Hey Mumma! It’s time to put your feet up | Everything you need to know about getting the most out of your maternity leave.
The prospect of being a new mum can be exciting, exhilarating, overwhelming, and worrying all at the same time!
When it comes to the workplace, maternity leave can be so important in allowing for the postpartum phase to be one of healing and focusing on your baby. However, as your belly grows and your due date quickly approaches, the planning can become daunting and confusing. There some are really important questions that need to be considered:
“How much leave should I take?”
“How can I financially support my family during this time?”
“How will my business continue”
Let’s break down some of the logistics here so you can focus on the beautiful, complex and rewarding process ahead of you.
Let’s talk finances.
A) Australian Government Parental Leave Pay Scheme
All primary carers of a newborns or a newly adopted child are entitled to Parental Leave Pay (PLP) if they meet eligibility requirements which include meeting an income test, not working during the PLP period and completing the correct registration and application processes.
If you’re eligible, you’re entitled to 18 weeks PLP, which is broken down into a continuous PLP period of up to 12 weeks, and a further 30 days which can be taken flexibly within 2 years of your child’s birth or adoption. This is calculated based on the national minimum wage.
You can apply online with the Australian Government from 3 months before your child’s due date or adoption date and until within 40 weeks following. In most cases, PLP is paid straight to your employer, who pays it to you less any Pay as You Go tax (PAYG) and other relevant payments. If you’re self-employed, you’re still eligible for PLP.
B) Employer-funded paid parental leave
In addition to PLP, your employer might provide employer-funded paid parental leave. To find out, dig up your employment agreement or workplace policy. If your employment agreement or workplace policy only says you’re entitled to parental leave in accordance with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) this normally means you are not entitled to employer-funded paid parental leave. But it’s a good idea to double check with your employer.
C) Parental leave and being self-employed
Essentially, the ball is in your court. If you meet the eligibility tests, you’re entitled to PLP, but you can also choose to pay yourself additional maternity leave payments. Make sure if you do this, you communicate with your accountant to ensure there are no tax implications.
How much leave can I take?
Unless your employment contract is more generous, you’re entitled to 12 months of unpaid parental leave, plus an additional 12 months if requested. This is only if you’ve worked for your employer for at least 12 months before the date or expected date of birth or when the leave starts. You need to give your employer at least 10 week’s written notice that you intend to take unpaid parental leave.
Communication
If you’re an employee, plan ahead and communicate as early as possible with your employer about how much maternity leave you’re hoping to take, and the support you think you’ll need. This will mean less stress closer to your due date and more time to focus on you and your baby. It will also help your employer support you, and have plenty of time to figure out your replacement.
Equally as important is communicating with your team as a business owner, and making sure you have processes in place to replace you so that you can focus on your new journey. If you don’t have a team, you may wish to establish processes, create content in advance, or outsource parts of your business so that you can fully focus on your leave.
Support Systems
Most importantly, whether it’s your team, employer, or friends and family, make sure to gather your support systems so that you can enjoy your maternity leave with the care of your community.
Mothers are amazing, and deserve the support of the whole ‘village’.
If we can assist you, please reach out and book a free 20-minute chat with us here.
Ps – As a parent for the first time, or a parent of your second, third (or more!) you’ve earned a break! It’s time to put your feet up and focus on your growing family. If you need any legal advice on your employment contract, or how to ensure your business will be okay when you go on leave let us know. We’d love to help.
If you found this article helpful, you might like to read more in our resource Building Your Small Business | The Beginners Handbook.