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