Official form guide
Form sts request to extend unpaid parental leave beyond initial 1: Sts request to extend unpaid parental leave beyond initial 12 months template letter
This is a template letter provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman for employees to request an extension of unpaid parental leave beyond the initial 12-month period. It is used to formalize a written request to an employer, which is a requirement under the National Employment Standards (NES).
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form sts request to extend unpaid parental leave beyond initial 1 - Sts request to extend unpaid parental leave beyond initial 12 months template letter
This is a template letter provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman for employees to request an extension of unpaid parental leave beyond the initial 12-month period. It is used to formalize a written request to an employer, which is a requirement under the National Employment Standards (NES).
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Give this to your employer at least 4 weeks before your current leave ends, or your request might be invalid.
- 2Submitting the request less than 4 weeks before the current leave ends
- 3Requesting an extension that pushes the total leave beyond 24 months
- 4Forgetting to keep a dated copy of the sent letter
- 5Not providing a clear and specific proposed return date
Plain English
If you are nearing the end of your first year of unpaid parental leave and want to take more time off, you can use this letter to ask your employer. It gives you a standard, easy-to-use format to put your request in writing so you and your employer have a clear record.
Submission Date
- Filing date: You must submit this request to your employer at least 4 weeks before the end of your current 12-month unpaid parental leave period.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When you want to extend your unpaid parental leave past the first 12 months
- When you need a formal written template to give to your employer
- When you are an eligible employee covered by the National Employment Standards
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Requesting flexible work hours upon return
You might need to change your work patterns when you return from leave
✓ Check Fair Work Ombudsman website for flexible working templates
Disputing a refused extension
If your employer unreasonably refuses your request, you may need to escalate the issue
✓ Check Fair Work Commission eligibility criteria
Applying for the initial 12 months of leave
You must use your company's standard process for the first 12 months
✓ Check your employee handbook or HR portal
Claiming government-funded parental leave
This is separate from your employer's unpaid leave and paid through Centrelink
✓ Log in to your myGov account to check eligibility
Deadline or filing window
Submit the completed letter to your employer at least 4 weeks before the end date of your initial 12-month unpaid parental leave.
Before you submit
- 1Verify your requested new return date is accurate
- 2Ensure you have included your original leave end date
- 3Sign and date the letter if sending as a PDF or hard copy
- 4Double-check the recipient email address or HR contact
- 5Save a copy of the final letter for your personal records
How to file this form
- 1Download the template letter from the Fair Work Ombudsman website
- 2Fill in the bracketed information with your personal and leave details
- 3Save the completed document to your computer
- 4Email the letter to your manager or HR representative
- 5Follow up a few days later to confirm they received it
Known limitations
- 1Employers can refuse the request on reasonable business grounds
- 2The maximum extension you can request is 12 months, bringing the total leave to 24 months
- 3This template does not apply to casual employees who are not engaged on a regular and systematic basis
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->This is a standard Fair Work Ombudsman template reflecting current National Employment Standards for unpaid parental leave.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the 4-week notice period requirement has not changed
- Ensure the maximum 24-month total leave limit is still current
- Check if your employer requires their own specific company form instead of this template
Quick Facts
Sources
- SRCForm name and number verified
- SRCIssuing agency verified as Fair Work Ombudsman
- SRC4 weeks notice requirement confirmed by National Employment Standards
- SRCMaximum extension of 12 months confirmed by National Employment Standards
- SRCEmployer response timeframe of 21 days confirmed by Fair Work Ombudsman guidelines
Common confusion points
Assuming the employer must automatically approve the request
Missing the 4-week notice deadline
Confusing unpaid parental leave from an employer with Paid Parental Leave from Centrelink
Failing to specify a clear return date in the letter
Source transparency
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