returning to work and FTB A+B

At the moment we get both FTB A and B (it's about $280 combined, is that the full amount?) as I'm at home with DS and go to uni and DH works full time. I'm going back to part time work next month and am a little confused as to what happens with Centrelink and I reckon I'll get a more helpful answer from someone here then by actually calling Centrelink. So can anyone help me out?

When I start working again we won't qualify for FTB B anymore right? I'm pretty much just going back for something to do and get out of the house for a bit so only 8 hrs a week (around $200 gross a week) will that mean FTB A will get decreased as well? How much can I earn before it starts reduce? At the moment we're also entitled to a bit of parenting payment but we've never bothered to claim it, will I still qualify for it if I work a little bit?

All this stuff seriously hurts my brain so if anyone can shed a bit of light on the situation I'd be very appreciative.
Thanks
:)

Hi there
you are still eligible for B if you earn under a certain amount (i think is is around $22K???? DONT quote me on that amt).

If you are on a guaranteed wage then they will be able to calculate your rate.

Both will be reduced. as A goes off your combined income.

We overestimate our yearly earnings (as i am casual and work varies) and then get lump sum refunds at tax time if it is under the estimate.

you can type it in online to test how much you will get from centrelink too (estimated) if you are trying to work out the work life balance :)

it will really depend on what your anticipated income is going to be

you will be able to nominate a return to work date for ftbb purposes if you are returning to work for the first time adn will be doing more than 10 hours per week - what that means is that the income you earn between now and the end of the financial year will only impact your ftb part B after the date you return to work. you won't "owe" anything for before that date. if you go back and it's less than 10 hours per week, your ftbb for the entire financial year may be impacted (so you may have been slightly overpaid). your ftbb will stay at max rate (approx 130 per fn) for the balance of the financial year if your income estimate is under around 5000 - over that, and less than about 20000 you'll get a part payment, but it will be minimal as your income increases

for ftba purposes - if you're currently gettin 280-ish ftb a and b combined, it sounds like you're getting the maximum amount of ftba as well (around 150 per fn) - i am assuming no rent assistance here! - anyhoot, once your incomes combined go over the low income threshold (around 43k) your ftba starts to increase. for every dollar over that threshold you will lose a maximum of about 20c - over the full financial year. if your ftba combined income does show you as entitled to less ftba, it will correct your remaining fortnights to account not only for the lesser amount for the balance of the year, but also for the start of the year as well, so you'll get less.

hope that helps

BG