If you apply for Parenting Payment after 1 July 2006, you can only receive it until your youngest child turns six if you have a partner or eight if you are a sole parent.

If you were receiving the payment before this date, you can receive it until your youngest child turns sixteen (unless your payment is cancelled for any reason and you need to re-apply).

Once your youngest child turns six (or in some cases, seven), you will be expected to meet the activity test similar to that referred to above. In addition, if Centrelink decides that you are the “principal carer”, you will have reduced activity test requirements. However, whether you are the principal carer or not, Centrelink must take into account your child care responsibilities when setting activity test requirements, and exempt you from requirements if you child is sick or for other important reasons.

You may also be able to get a temporary exemption of up to 26 weeks if you affected by such matters as: domestic violence; child abuse; family law or other Court matters relevant to your child; homelessness; permanent separation; or matters which together constitute a 'critical situation'.

In any case, an activity test exemption for Parenting Payment should be considered on your own circumstances, even if the above matters don't apply to you.