I'm just wondering if anyone can answer a question on the new means tested Maternity Payment. I know it's only recently changed to means tested so I understand if no one can help me!
I have read that as well as a 6 month estimate of income, fringe benefits are also taken into account as to whether people are eligible for the Maternity Payment. My DH leases a car through his work to decrease his taxable income, it's salary sacrificed so I guess it's a fringe benefit.
My question is how do I work out how the lease car affects our eligibility?
Sorry if I have confused anyone - it's confusing stuff!!

CM - you need to get your DH to work out the GROSSED UP amount of the lease as it will appear for the tax office. only a portion of that amount is used (i believe 51.5%) that you pay tax on. you will need this for both baby bonus AND FTB purposes. the people that manage the lease will be able to tell you the value of if grossed up.

if your partner isn't sure what his income will be (if it brings it close to that cut off threshold, you do have up to 12 months to claim the baby bonus so that you can wait til it's all been confirmed