Leave planner
Plan it on one timeline
How most families split it
The most common pattern is two blocks. You take a few weeks at the birth, using some or all of your 20 reserved paid days, while the birth parent starts their longer stretch. Then, when the birth parent goes back to work, you take a second block and become the main carer for a while.
That second block is where the money often hides. Paid days taken while the birth parent is back at work do not count against the 20 day overlap limit, and some public sector agreements pay extra weeks to a partner who takes over as primary carer.
The rules the planner checks
- 20 of the 130 paid days are yours and cannot be handed over.
- At most 20 paid days can overlap with the birth parent's.
- Your leave has to start and finish within 24 months of the birth.
- More than 12 months of unpaid leave each needs your employer's agreement.
- Written notice at least 10 weeks before each block starts.
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Verified 26 September 2026.
Planner questions
When can a dad start paternity leave in Australia?
Any time in the first 24 months after the birth, as long as the leave also finishes inside that window. Many dads take a block at the birth and a second block when the birth parent goes back to work.
Can both parents be on paid leave at the same time?
Yes, for up to 20 Parental Leave Pay days. Beyond that the government pays one parent at a time, so the planner flags any overlap past 20 days.
Do I have to take my Parental Leave Pay days in one go?
No. Days can be taken in blocks or as single days, as long as every day is used within 2 years of the birth. The planner assumes one block for simplicity.
How much notice do I give if I start leave months after the birth?
The 10 week notice runs from your own start date, not the due date. The planner works out your date.