DR - I haven't looked into it all yet, but it seems that the $10,000 would be the better option, unless you wanted to go back to work before the 18 weeks. Even if you did, would you lose it all or just the weeks you worked? Even though it's taxed, you'll have deductions you can claim. But like I say, I haven't looked into it - I should probably just keep quiet! Glad you had a good time in Melbourne, sounds like a good friend.
Hi everyone,

I'm back in Melbourne tonight - staying with my friend as I was feeling pretty lonely and sad earlier today so rang to see if I could come for another visit.

Anyway in terms of the paid parental leave my issue is still with how it will count as if it is only taxed then that is fine (20% tax for me) but if it counts as income in terms of centrelink benefits then it ends up being less than the baby bonus because I lose 40% out of my single parent pension for every dollar of declarable income (because I am already over the $100 pf reduction free amount). So in effect it is like paying 50% tax. (thus the paid parental leave ends up being less money in my pocket then the baby bonus). This scheme started in Jan this year and it's like centrelink workers still dont' know how it is meant to work - hopeless!

If you go back to work before the 18 weeks then you just lose whatever you haven't already recieved but this counts even if you just do one day casual work at 10 weeks (then you would miss out on 8 weeks of parental leave). So need to make the decision to definately not start work before the 18 weeks is up if you are planning on applying for the paid parental leave.

I wanted to use this money to help pay towards my IVF loan. Atleast on the bright side my mum informed me that I only owe $3000 towards the IVF (and still $15,000 towards my car). So hopefully one way or another (through the baby bonus or paid parental leave) I will pay off the rest of the IVF loan by the time that money stops. All up it cost me around $15,000 out of pocket for IVF. I know that is cheap compared to alot of couples but it's hard when you are trying to pay it off as a single mum.... thank god my parents gave me the loan interest free.

My friend is engrossed in watching the footy at the moment and I am just so not interested in footy! But I guess I better go and try to seem interested or atleast social! :-)

Lori
DD - 14 (in Qld with her grandparents - spoke to her tonight and she seems to be having fun)
Bub due 28th Aug