The maternity pay in Australia, provided through the government-funded Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme, is typically paid in a lump sum for a period of up to 18 weeks. However, you may have the option to spread out your maternity pay over a longer period if your employer offers flexible arrangements or if you have negotiated such an arrangement with your employer.
Some employers may have policies or provisions in place that allow employees to take their maternity pay as a reduced salary over a longer period, typically up to 12 months. This arrangement is often referred to as “keeping in touch” or “returning to work on reduced hours.”
It’s important to note that the specific options and arrangements for spreading out maternity pay can vary depending on your employer’s policies and individual agreements. You should consult with your employer’s human resources department or review your employment contract to understand the available options for spreading out your maternity pay.
Keep in mind that the information provided is based on general practices, and there may have been updates or changes to maternity leave policies and arrangements since my last update. It’s always best to consult with your employer or relevant government authorities, such as the Fair Work Ombudsman (www.fairwork.gov.au), for the most up-to-date and accurate information on maternity pay arrangements in Australia.