ParentsNext appointments and processing 101-03160000

ParentsNext is a voluntary pre-employment program for Parenting Payment (PP) (single and partnered) customers with children under 6 years of age. The program focuses on offering individual support and referrals to services that can help customers to plan and prepare for work or connect to the workforce when their youngest child turns 6.

ParentsNext participants do not need to look for or take up work. The aim is to encourage customers to think about their future work and study related goals and to support them in achieving these goals by connecting them with appropriate services in their local community. The program offers individualised support that can include help to access secure housing, financial advice, parenting courses, childcare, transport, further study, training or volunteering.

Interim Arrangements to facilitate voluntary participation

As ParentsNext is now a voluntary service, from 3 June 2024 all customers who have participation status of compulsory and who have been referred to a ParentsNext provider must have the Temporary ParentsNext Exemption (TPN) exemption applied to their record until:

• 31 October 2024, or
• until their youngest child turns 6, whichever is the earlier

This will enable customers to voluntarily participate in the program until it ceases on 31 October 2024.

Do not refer customers for ParentsNext provider appointments.

ParentsNext will end on 31 October 2024. Before then:

• Services Australia appointments ceased from 9 September 2024
• Provider appointments ceased from 13 September 2024
• Staff must not make referrals to providers from 16 September 2024