Of all the challenges solo parenting can bring into your life, one thing is for certain- being a single parent can also bring isolation.

When you’re parenting alone there’s a whole range of extra pressures and worries dual-parent families usually don’t experience.

Child support arrears, Family Court Orders, Centrelink single parenting benefits info and even Domestic Violence Orders seem a whole world away from normal two-parent family parenting problems. So when you feel like you need a chat, or just a listening ear you may find that your married or partnered-up friends have difficulty relating to your separated parenting problems – which leaves you feeling more isolated and alone than ever.

So where can single parents turn to for help?

The answer is that your single parent tribe is waiting for you online – you should join a single parent support group!

The following online single parenting groups are the biggest and best in Australia.  Well established and moderated, they accept Australian members only, and are the top single parent online support groups in Australia. Best of all – they are all completely free to join.

1. Australian Single Mum Support Group

The number one Australian single mums Facebook group by a country mile, this twenty-five-thousand plus member group is the official Facebook-recognised community leader. It also happens to be one of the most highly engaged groups on Facebook, with hundreds of thousands of engagements each month! Here you can connect, share, learn and vent with like-minded single mums who “get” you and your Aussie single mum life. All you need to join is to be an Australian resident, and a single mum!

Definition of a single mum / single parent

For the purposes of membership of our groups our definition of an Australian single parent and single mum (or sole parent/solo parent is as follows;

An individual who doesn’t have a physical relationship with their child’s other biological parent. It is acceptable for single parents to be re-partnered and still join our groups

Join the Australian Single Mum Support Group here

2. Australian Single Parent Support Group

The biggest online Aussie single mum and single dad group there is, with over ten thousand single parent members and many Australian single parent discussions each day – be it child support, family court, child custody or meal planning! It’s worthwhile noting that this is not a single parent romance group – it’s a single parent support community.  (So don’t join this one if you’re ONLY looking for a new romantic partner online – join our romance group instead, here!)

Join the Australian Single Parent Support Group here

3. Australian Separated, Single & Divorced Mums Facebook Page

With over 40,000 Australian single mother (and single father) followers, this is the original Aussie single mum Facebook Page. This page is where you’ll find the latest Australian Centrelink, child support and family law news, plus it’s the hub page of a range of smaller Aussie single parent Facebook interest groups, including Centrelink, Child Support and House Sharing Facebook groups.

Follow the Australian Separated, Single & Divorced Mums Facebook Page here

4. The anonymous Single Mother Forum website

This Australian single mother forum website has been established for over ten years, and holds a massive amount of Australian single parent-specific information. From taking child support debt to court, to sole custody, to cooking for six – this forum is where you can find a record of thousands of anonymous Australian single mum questions and answers. Only Aussie single mums may actually join this support group, but the information is accessible to all.

Visit the Australian Single Mother Forum website here

5. Australian Mums receiving Child Support chat group

The only Australian group of its kind, this Facebook group is specifically targeted to Aussie mums who are receiving (or in many cases, owed) child support from their ex-partner. Compare and learn from each other for the best child support outcome for your children, and indeed your single mum family overall.

Join the Australian Mums Receiving Child Support Facebook chat group here

6. Australian single mum share house notices

If you’ve ever considered sharing a home with a fellow single mum family to save money, cut costs, companionship or even share child minding, then

Join the Aussie single mums seeking or offering share houses Facebook group here

10 more Australian single parent Facebook groups you’re going to love!

Created due to demand, the following four new Aussie single parent groups are bound to take off fast…

1. Aussie single mum meetups for friendship & companionship

A new group for mums that want to make single mum friends – even if your lonely when you don’t have the kids when they are at your ex’s! Join here

2. Aussie single mothers paying it forward

A new group for single mums to list items for free for other mums to benefit. Join here

3. Australian single mums who budget and save

Are you a super-savvy single mum and ready to share your tips and hacks, or are you needing some super-tight budget ideas? This is the group for you! Join here

4. Australian single mums who caravan and camp

A new single mum caravanning and camping group for those who are casual campers, doing the lap or travelling Australia full time! Join here

ALSO these State camping sub-groups:

NSW Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/846918812829676/

Queensland Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/745314736102827/

Victoria Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/169093878080892/

South Australia Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1532910156905554/

Western Australia Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/156288102969719/

Tasmania Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/433104288005804/

Northern Territory Single Mums who caravan and camp

https://www.facebook.com/groups/948832205652353/

5. Barefoot Investor Australian single mums

A new group especially for mums to network and learn about Barefoot Investor strategies and tips. Join here

6. Australian single mums who have been widowed

A new group for widowed single mums who may appreciate support of a more specialised kind – the loss of a partner. Join here

7. Australian single mums & dads ready to love again

A new single parent romance group for those who are ready to dip their toe back in the love pool! Join here

8. Australian single parents who holiday and travel

A new single parent travel group for anyone who loves to go away on trips!i  From planning your next weekend getaway to a domestic or international single parent holiday. Join here

9. Australian women thinking about leaving their partner

A group for Aussie women to get tips on how to leave their partner. Join here

10. Australian single mums who date or are repartnered

A group for single mums dating again, or new partner issues and chat. Join here

Australian single parent Facebook Pages by city/region

Local single parent Facebook Pages can be a great resource. Here is a list of Australian capital cities and region pages.

Join the Sydney single parent group here

Join the Melbourne single parent group here

Join the Brisbane single parent group here

Join the Adelaide single parent group here

Join the Perth single parent group here

Join the Canberra single parent group here

Join the Darwin single parent group here

Join the Tasmania single parent group here

Join the Wollongong single parent group here

Join the Newcastle single parent group here

Join the Goulburn single parent group here

Join the Mid-North Coast single parent group here

Join the Gold Coast single parent group here

Join the Mackay single parent group here

Join the Sunshine Coast single parent group here

Join the Ipswich single parent group here

Join the Toowoomba single parent group here

Further Australian single parent resources

Singlemum.com.au

The huge Australian singlemum.com.au website is the original and still number one Australian single parent website, with its own finance, legal and lifestyle single mum experts addressing current issues and topics. The mother-ship for all things single parent in Australia, the singlemum.com.au network extends to encompass and reach hundreds of thousands of Australian single mums and dads. Visit singlemum.com.au here

Letsgomum.com.au

An Australian single parent travel blog. This Aussie single mum shows how to go it alone and still manage to travel the world – or even just holiday down the coast – successfully as a single parent. Travel with kids as a solo parent never looked so fun! Visit the Australian family travel website Letsgomum.com.au here

You should never feel alone or isolated because of your divorce, separation or single parent by choice journey.

There are thousands of other Australian single parents out there going through the same problems as you! Why not  join forces and share information, experiences, problems – and maybe a laugh or two – and join a single parent support group? You’ll never feel alone on this single parenting journey again!

Singlemum.com.au Staff Writers

If you enjoyed reading this article, please give us a Facebook “Like” or comment below, to keep them coming!

The post 6 Australian single parent support groups you need to join now appeared first on Singlemum.

What are the rules for child custody, care and access during COVID stay-at-home lockdown orders? 
A state-by-state round up of the current rules surrounding shared parenting access during lockdown and state border closures

By Jason Bryce 

A Sydney man, aged just 20 years old, died this week from COVID-19, underlining how serious this disease can be. Last week a Sydney woman aged in her thirties, with no other underlying health conditions, was killed by COVID.

So as a general rule-of-thumb, the less travelling around the community we do, the better. But fathers want to see their kids and mums want to know what the rules are around lockdowns and child access. Of course, COVID-19 restrictions vary according to the state, but they are all similar.

State – by – state COVID-19 restrictions

Links to all Australian state and territory government coronavirus restrictions and stay-at-home order information pages are listed at the end of this article.

In short, NSW is still reporting over 200 new cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 per day and Premier Gladys Berejiklian says numbers have likely not peaked yet. Sydney’s south-west is likely to remain under stay-at-home orders for another month. Other areas of Sydney and NSW are likely to enter lockdown as well.

Victorian restrictions have eased last week and again this week. Groups can now gather outdoors and there are no limits on community sport. Unnecessary visits to homes are not allowed but care arrangements are not included in that order.

Queensland’s south-east is also currently under lockdown orders requiring people to stay at home except for (a very few) essential reasons.

Western Australia has some restrictions on visiting aged care facilities and travel is generally not permitted to Aboriginal communities.

South Australia is under “Level Three: Medium Restrictions” right now. There are restrictions on the number of people that can visit a home (no more than ten people in total in a residence) and kids sport is restricted to activities that do not involve other clubs, schools or teams.

In the ACT, there are currently no limit on household visitors.

Northern Territory has reported one new case this week and is forging ahead with encouraging all residents to be vaccinated. The government is advising indigenous people to stay in their home community.

Tasmania has mask requirements in certain situations and travel restrictions on people coming from NSW and SE Queensland.

Should my kids see their father during lockdown? 

What are the child custody access rules in a lockdown period?

Firstly, if anyone in the family has flu-like symptoms they must get tested and isolate until their test result is known. If no-one is in isolation awaiting a test result or is a close contact of a COVID-19 case the rules DO ALLOW child access and care arrangements to continue, in all states.

If you have concerns about the safety of your kids, you need to contact your state child welfare agency. You can call triple zero 000 if you have immediate concerns about your safety and the safety of your kids, but Police are not able to make decisions on child access and custody matters.

You may also find our Domestic Violence help page useful.

In NSW, even in the lockdown local government areas of South-West Sydney, arranging access and care for kids and their parents and other siblings is a “reasonable excuse” to leave home.

The NSW Health Department advises that:

You may leave your home (or temporary accommodation) to facilitate access … and contact between

• parents and children or siblings or
• children under the age of 18 who do not live in the same household as

o    their parents or siblings or

o    one of their parents or siblings.

For South-east Queensland, the state government says:

“All shared parenting, child contact and sibling contact arrangements can occur (not just court determined).”

That rule applies from today (Wednesday 4 August) until further notice, at least until Sunday 8^th August.

In Victoria, the government still bans most household visiting but looking after children is an permitted reason to visit another household

The Victorian government says “Yes” to the question: “Can I drop my children at childcare or someone’s house to have looked after?”

Other states have fewer restrictions on movement and similar advice regarding child access and custody. So yes, your children’s father is permitted to pick them up for the weekend or you can drop them off at his place. That includes if you live in Fairfield or any of the other local government areas in NSW or in Brisbane and surrounds.

What about interstate travel for child custody access?

Interstate travel restrictions are changing regularly. The Family Court of Australia advises parents to check on the state websites. Travellers to WA and Tasmania are required to download and apply for travel permits through the G2G app.

Court Orders as proof of child custody access

If you have court orders in place, the court says take them with you as you pass through the state border:

“When crossing State or Territory borders you may be required to provide the appropriate court order, as evidence of essential movement … 

“Please ensure that you also carry current photo identification. Ideally, you should have a hardcopy of the appropriate court order, or at least, an electronic copy or photo of the orders.” 

Australian COVID-19 restriction information

NSW government coronavirus restrictions information here.

Queensland government coronavirus restrictions information here.

Victorian government coronavirus restrictions information here.

South Australian government coronavirus restrictions information here.

Western Australian government coronavirus restrictions information here.

Tasmanian government coronavirus restrictions information here.

Western Australian ACT government coronavirus restrictions information here.

Northern Territory government coronavirus restrictions information here.

Jason Bryce

If you enjoyed reading this article, please give us a Facebook “Like” or comment below, to keep them coming!

The post Should my kids still see their father in lockdown? appeared first on Singlemum.

Lock downs and self-isolating to reduce contact are back. New announcements are asking for greater community response, and with each message comes greater restrictions.

We get it, but what if lockdown is being locked away with your abuser? For too many women and children this will be their harsh reality.

Our learnings from national disasters is that it triggers an increase in intimate violence; the victims of the violence are mostly women and children, whilst the perpetrators are mostly men.

This pandemic and our response mimic the practice of an intimate abuser.

Isolation is a Domestic Violence perpetrator’s friend

Maybe it commenced with him not being comfortable with your friends – that you should prioritise your relationship with him. That your extended family is too demanding.

It then becomes easier to say “no” to those social connections, and the invitations became fewer and further apart.

Friends don’t feel good in his company, but they can’t put their finger on their unease.

You managed his surveillance, his control. It’s more comforting to put it down to his “quirks”. A normalised pattern until the violence escalates to the point where there is no sidestepping the issue.

Epiphanies arrive at differing times, and by then those essential family and friends may be absent, strained or distant.

The decisions are hard, exhausting, should you stay or go, what is best for the children. Is it you? If you leave a domestic violence situation  could you and your children be safer and lead more secure lives or are you being selfish?

The abuse has a pattern. There can be moments of calm and declarations of great love, heartfelt apologies, it is a toxic cycle and it’s a hell to break.

Imagine all of this and then you maybe in ‘lockdown’

To the woman who is reading this article and is scared.

There isn’t  a magic wand – but please reach out.

1800Respect.org.au or 1800737732.

You can hide your search history, hide the page.

Apps can be helpful and disguised.

If possible, a hidden phone, a trusted friend.

I know of a grandmother who understood that the front blind down was a signal to get help.

The phone trick that may save your life

During lock down your phone is your safety device.

Women can phone 000, if they don’t respond to the operator, they are prompted to hit 55. This lets the operator know that they are in danger but can’t talk

This is a terrifying time and we need to increase the safety of all women and children.  Some practical and immediate steps include.

Increases in violence and abuse targeted at women and children are predictable so let’s act swiftly.

Terese Edwards

National Council of Single Mothers and their Children

If you have found this article useful please consider giving it a Facebook “Like” or Tweet, or comment your thoughts down below…

The post What if lock-down is being locked away with your abuser? appeared first on Singlemum.

By Singlemum Staff 

• Jobseeker Coronavirus Supplement extended, but reduced more than half
• Inc. Parenting Payment Single & others
• Mutual Obligations recommence
• JobKeeper extended, reduced and splits into two payments

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg have announced reductions to JobKeeper and Jobseeker Coronavirus Supplements at a Press Conference this morning.

Jobseeker Reductions

The Jobseeker (Parenting Payment Single, and all benefits listed here) Coronavirus Supplement stays at the current rate until 24th September 2020, after which time it reduces and ends at the end of December 2020.

After September 24 2020 the Jobseeker Coronavirus Supplement drops more than half, from $550 to $250. (The Jobseeker total payment reduces from  $1,115 to $815 per fortnight)

The Jobseeker Coronavirus Supplement will end at the end of December 2020.

Check if you are eligible for the Coronavirus Supplement here

PM Scott Morrison told the news conference that Jobseeker will be reviewed again at this time for a possible extension.

The Prime Minister said Jobseeker is “more of a disincentive to the labour market” than JobKeeper, implying that all participants on Jobseeker are choosing it as a financial decision over work, rather than a safety net from poverty due to circumstances preventing adequate employment – as is the case with a large proportion of Australian single mother’s, and other struggling low-income Australians .

No comment on raising the Jobseeker rate

When questioned regarding the inadequate bass rate of Jobseeker and possible permanent increase, Prime Minister Morrison answered that it was “not a matter we’re looking at at the moment”.

Australian single parents have been calling for the Newstart, or Jobseeker, Centrelink benefit to be raised to a more liveable rate since policy changed and single parents were moved from Parenting Payment Single to Newstart (Jobseeker) when their youngest child turns eight.

Mutual Obligations Recommence

Jobseeker receivers income threshold has been increased to $300 per fortnight before it affects their Centrelink benefits.

Mutual obligation recommences from 4th August – 4 job searches per month are required before penalties result.

Jobkeeper Reductions

JobKeeper will be extended another 6 months until the end of March 2021, but at reduced rates.

Jobkeeper stays at the current rate until 28th September 2020, after which time it reduces and splits into two tiers.

From 29 September 2020 until 3 January 2021 JobKeeper reduces to $1200 – for those who were “full time”, or had more than 20 working hours or more per week prior to COVID-19 (four weeks prior to 1 March 2020).

From 29 September 2020 until 3 January 2021 JobKeeper reduces to $750 – for those who were “casual” or “part-time”, or had less than 20 working hours per week on average prior to COVID-19 (four weeks prior to 1 March 2020).

From 4 January 2021 until 28 March 2020, Jobkeeper reduces again to $1000 (full time) and $650 (casual).

Many JobKeeper recipients expected to move to Jobseeker

A large number of JobKeeper recipients are expected to move from JobKeeper to JobSeeker in the coming months, particularly for casuals who may get less money on JobKeeper than Jobseeker.

Carers Payment & Disability Pension single mums

Single mums on Carers Payment and Disability Support Pension were once again overlooked by the Prime Minister.

Singlemum.com.au Staff

If you enjoyed reading this article, please give us a Facebook “Like” or comment below, to keep them coming!

The post Jobseeker, Single Parenting Payment & JobKeeper Reductions – the new rates and dates appeared first on Singlemum.

By Jason Bryce

Single mums face extra burdens in many areas of childrearing. One of them is teaching kids about money. And this COVID-19 pandemic is giving mums plenty of extra things to think about. Some questions that you may not have found answers for yet are:

1. How can I teach good money habits when my ex-husband / mother-in-law / grandparent gives my child whatever they want?
2. Should I continue to give my kids cash pocket money (notes and coins) during and after COVID-19? Can kids understand budgeting and saving if they don’t get to feel money in their hands?
3. And how do I manage kids online if they have access to money online?

There’s plenty of research to show that single parents face extra challenges when it comes to educating their kids about money. Singel parents do it their own way and find their own answers to their families questions. Some choose to dealy the money education.

Ashley, a single mum interviewed for a study on children’s financial education (see below) is choosing to not give her 11-year old daughter Agatha any money or money education at all yet. Ashley said she provides everything and Agatha should focus on school and not concern herself with doing little jobs to earn money she doesn’t need. Ashley has had struggles with health and wants to teach Agatha the importance of a good diet.

Rhiannon said she is not sure how to discuss money with her three children. Rhiannon said she wanted them to focus on essentials like family and being healthy.

Britney makes a link between money and relationships. Britney is teaching her kids about valuing relationships and has noticed that “family dynamics are less stressed” after some key conversations about money with her daughter.

For single parents educating their kids about money, it starts with cash, coins and the occasional note in a moneybox or piggybanks and graduates to a bank account when your child goes to primary school.

The two big extra challenges for single parents are consistent messaging and undermining behaviour.

Consistent messaging in a single parent family

First of all, messages need to be consistent but single parents are dealing with ex-husbands, mothers-in-law and others who may not be sending the same message to your kids about money.

Parents who find it difficult to ensure consistency with other family members face real challenges according to a recent study on children’s financial education in the UK.

Here is a classic parents mistake cited by the university researchers that can really set back how children see and value savings and the value of money: (and every single mum will relate to this):

You give your child $5 to put in their moneybox to save up for an expensive new toy then another family member takes your child out and buys them an expensive new toy.

This confuses children say the researchers but pretty much all families deal with this one way or another. Generous well-meaning family members can be just as problematic as trouble-makers. Here are some strategies suggested by the research:

Catherine’s children’s father often made big (infrequent) purchases for their kids.

So … Catherine has been encouraging her children to do chores to teach them that money takes time to accumulate.

And … Catherine has explained why their father sometimes buys them big presents: his financial situation is different and the children understand this is something he can’t do it very often.

Some families used the differences in spending habits and patterns to teach lessons about how NOT to manage money said the researchers. But this needs to be done gently and let kids work it out themselves really.

For example, Carina spoke to her children about their uncle who likes to spend money but often asks Nana and Pop for a loan.

Undermining Behaviour

Unfortunately, children learn more from watching how their parents manage money than from what their parents tell them about money.

A long way behind both of those sources of information is school. The defining feature of a good financial education is a great parental role-model. The good news is that you don’t need to be rich to be a good financial role-model. A single mum on Parenting Payment Single knows more about budgeting and managing finances than many company CEOs.

But look at these case studies (cited in the financial education research) of single parents sending the wrong messages:

Melissa warned her daughters about debt and told them to not get into debt.

Melissa used catalogue loans to buy gifts for her daughters at Christmas even though she still had not fully repaid previous debts.

So  .. now Melissa is showing her daughters the trouble she has got into and how she is working her way out.

Single mum Ashley, with daughter Agatha, has been very cautious with her finances because she is starting a new business and waiting for it to pick up. But Ashley said at Christmas budgeting is impossible and she wanted to spend as much as necessary to buy others the gifts they would want.

So … now Ashley and Agatha are dealing with the issue of saving up for a mobile phone.

Bethany encourages her daughter (11 years old) to save but Bethany has no savings herself. She runs a business with her ex-partner and does not put money aside for superannuation or savings.

Bethany says: “I’m not a saver. There’s not enough to save”

So we have all been these situations. The researchers say the single parents who are doing it the best are sitting down their kids and explaining things as they go. They are also the parents who are in charge of their money, whether it comes from Centrelink, a job or a vast portfolio of investments….

Sandy pays all her expenses every month using a credit card. At the end of the month she sits down with her daughter to match receipts to statements to keep track of her spending and check she hasn’t been wrongly charged for anything.

Sandy first got a credit card when she was travelling and still uses it for benefits like insurance. Sandy hasn’t yet explained all the reasons why she uses a credit card but they share the budgeting and receipt matching every month.

Sandy isn’t perfect and she’s doing what we all do – making things happen with a limited budget. All the way along she is taking her daughter with her so the researchers are giving a Sandy a big thumbs up.

Should I continue to give my kids cash pocket money during COVID-19?

First of all, some reassurance. There is a lot of fake news going around that the WHO has told people to stop using coins and notes.

The World Health Organisation has NOT warned consumers against using cash during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organisation has made public statements to counter the false claims.

“We did NOT say that cash was transmitting coronavirus,” said WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib.

“We said you should wash your hands after handling money, especially if handling or eating food.”

“Doing so is good hygiene practice.”

Here is another fact check on this issue by a reputable British organisation. The Reserve Bank of Australia has looked at the issue as well and decided that Australian notes are a minimal risk of virus transmission.

ASIC’s Moneysmart Service says cash is important to helping kids gain an understanding that money is real.

“With credit cards, tap-and-go, online banking and shopping, kids do not often see actual money changing hands,” says Moneysmart.

“Handing over money for something can give them a sense of what things actually cost.”

So if we keep our hands clean, handling cash is important to children as they learn to understand money.

“Invisible money makes it easier for them to think money is unlimited, rather than something that has to be earned.”

ASIC recommends a piggy bank for younger children that keeps coins and notes. When you think they are ready, a kids bank account is a good way to introduce concepts like saving, interest and banking.

There are plenty of new solutions to helping us educate our kids about money. 91 per cent of 14-17 year olds own a mobile phone so they are going to have bank apps, savings apps and criminals looking for their passwords.

Are there any apps for kids’ pocket money in Australia?

Yes there are apps for pocket money so you can manage your kids spending and saving and help them learn. ZAAP is a kid’s saving app that you can connect to a debit Mastercard or a wearable device to make payments in-store.

Most of the banks have kids savings accounts and right now the Bank of Queensland is among the best paying children’s accounts in the market.

Some other banking and micro-investing apps aimed at young people include Pocket Money, RAIZ and Spaceship. Some of these apps help educate young people and put their money into shares.

Commonwealth Bank have one as well, called CommSec Pocket.

How to manage kids and money online?

If you suddenly see a $200 charge for “in-app purchases” you can join my club of bad parents leaving their kids alone with a screen for too long.

These days my “in-app” and online purchases are protected by my fingerprint so that has been educational for everyone.

You can set up payment limits and prevent your kids buying online but this is a challenge for every parent.

Moneysmart recommends what my Nana recommended – recognise the difference between your needs and your wants. They have a great kids activity on this.

Also – make a budget, get the kids involved in choosing things for their own party, so they can compare needs, wants and budgets.

As your kids get older parents need to talk to kid about the cost of things they understand, like a pet, or consumer questions about buying, selling donating, investing, saving. Later they will want to know about the costs of bikes, homes, cars and things they can see.

In their teens, they will ask questions about moving homes, tax, super and payslips.

Spending time, explaining, budgeting, modelling good behaviour are the keys to teaching kids good habits around money.

Yes, kids need to handle cash to understand more easily about money and how much it is worth. Moving with them through the myriad of options for online banking and commerce is a parent’s joy and nightmare.

Jason Bryce

If you enjoyed reading this article, please give us a Facebook “Like” or comment below, to keep them coming!

The post Should I let my kids handle cash during COVID19? & undermining ex-spouses… appeared first on Singlemum.

Expert Opinion Panel

Jason Bryce – Business & Finance

Coronavirus, EOFY and Centrelink for single mums

This is the most unusual end of financial year in living memory and we all have a million questions about our future.

Right now perhaps the best thing to do is spend five minutes to catch up on what we need to know about Centrelink and tax time. And this tax time is the first time we have had to talk about viruses.

by Jason Bryce

Here are some of the big questions mums are asking this tax time:

If my child isn’t going to school can I still get FTB?

Changes to Family Tax Benefit for Coronavirus mean children over 16 who are not studying are now still eligible for Family Tax Benefit. You can keep your child at home for their own safety, even if the school is still open and continue to get Family Tax Benefits.

Child Support and Coronavirus

If you receive or pay child support (or both) and your income has changed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, you need to tell CSA. You could be eligible for more FTB or other payments.

Can I get Parental Leave Pay and JobKeeper?

No you can’t get both of these payments. You can get Parental Leave Pay after JobKeeper ends if you are not ready to return to work at that time.

Some employers may not be able to pay Parental Leave Pay, because of the severe economic times we are in at the moment. In that case Centrelink says:

“If they can’t pay you because of COVID-19, we can pay you.”

If you return to work when JobKeeper ends, you can’t then get Parental Leave Pay. If you stopped working because you feared for the safety of your unborn baby (during the COVID-19 pandemic) you can still get PLP if you meet the work test under Centrelink’s Dangerous Job Provisions.

Which Centrelink payments are taxable and which payments are non-taxable income?

If you receive a Centrelink payment, Centrelink may already have sent a payment summary to the Australian Tax Office for the last financial year, ending 30 June 2020. You can access the Centrelink payment summary in ATO within MyGov.

The Centrelink payment summary will list your Centrelink payments, dates, the taxable and non-taxable amounts, tax withheld and remote area allowance if applicable.

These Centrelink payments are taxable income and have to be declared on your ATO tax return:

• JobSeeker, Youth, Special and Sickness Allowance
• Parenting Payment, Widow, Partner and Farm Household Allowance
• Austudy and ABSTUDY

You can still apply for bushfire assistance

If you and your family have been impacted by a bushfire, you still have time to apply for bushfire assistance from Centrelink but you need to be quick.

You could be eligible for:

• Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
• Disaster Recovery Allowance.

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment claims for bushfire assistance close 16 July for people living in South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania, on 4 August for people in NSW, Victoria and Eastern Queensland.

At this time of year, and particularly this year, getting on top of your finances and end-of-financial year business is critically important to ensure you receive all the income you are entitled to.

Are you entitled to a robo-debt refund?

This week, Centrelink is starting to repay almost 400,000 Australians who were wrongly forced to repay “robo-debts.” The average payment will be $1,900 and the first repayments will arrive in people’s accounts from Monday 13th July 2020.

Stuart Robert, the Minister responsible for Centrelink said 200,000 people who are eligible for a Robodebt refund need to update their bank account information in MyGov so the money can be paid. These are mostly people who may not be still receiving Centrelink income.

“Come into myGov, update your bank details, and as soon as they’re updated we’ll pay you,” said Mr Robert.

People who are owed more than $7,000 will be paid in instalments.

Jason Bryce

If you enjoyed reading this article, please give us a Facebook “Like” or comment below, to keep them coming!

The post Single mum 5 minute 2020 tax guide – inc. Robodebt update appeared first on Singlemum.

Expert Opinion Panel

Jason Bryce – Business & Finance

Why am I missing out of the second $750 economic support payment?

Centrelink Update for single mums

By Jason Bryce

Most single mums won’t get the second $750 economic support payment this week. And changes to child-care and Parent Pay also impact on mums.

Single parents on Parenting Payment and JobSeeker will miss out on the second $750 economic support payment, even if they got the first $750 payment, back at the beginning of April.

Who will get the second $750 economic stimulus payment?

People currently receiving (on the 10 July 2020) one of these payments, can expect to receive the second $750 economic support payment:

• Age Pension, Pensioner Concession Card or Seniors Health Card.
• Carer Payment or Allowance.
• Disability Support Pension
• Family Tax Benefit A and B

If you are eligible, the money will be paid in the fortnight starting 13 July 2020 and will be hitting accounts by the 15^th July.

Who will NOT get the second $750?

These payments are not eligible for the second $750 economic stimulus payment:

• Jobseeker/JobKeeper
• Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY
• Parenting Payment

JobSeeker, youth allowance and Parenting Payment beneficiaries are not receiving the second $750 economic support payment even though they were included int eh first $750 economic support payment.

Why am I missing out on the second $750?

JobSeeker and Parenting Payment people have been getting the coronavirus supplement of $550 per fortnight on top of their normal payments.

Senator Anne Ruston, the Minister for Families and Social Services said five million Aussies will get the second $750 payment at a cost of $3.8 billion.

“This payment is providing additional support to eligible pensioners, families, veterans and concession card holders, who do not get the fortnightly Coronavirus Supplement as part of their current payment.”

The minister responsible for Centrelink services, Stuart Robert, said “if you are living in Australia and getting an eligible payment or concession card on 10 July 2020, you will get this payment automatically.”

“There is no need to do anything to get the second Economic Support Payment,” said Mr Robert.

“If eligible, people will see the $750 payment arrive in their bank account between 15 July and the end of July.”

Jason Bryce

If you enjoyed reading this article, please give us a Facebook “Like” or comment below, to keep them coming!

The post Who gets the second $750 Centrelink Coronavirus payment? appeared first on Singlemum.

Check your State- Our round-up of new COVID-19 State grants, concessions & payments

In addition to the Federal Government Centrelink stimulus COVID-19 welfare payments and benefits, some of the State Governments are offering their own additional new one-off payments, grants and financial support.

We have searched each state government website, and listed those that we can find below.

Please note that those listed on this page are only the new COVID-19 payments, and that normal state financial support may also be available to you. You can find these by using the official state government website links at the end of each state section.

Check the state you live in for new Coronavirus grants:

New South Wales (NSW)

Victoria

Queensland

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

South Australia (SA)

Northern Territory (NT)

Tasmania

Western Australia (WA)

New South Wales

South Australia

The Cost of Living Concession

The Cost of Living Concession helps those on low or fixed incomes with their cost of living expenses, whether that be electricity, water, gas or medical bills.

Households that receive the Centrelink JobSeeker Payment will get a once-off boost of $500 as part of the 2020/21 Cost of Living Concession. In addition, payments will be brought forward for those households.

This measure is to assist people who are unemployed or lose their jobs as a result of COVID-19.

If you do not receive the Centrelink JobSeeker payment, your concession remains unchanged.

Eligibility is based on your living arrangements on 1 July. You can apply any time but applications must be submitted by 31 October to receive the concession for that financial year.

Find out more information and apply at the official South Australia State Government website here

Northern Territory

No specific COVID-19 grants or payments

Apart from a program to assist non-welfare individuals who have lost their job due to Coronavirus to sign up for welfare (The Worker and Wellbeing Fund), some capping of general fees, we were unable to locate any COVID-19 stimulus or relief payments for low income individuals/ households.

If you know of any NT Government  COVID-19 grants or payments for low income individuals / households please advise us in the comments below.

The post State Government grants you may need to apply for appeared first on Singlemum.

One thing is for sure right now – if you’re a recipient of the new Morrison Government COVID19 Centrelink payments, you are going to have a lot of questions.

We know, because we get hundreds of questions posted in our Facebook Centrelink and single parent groups everyday!

As if Australian single parents aren’t struggling enough with social distancing, self isolation , home schooling , supermarket abuse and how Coronavirus affects child custody , now they are worrying about the new payments possibly causing them to raise a debt with Centrelink.

We hope that by answering these new but important questions we can help ease your mind, and give you the tools to address any Centrelink tasks you may need. This will assist you in keeping your Centrelink welfare benefits up to date – and worry-free.

Before we begin, here again is our quick-reference table below – use it to help you work out which new COVID-19 Australian Government Centrelink stimulus payments you are eligible for…

Common Centrelink Coronavirus payments FAQs

Do I need to apply for the new $750 or $550 Coronavirus payments?

No. You don’t need to do anything to get the new Coronavirus stimulus payments. If you are eligible (see the table above), they will automatically be paid to you through Centrelink.

When will the second $750 Economic Support Payment be paid?

The second $750 Centrelink payment will be paid on 10 July 2020.

When will the $550 Coronavirus Supplement be paid?

The Coronavirus Supplement will be paid automatically from April 27 2020.

How long will the Coronavirus Supplement be paid for?

The new $550 supplement will be paid once a fortnight for 6 months.

Why can’t I see the extra $550 Supplement in my next Centrelink payment?

You won’t see the $550 Centrelink supplement applied to your payment total online/in the Centrelink App until April 27. After that date, you should see it.

Is it possible get all three Coronavirus payments if I am receiving Family Tax Benefits?

No. Nobody receives all three new Coronavirus payments.

If you are receiving Family Tax Benefits A and/or B in addition to your ELIGIBLE benefit (for example Jobseeker and Parenting Payment, but not Disability or Carers), the $550 supplement takes precedence, and eliminates the second $750 payment.

If you are receiving Family Tax Benefits only, or in addition to benefits such as Disability or Carers payments (that is, NOT in addition to those benefits eligible for the $550 supplement), then you will get both $750 Centrelink Economic Support Payments , but not the $550 supplement.

Coronavirus Payment Tax FAQs

$750 Economic Support Payments Tax FAQs

Are the two $750 Centrelink Coronavirus payments taxable?

No, the two one-off $750 Economic Support Payments are NOT taxable .

Do I need to report the $750 payments when doing my normal fortnightly income report?

No

Do I need to add the $750 payments to my Family Income Estimate for FTB (Family Tax Benefit)/Child Care Supplement?

No.

Do I need to include the $750 Economic Support payments in my 2019/2020 Tax Return?

No.

$550 Coronavirus Supplement Tax FAQs

Is the new $550 Coronavirus Supplement taxable?

Yes. The temporary fortnightly $550 Coronavirus Supplement is taxable.

Do I need to report the $550 Coronavirus Supplement payments when doing my normal fortnightly income report?

No. It’s regarded as part of your Centrelink payment.

Do I need to include the $550 Coronavirus Supplement payments to my Family Income Estimate for FTB (Family Tax Benefit)/Child Care Supplement?

Yes, you need to include your Coronavirus Supplement payments in your Family Income Estimate, as it is a part of your taxable income.

Do I need to include the $550 Coronavirus Supplement in my 2019/2020 Tax Return?

Yes. You need to declare your Coronavirus Supplement payments as taxable income in your 2019-2020 financial year tax return.

JobKeeper Tax FAQs

Is the new $1,500 JobKeeper Payment taxable?

Yes. The Jobkeeper payment is taxable.

Do I need to report the $1,500  JobKeeper payment when doing my Centrelink  fortnightly income report?

Yes. You need to report the $1500 Jobkeeper payment as part of your Centrelink fortnightly income reporting.

Do I need to include JobKeeper in my Family Income Estimate for FTB (Family Tax Benefit)/Child Care Supplement?

Yes, you need to include your $1,500 JobKeeper payments in your Family Income Estimate, as it is a part of your taxable income.

Do I need to include the $1,500 Jobkeeper payments in my 2019/2020 Tax Return?

Yes. You need to declare your JobKeeper payments as income in your 2019-2020 financial year tax return.

Centrelink Reporting FAQs

Do I still need to Report for Newstart or ParentsNext as I normally do?

Yes, income must be reported as normal. Reporting income should not be confused with the currently suspended Mutual Obligations.

Do I need to report the $750 Economic Support payments when doing my normal fortnightly income report?

No

Do I need to report the $550 Coronavirus Supplement payments when doing my normal fortnightly income report?

No.

Do I need to report the $1,500  JobKeeper payment when doing my Centrelink  fortnightly income report?

Yes. You need to report the $1500 JobKeeper payment as part of your Centrelink fortnightly income reporting.

What do I do if I get an error when I report?

There are several reporting errors appearing in the Centrelink online system. Read our article here to find out how you can Report online immediately .

How long are Jobseeker (Newstart) Mutual Obligations suspended for?

Mutual Obligation requirements are currently suspended until 22 May 2020 (Extended from April 27).

The post Centrelink Coronavirus Payment FAQs – what – when – tax – reporting appeared first on Singlemum.

Expert Opinion Panel

Jason Bryce – Business & Finance

**Update – free child care will be replaced with a subsidy from 12 July 2020**

Working mums can get free child care if …

Single mothers are among the one million Australian workers who can get free child care, for at least one month, starting from this Sunday.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the new additional program to pay 50% of the child care sector’s fees this morning. A child care centre can only get the funding if they stay open and do not charge fees.

To get free childcare there are a few pre-requisites.

Who gets free child care?

The new ‘free child care’ arrangement applies:

• From Monday 6 April and will be reviewed after one month.
• If your child was enrolled in care during the fortnight ending 2 March, even if you have taken them out of care.
• Anyone who is working now can qualify.

Scott Morrison said anyone who had a job was considered “essential” and that child care is “an essential service to keep all parents who still had jobs in the current economy in that work.”

Education Minister Dan Tehan said the program was designed to help keep kids in their normal existing centre, not force parents to find a new centre.

“We want to ensure your childcare centre will remain open, so that you know where you normally take your child to get cared, that that will be there for you, so you are not looking for a new centre.”

How to get free child care

If you have taken your child out of care since late February, get back in touch with your child care centre. If you have lost your job, or need child care to return to work, you can also qualify for this.

If your child is still in care, you will begin to get the free care from Monday.

If you just want to reserve your place at your child care centre for when you return to work, you could qualify for this scheme and you should call your centre.

“If you have terminated your enrolment since 17 February, then I encourage you to get back in contact with your centre and re-start your arrangements,” said Mr Tehan

“Re-starting your enrolment will not require you to send your child to child care and it certainly won’t require you to pay a gap fee.

“Re-starting your enrolment will, however, hold your place for that point in time when things start to normalise,” said Dan Tehan.

What about special needs children?

Dan Tehan said more funding is available to cover the costs associated with child care for emergency service workers and vulnerable children.

“We will make payments of higher amounts in exceptional circumstances, such as where greater funding is required to meet the needs of emergency workers or vulnerable children.”

This is not a scheme for people entering the workforce, or re-entering the workforce

This is not a scheme for people entering the workforce or re-entering the workforce. This scheme applies to parents who are working and had children in care before the coronavirus shutdown of much of the economy (and child care centres) began in early March.

You have to be using an approved child care provider and you must be the person who is responsible for paying the child care fees. Your child must be fully immunised and meet residency requirements.

What about Stay-at-Home mums?

It seems at this stage (from information available on the Services Australia website and from the Prime Minister’s media conference this morning) that free child care may not apply to parents staying at home. Unless they are at home as a result of Coronavirus or their employment is being affected by Coronavirus.

However this is a great opportunity to expand child care accessibility to stay-at-home mums and parents said Terese Edwards, CEO of the National Council for Single Mothers and their Children.

“This package will help support families during these difficult times.

“I understand the priority for the workforce f but I suspect there are now plenty of spare child care places that could be filled by children who don’t have a sibling or for other reasons could benefit from care,” said Terese Edwards.

“Given there is capacity in services to take extra children, they could play a role for children who could benefit emotionally and developmentally by attending care.

“Families are already under pressure due to self-isolation. Providing safe care for children at home could be a pragmatic way of providing some relief.”

The 24/7 National Coronavirus Health Information Line is 1800 020 080.

The post New FREE Childcare – who gets it – and when! appeared first on Singlemum.