A question about the government maternity allowance

[Maruschke]

So, a bit complicated.

Next year, I will be working 1-2 days a week (taxable) and getting a full time scholarship (non taxable). We are frantically TTC!

Both the paid work and the scholarship have 3 months paid maternity leave at the current rate. So I would give birth and then go on leave and keep getting paid the same, and return after 3 months to be back to normal, with DH staying at home with the two kids.

My question is, can I be receiving paid maternity allowance from the job, and the scholarship (not going to work, on proper maternity leave) and also receive the government allowance (I think it's about $540 a week for 18 weeks) at the same time?

It's doing my head in I can't figure out all the exclusions etc.

Thanks

[briggsy's girl]

if you have qualified for the paid parental leave, yes you should be able to. however, it is taxable, so make sure you check the estimator on the website to see if you'll be better off (cash in hand) with the paid parental leave over the baby bonus. the PPL can be transferred to your DH when he becomes primary carer when you return to work.

if you want clarification, get all your details together and call FAO - they have a dedicated team of specialised staff taking calls about PPL just to get past the first few months of "holy hell, do i qualify or not" stresses while it is introduced!

[Maruschke]

Thanks BG! I knew you would know!

DH isn't working so he isn't eligible for PPL. I will give the FAO, thanks for the suggestion.

[briggsy's girl]

it doesn't base on him hun, if YOU qualify, you can transfer to him!

[Maruschke]

it doesn't base on him hun, if YOU qualify, you can transfer to him!

Oooh that's perfect

So I can take 12 weeks paid maternity leave, and transfer the balance of the 6 weeks PPL to him (since I return to work at 12 weeks and you can't be physically working and getting PPL at the same time)?

Oooh I am getting excited, now I just need to twiddle my thumbs waiting to get UTD.

Smuckeroonies you have made my evening!

[briggsy's girl]

you can even hold off the PPL until you return to work so that you get 18weeks of PPL after your go back to work so it's all paid to your partner as primary carer i think

[Ahurani]

Ok I don't understand. I thought you got what your work gave you plus the 18 weeks?

[Maruschke]

Ok I don't understand. I thought you got what your work gave you plus the 18 weeks?

Work gives me 12, government gives us 18 .

[Ahurani]

Oh phew. Work gives me 10

[nataliej]

Hi, my name is Natalie and I work in a new team within Centrelink that is helping answer questions people post on twitter/forums/facebook etc. I spoke to the families team on your behalf and I just wanted to clarify some information about transferring Paid Parental Leave (or a portion of it) to another person.

If you return to work, your Parental Leave Pay will stop, however, any unused part of your Parental Leave Pay may be transferred to your partner if they also meet the eligibility criteria and claim your unused Parental Leave Pay. In one of your posts, you said your DH isn't working so unless he meets the criteria as well, he won't be eligible for any remaining Parental Leave Pay.

There's some good information about Paid Parental Leave at Paid Parental Leave scheme eligibility that I think you would find useful.

I really urge you to give the Family Assistance Office a call on 136 150 to discuss your personal circumstances so they can give you advice based on your individual situation. The Family Assistance Office line is open Monday - Friday from 8am to 8pm (local time).

Hope this info helps you!