Principal Carer Parents
A person in receipt of an activity tested payment is the principal carer of a child if:
• the child is a dependent child of the person,
• the child has not turned 16.
Principal Carer Parents (PCP) in receipt of Parenting Payment, whose youngest child is at least six years of age, are required to complete a Mutual Obligation through undertaking an approved activity, or combination of approved activities, as part of their annual Mutual Obligation (MO) requirement of 150 hours over a 6 month period. Work for the Dole is the default Mutual Obligation activity for PCP. There are special exemptions available, depending on your circumstances, that are assessed on a case by case situation. If you feel you may be eligible for an exemption, talk to your local Centrelink office.
Flexibilities have been put in place to enable PCP to complete their MO requirements while meeting their caring responsibilities. Unless otherwise requested or agreed by the PCP, activity test requirements (including the MO activity and Job Network member interviews) should be scheduled to occur during school hours (i.e. generally between 9am and 3pm during school terms). PCP’s have the flexibility to bank hours. You can at any time during your placement increase your participation and bank hours to cover times when you are unable to attend due to caring responsibilities. You will need to discuss this with your Community Work Coordinator (CWC).