Can I get centrelink payments?

[kerrie]

Hey everyone!!!

I found out about a week ago that I was pregnant. I'm about 6 weeks into it.

I was wondering, I'm on Youth Allowance and get about 240 a fortnight.
Will I be getting any more during my pregnancy or only once bubs is born?

[Visitor7]

Once you reach 32 weeks (I think) you can apply for Newstart Incapacitated (so you won't be required to look for work). Once bub is born, you can apply for Parenting Payment and/or FTB.

[DoubleK]

yep, being pregnant doesn mean they pay you more, but once bubs arrives, you can change over to Parening payment. an you'll also receive some Family Tax benefits.

i was on newstart allowance towards the end of my first pregnancy, but was still required to 'look for work' even though i clearly did not want a job at 32 weeks. i ended up getting a letter from my OB stating i wasnt fit for work.

[~clover~]

I was on YA right up til DD1 was born. I was actually on it for a month after. They started paying me FTB, but never started the parenting payment. I was in handing in a looking for work form when they told me I should be on PP.

[kerrie]

That's not really helpful!

I mean, it would be nice to get a little bit more now so I can buy some important baby stuff.

Though I guess once bubs is born then it will come in quite handy

[dust]

with #1 i was on YA i had to do all my activity stuff.. job seeking training (2nd time around, same people.. so they let me bludge it.. was boring, but i did help a few people..) then did work for the dole scheme which required a annoying 2hr bus journey into a hole-of-a-suburb and they had me type out of textbooks, put stuff in envelpes and photo-copy stuff... went to all my c-link appts where the girls would call me "you poor thing!" and my dr (prev-coworker) who said i should do the work for the dole etc as i seemed just "scared of it" gah...
wishing u all the best!
i know the YA is not much or anything to put aside for bubs (been there)... u could try having a baby shower (great for first bubs) visit op shops, some baby shops sell 2nd hand goods, try garage sales etc for cheap baby furniture.. and don't panic by the time bub is here u will only need a few things and as it gets older the other items (highchair, toys etc) by that time PP & baby bonus should help u guys!

congrats on youre pregnancy!!!!!!

[HotI]

If you are only early in your pregnancy you could get a job so you have 'play' money for all the baby things you want to buy. I have seen some lovely cots and other baby gear at Op shops, you can always paint them if you don't like the colour. Babies can be done on a budget, you just have to be clever about it.