you have 19 weeks to go - layby the big items from a baby store and pay them off - the first few installments will have you collecting big ticket items.

there is no need for some of the big ticket items straight away - you can hire a capsule from local council for not too much - which takes care of your car seat for first 4-6 months. cot doesn't need to be exxy - keep an eye on target sales or even look at op shops. high chair - not needed for months. bouncer etc - again, not a necessity. pram/stroller - the variation in price is huge - get one that does what you need, not necessarily one with all the bells and whistles. if you can, get a sling or something for first up outings until the baby bonus starts being paid and then you can go without pram for a while too.

the way payments are calculated related to income and assetts, and what payment you're on. new start is higher level of payment than youth allowance or austudy. if you're partnered, you may be getting rent assistance while he isn't.

it's not about making life diifficult for anyone - it's about making another government welfare payment equal across the board for all those eligible. there is no reason why this should be paid in a lump sum anymore - it is now a WELFARE payment, not an entitlement. it is designed to help new mum's to supplement a wage for the first 6 months so that they can hopefully meet WHO recommendations for exclusive BF - a lot was taken into consideration for this to be changed - and like all other welfare entitlements, it will be paid in fortnightly installments