return-to-work planner
compare four return-to-work scenarios side-by-side — see the total household dollars over 2 years, including PPL, CCS, FTB, Parenting Payment, tax and childcare out-of-pocket. 2025-26 rates.
last verified: 24 April 2026
your situation
what you earned full-time before going on leave
full-time-equivalent salary on return. pro-rated for part-time below.
gap fee before CCS. AU average is ~$130/day for centre-based care.
biggest difference across scenarios
$90,943
over 24 months. the best net scenario for your situation is return at 6 months at $249,365. the lowest is stay at home for the full period at $158,422.
four scenarios, side by side
return at 6 months
best net$249,365
net household over 24 months
effective hourly take-home
$35/hr worked
net $ from returning, divided by hours you'd actually work.
return at 12 months
$219,051
net household over 24 months (-$30,314 vs best)
effective hourly take-home
$38/hr worked
net $ from returning, divided by hours you'd actually work.
return at 18 months
$188,736
net household over 24 months (-$60,629 vs best)
effective hourly take-home
$46/hr worked
net $ from returning, divided by hours you'd actually work.
stay at home for the full period
lowest net$158,422
net household over 24 months (-$90,943 vs best)
how this planner calculates
each scenario sums income (salary + PPL + FTB + Parenting Payment + CCS subsidy) and subtracts costs (tax + childcare out-of-pocket) over the horizon. PPL is capped at 22 weeks × $915.80. CCS uses 2025-26 family income tapers and the $14.63/hour centre-based cap. Tax is resident progressive rates + 2% Medicare levy. FTB A+B and Parenting Payment use the same calculators as the rest of the site.
sources: PPL, CCS, AU income tax. read our editorial policy.
this is a planner, not personal financial advice. your actual situation may differ. check with Services Australia or a qualified financial advisor before making big decisions.
not sure what to compare?
try changing just one variable at a time — for example, switch between 3 and 5 days per week while keeping everything else constant. the gap is often surprising, because childcare and CCS scale with days, not hours worked.
this calculator provides estimates based on published government rates and formulas. your actual entitlement may vary based on your full circumstances. always check with Services Australia for a precise figure.