Hi All, long story- but single mum and I am wanting to take some leave without pay from work due to mental health- exhaustion, depression and anxiety. I need some time to work on myself and I don't think I can do it at work due to my level of stress at work. I already know that I can get a dr certificate and a note from my psychologist to state my current situation.
My worry is- I'm not sure how to do this financially. I have a mortgage and other loans and two children. I have full care and receive the minimum amount of child support from their father due to him being unemployed. So I have responsibilities and I need to be able to stay afloat at least a little.
Does anyone know if you can get Newstart allowance when you are on leave without pay- it will either be six or twelve months. Or would I need to resign? And if I resign- is there a waiting period?
Also- do you get Family Tax Benefit as well as Newstart?
Any advice in this area would be great! Feeling like I'm drowning right now.
Thank you.
3 Replies
Depends on how old your kids are. If they are young you might qualify for parenting payment. There used to be a temporary sickness payment but can't remember if it still exists.
Yes if you'd qualify for payments then you'd also get family tax benefits.
Call them they would be your best option and give you the correct advice
You can apply for Sickness Allowance if you have a job to return to. You will need medical evidence & confirmation from your employer. Centrelink will give you the appropriate paperwork.
If you resign from your job it will be Newstart Incapacitated. You will still need medical evidence supporting your medical condition & that you couldn't remain in that type of employment. If you can't provide it you will have a non payment period applied.
If you're in receipt of a Centrelink income support payment you will be assessed for the max rate of FTB.
Definitely call Centrelink to discuss though.
Good luck xx