A question about the government maternity allowance

[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!