Means tested Baby Bonus

[nataliej]

I work for Centrelink in a communication role and part of my job is to provide info to the community about the payments and services we deliver, including changes to things like Baby Bonus.

The general principle you've followed is basically correct - that is, dividing your family's annual income in half is a pretty good way of working out if you are likely to be eligible or not. If you're on half-pay while on Maternity Leave or are only be paid for part of the six months, make sure your estimate is based on that. Also, don't forget to include things like share dividends if you've got them. Briggsy's Girl was right re the sliding scale for payment of the Bonus - if your income isn't $75,000 or below, you're not entitled.

Since the beginning of the year, the Baby Bonus is now being paid in 13 fortnightly instalments, rather than as a lump sum. Legislation no longer allows Centrelink to pay the bonus as a lump sum. If your baby was born before 1 January 2009, you'll still get it as a lump sum though.

The profits from the sale of a house may be taken into account but there are special rules for how this works.

If you're in this situation or think your income is close to $75,000, we're telling people to ring Centrelink on 13 6150 and we can make sure people are able to provide a fairly accurate estimate, as well as to discuss their options such as lodging once the income is known.