My ex and I separated when I was only a few months pregnant with my 2 and a half year old daughter. We've always remained friends, which we feel very lucky about. I've been on a single parent pension since my daughters birth, and was planning to return to work once she was 18 months - 2 years old. (I had some serious health issues and surgeries during this time which is why I was planning to be off work so long).
He pays child support and regularly spends time with our daughter.
On the night of our daughters 2nd birthday party, we had a few drinks with friends, and ended up in bed together. A terrible decision I know, but it happened. A month later, I found out I was pregnant again. This was completely unplanned, but there's not a whole lot to be done. I'm now 7 months along, and am worried about what I'm meant to tell Centrelink once bub is born early next year. I'm hoping to return to work once bub is 6 months old. But I'm afraid I'm going to loose my pension in the mean time for having another child with the same man, even though we are not together and haven't been for years.
I know it's a long shot, but has anyone else been in a similar situation and have any advice? Please, no judging. Thanks.
Telling Centrelink I'm pregnant
Telling Centrelink I'm pregnant
Posted in:
Parenthood Guilt, Pregnancy, Baby & Toddler, Money
4 Replies
I personally haven't been in this situation but know people that have.
My brother is living with his ex, and they have 2 kids. She is receiving single parent payments. They have just had a third child together and as far as I am aware, still receiving payments.
Another person I know, fell pregnant with a second child with their ex and still got payments.
I think as long as you can prove you are no longer a couple (seperate rent, different mailing address, etc) then I think you should be fine.
Enjoy the last few weeks of your pregnancy :)
I was in this exact situation not long ago. Once bubs is born and you fill out their forms, you will set off bells because you had a baby while on single parenting. You will get a letter asking you to call, call them and answer a bunch of questions, about if you share finances, house hold duties, if you socialise as a couple and if the community persives you as a couple. But that's just to make sure you aren't living together. Just be honest :) if you are still concerned ring them and ask :)
Just be honest, it was a mistake but it doesn't make you a couple!
Just inform centrelink now while you are pregnant, but say you are no longer with the father etc.. So once baby comes your not bombarded on why u didn't contact centrelink sooner with your situation etc..
U have proof that he's not your partner ( different mail address, rent leases etc
But I would do it now then waiting till baby is born
That way they know your situation