Single Mums with 4 kids or more - are you forced to work when smallest child is 6?

[CathyS]

I am a single Mum with 4 kids (2 from failed marriage and 2 from failed 2nd relationship) - does it make any difference if you have a large family to support whether Centrelink forces you to go back to work when they are age 6? or something? My sister seemed to think if you have 4 kids or more, that centrelink were less lenient on you working? Just curious.

I am still thinking of getting a job when she goes to school (my 1 year old), I just wondered what happens if you can't get a job. Do they just cut your payments? I have 4 kids to feed and it's expensive (over $350 or more a fortnight just for food). I just want to be prepared.

[jaspen]

I know someone who had four kids the oldest 16 the youngest 6 - she had to have a job (not just cash in hand) by the time the youngest was 6 I believe - for Centrelinks benefit. Couldn't tell you how exactly it would affect her payments other than it would substantially and excuses/reasons like having to drop and collect kids from school due to lack of support network etc were not going to carry any wait with why she couldn't/shouldn't get a job as far as Centrelink were concerned.

Hopefully someone with firsthand experience can give you better details.

[Visitor7]

If you receiving Parenting Payment, then yes, when your oldest turns 6 (if you're partnered) or 8 (if you're single) you will need to re-enter the workforce. It's only to do with Parenting Payment though, not FTB.
ETA: link for parenting payment info
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/interne.../parenting.htm

[CathyS]

Yes I get that and have full time care of all of them. Thanks girls.

[deletedit]

You don't have to look for work if you have 4 under 16, I think. But otherwise, as above.

[CathyS]

Ok thanks

[Visitor7]

You don't have to look for work if you have 4 under 16, I think. But otherwise, as above.

That's for what they call 'grandfathered Parenting Payment' customers. So if you were receivng Parenting Payment before they changed the rules (1/07/06), then that's right
Grandfathered Parenting Payment