your handover, the smoother your departure will be.
- Confirm your leave dates: Parental leave can start up to 6 weeks before the due date. Some women work right up until their due date, while others prefer to finish a few weeks early. Consider your physical comfort, commute, and the nature of your work.
- Set up your government payments: Make sure your Centrelink claim is processed and your bank details are correct. Payments typically start after the birth, once you provide proof of birth.
- Plan for early arrival: Babies do not always follow the schedule. Have a contingency plan in case you need to start leave earlier than expected.
- Arrange your birth plan and support network: This includes practical matters like who will care for older children, transport to the hospital, and any professional support such as a doula or private midwife.
On Leave: The First Months
Once the baby is here, your focus should be on recovery and bonding. But a few administrative tasks are worth attending to early:
- Register the birth: You must register your baby's birth within 60 days in most Australian states and territories. This is also when you can apply for a Medicare card for your baby.
- Confirm your Paid Parental Leave payments: Check that payments are coming through as expected. Contact Services Australia if there are any issues.
- Enrol in childcare: If you plan to use childcare, put your name on waitlists as early as possible. In many parts of Australia, waitlists for quality centres can be 6 to 12 months or longer.
- Stay in touch (on your terms): Under the Fair Work Act, your employer can make "keeping in touch" (KIT) days available. You can work up to 10 KIT days during your leave without it affecting your parental leave entitlements. These are voluntary and must be agreed upon by both parties.
Returning to Work
Returning to work after parental leave is a big transition. Give yourself time to adjust.
- Give 4 weeks' notice: You need to confirm your return date at least 4 weeks before coming back.
- Request flexible arrangements: You have the legal right to request flexible working arrangements, including part-time hours, changed start and finish times, or working from home. Your employer can only refuse on reasonable business grounds and must respond in writing within 21 days.
- Sort out childcare: Make sure your childcare arrangements are confirmed and the Child Care Subsidy is set up through myGov.
- Look after your mental health: Returning to work while adjusting to parenthood can be stressful. If you are finding it difficult, talk to your GP or a perinatal counsellor.
Key Dates to Remember
- 10 weeks before leave starts: Written notice to employer
- Up to 3 months before due date: Apply for Paid Parental Leave via myGov
- Within 60 days of birth: Register baby's birth
- As early as possible: Add baby to Medicare, enrol in childcare waitlists
- 4 weeks before returning: Confirm return date with employer
Planning ahead takes effort, but it pays off. The more you sort out before the baby arrives, the more you can focus on what really matters: settling in with your new family. Explore our lifestyle resources for more support during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Paid Parental Leave can I get in Australia?
As of 2025, eligible parents can receive up to 22 weeks of Paid Parental Leave at the national minimum wage, with this increasing to 26 weeks by July 2026. The entitlement can be shared between both parents. Eligibility is based on an income test and a work test. Check servicesaustralia.gov.au for current details.
When do I have to tell my employer I am pregnant?
There is no legal requirement to tell your employer at a specific point in pregnancy. However, you must give at least 10 weeks' written notice before your intended parental leave start date. Most women choose to tell their employer during the second trimester, around weeks 14 to 20.
Can my employer refuse my request for flexible work after parental leave?
Your employer can only refuse a request for flexible working arrangements on reasonable business grounds. They must respond in writing within 21 days and explain the reasons for refusal. If you believe the refusal is unreasonable, you can seek advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
What are keeping in touch (KIT) days?
KIT days allow you to work up to 10 days during your parental leave without ending your leave or affecting your government Paid Parental Leave payments. Both you and your employer must agree to each KIT day. They are a useful way to stay connected and ease the transition back to work.
Can both parents take parental leave at the same time?
Yes. Under the updated Paid Parental Leave scheme, both parents can take leave at the same time. Each parent can also take up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave under the National Employment Standards, and up to 8 weeks of that can overlap with the other parent's leave.
Do casual employees get parental leave in Australia?
Long-term casual employees (those who have worked regularly for at least 12 months) are entitled to unpaid parental leave. Casual employees may also be eligible for the government Paid Parental Leave scheme if they meet the work and income tests. Check the Fair Work website or Services Australia for details.