Payments to Single Mums

[fionas]

DP and I are talking about separating and Centrelink aren't there today so can't talk to anyone about what I could claim as an interim measure prior to getting a job (currently a full-time SAHM).

I've had a look at the website and it looks like I'm not entitled to Parenting Payment because I'm a homeowner and its asset-tested.

So, from what I can gather I'd be entitled to Family Tax Benefit A as well as child support.

In slight panic about how long we could live off my savings as it might take me a while to get a job.

Any advice, esp from BG, would be great.

[Catastrophic]

First of all big hugs xoxox

I suggest to go and do their payment estimator and see what you come up with they are surprisingly accurate xox

[Starfish]

Sorry to hear that you find yourself in this situation.

I agree with Cat - go to the website and do the payment estimate. Do you own the home outright or do you and your DP own it jointly? Do you have a mortgage? I am thinking that if you are not earning anything at all, then you would be at least entitled to Newstart or something until you get a job.

GL.

[LimeSlice]

The primary family home you live in is not included in the assessment as far as I remember, I also was a homeowner and it never came into it WRT my eligibility for PP. My home was worth $400k - maybe not enough to tip the balance?

I receive appox $650 a f/n in PPS, plus $145 + $130 ish for FTB A and B a fortnight.
You will also qualify for a Pension card, which applies discounts to utilities, telephone, transport, school fees and all sorts of things.
All told, I receive just under $1000 a f/n with 2 children, including $33 rent assistance - which is effected by the CSA assessment. (As is FTB I think)

Hope that helps.

[fionas]

The primary family home you live in is not included in the assessment as far as I remember, I also was a homeowner and it never came into it WRT my eligibility for PP. My home was worth $400k - maybe not enough to tip the balance?

I receive appox $650 a f/n in PPS, plus $145 + $130 ish for FTB A and B a fortnight.
You will also qualify for a Pension card, which applies discounts to utilities, telephone, transport, school fees and all sorts of things.
All told, I receive just under $1000 a f/n with 2 children, including $33 rent assistance - which is effected by the CSA assessment. (As is FTB I think)

Hope that helps.

That helps heaps thanks Limeslice!!! I hope you're right re the primary home not coming into the assessment.

So you also receive child support on top of that? That's the only figure I can work out at the moment.

[LimeSlice]

When he pays it, yes! LOL

Ex earns around $90k a year, the assessed rate of CS was $1340 a month. He is paying (after a huge saga) $1000 a month by my agreement from next month. My advice is go straight to CSA and have it collected from day dot, it will sve you the headaches of having it taken over later, regardless of how amicable things are or aren't, it jut means they deal with it all from the beginning and there is no farting around trying to back date payments and carrying on.

This link may be what you are after to work some estimates out... https://www.centrelink.gov.au/RateEs...mbinedStart.do

I'm sorry you are in this position, but it is doable I think, particularly if you are able to retain the house.

[fionas]

LS - you're a lifesaver - have googled around and it seems the principal residence IS exempt from the assets test. That was my biggest worry. So basically, I'd be entitled to Parenting Payment while I'm not working. Phew, phew, phew. Have done the estimator (which didn't include the Parenting Payment).

Will get into Centrelink next week.

Panic over. For now

[diannescruffy]

Your home wont come into it hun, I own our home fully and receive parenting payment. I'm sorry you are going through all this .

Regards,
Dianne

[Ryatha]

I wasn't a home owner but I was working when we separated and didn't know if I was going to earn enough.

I went into centrelink and had a big chat and asked about everything I could claim. It was great as there were things I would never have known otherwise.

It's a hard thing to do, but it is possible, and lots of us here with experience I you need to chat.

[fionas]

Thanks guys - I can only find the online estimator for child support - not the other payments.

House is in joint names, owned outright but I THINK that DP will agree to sign over to me (long story but bought from my sale of my previous home which I owned solely). I realise that I'm in a better position than most but owning a house doesn't provide me with any money to pay the bills/groceries etc.

Just annoying that they're not there today!!!

[fionas]

Thanks again bg!

[onthefly]

Moderator Message »
We have removed some posts that may reflect inaccurate information.
Please note that despite the best intentions of members generously sharing their knowledge and experience in these matters, information obtained on BellyBelly is not a substitute for seeking professional advice, whether it be legal, financial or what have you.