WMM That sucks. Sounds like the system is ripping you of at all angels. It sucks when you put in the hard yards for a good career or well paying career but then aren't rewarded for it with all the rip offs with tax, and less entitlements.

Arimeh's Eden sounds like we are in a similar boat. We earn just a little over the health care cut of. Our local Dr bulk bills children but not adults but 90% of Drs visits are for the kids. Its the medication at the chemist that costs us a fortune. Both my DD's needed antibiotics and it was $50. Quite a chunk out of the grocery budget.

Kylz I apparently will get $51 a fortnight also (just applied yesterday) for 3 children. I would be entitled to more but I got some maintanence for the first time in 9yrs this financial year which now means I'm not entitled to what I should be. That sucks as for 9yrs I've received nothing and as far as I am concerned the maintanence should be for my eldest DD not for my whole family. I put it aside for DD but it now means I have to spend it to live. So ex's father essentially is paying what I was going to get anyway.

With the baby bonus when do you apply for it? I mean how long can you hold of getting it? I need Josie on my medicare card but wont that mean I'll then receive the baby bonus about a month after I put in for it? (its on the same form) The longer I can get away with not receiving it means I get more time of with my baby girl from work.

JJ yes thats pretty cool that Iona, you and I's bubs all share a birthday. I was hoping for a march bub but certainly wasn't expecting it. Anyone else in here have bubs born on the 30th?

Ellamummy I wont get excited yet then that Josie isn't a screamer. At 10days old I guess things can change! She is certainly more vocal now then ever. I guess that will continue.