Centrelink for SAHM?
Hi everyone! I’m a first time mum so I really need your help! I’m currently on mat leave with my 11 month old! Im due to start work in a few months but I honestly don’t know what to do as childcare is so so expensive and my child is always getting sick so I don’t even think it would be an option. I also don’t have any family here to support us or look after the baby while at work. My husband works on site and doesn’t have any WFH option. We are also not in the best financial position for only one parent’s salary. Even if I were to work, most of my salary would go to childcare even with the childcare subsidy! I just don’t think it’s worth returning to work and going through that trauma of my child getting sick all the time especially as he has such a weak immune system :(
Does anyone know if I can get any Centrelink payment or benefits if I were to quit work and be a SAHM? I just don’t think I have a choice at this point! Even the slightest financial benefit/ minimum payment would help!
Any advice would be much appreciated! Xx
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@Kathryn I just don’t think I could do childcare! I’m way too attached to him now and thinking about leaving him and going back to work puts me into depression! He’s also got a bad immune system and is always getting sick so I know even if we did do childcare I’d have to take soo many sick days to stay at home with him as I wouldn’t want to send him in and spread the sickness to the other babies :(
Have you applied for parenting payment partnered ?
@Sarah no, what’s that?
The childcare subsidy does help a LOT. Our childcare is something like $500 a fortnight for 8 days. The germs thing though is very real, particularly that first month. BUT little one does love it. I had to go back to work for the $$, rent is so much. I don't know much about centrelink outside of that, though, sorry! All I know is that mat leave $ wasn't covering bills. It's definitely hard balancing work and baby and I often try to figure out how I could be home with him more. Win the lotto? 🥲