March 2013 Newsletter

In this edition:

Welcome

Dad and Partner Pay

Investment Fraud: How can I protect myself?

Feature: Workers Compensation Insurance in NSW

Increasing the Superannuation Guarantee rate

Dad and Partner Pay is a new payment under the Australian Government's Paid Parental Leave scheme. It is now available to eligible working dads or partners who care for a child born or adopted from 1 January 2013, helping them to take time off work to bond with their new baby and support mums during this time.
It provides up to two weeks of government-funded pay at the rate of the National Minimum Wage (currently about $606 per week before tax).

Am I eligible?
Full-time, part-time, casual, contract, seasonal and self-employed workers may be eligible for Dad and Partner Pay. Eligible dads or partners must:

• be caring for a child born or adopted from 1 January 2013;
• be an Australian resident;
• have worked for at least 10 of the 13 months prior to the start date of their Dad and Partner Pay period;
• have worked for at least 330 hours in that 10 month period (just over one day a week), with no more than an eight week gap between two consecutive working days;
• have an individual adjusted taxable income of $150,000 or less in the previous financial year; and
• not have been receiving paid leave or be working during the Dad and Partner Pay period.

How can I apply?
Claims must be lodged by the dad or partner who is eligible to receive the payment. Claims can be lodged up to three months before the expected date of birth or adoption or within 12 months following their child's birth or adoption.

Employers do not have a role in providing Dad and Partner Pay. Dad and Partner Pay is administered and paid directly by the Australian Government. Dads or partners who are employees will need to discuss and agree on unpaid leave arrangements with their employer, and the employee will have to apply for Dad and Partner Pay themselves.

For more information on how to apply visit the Human Services website or call the Parents hotline on 136 150.

In addition to Dad and Partner Pay, families may be eligible for other family assistance such as Paid Parental Leave or Baby Bonus, and Family Tax Benefit.

Contact us at Goodwin Chivas & Co if you have any queries.