| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/12/2007 10:52:11 PM | how much should they be paid for bringing up their children...or australai's children????
is it enough? too much? how many take advantage of the system?
how many families fall between the cracks, creating another generation of welfare dependent adults?
how effective is sending single non working mothers back into the workforce?
any view is appreciated | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/12/2007 11:07:05 PM | rant #1
i think the lump sum payment is a crock of kaka!! this is just encouraging young people to get pregnant for some free cash.
mind you i have heard of alot of adults getting pregnant for the cash too so i guess anyone can be stupid.
when they first introduced the baby bonus there was a 70% increase in the sales of LCD tvs, playstations, xboxes, swimming pools and other entertainment goods.
rant #2
families falling between the cracks? way too many to mention. go to any centerlink office and you'll see them there.
rant #3
i think its great to get single mums/dads back out there working when their littlies got to school full time.
if only there were enough jobs that would allow people time to get home to pick their kids up from school.
im lucky my partner has a good paying job so my job is basically paying for child care and after school care. it gets me out and socialising which sure beats sitting at home watching oprah.
just for the record i dont recieve Family Tax Benefit part B as im not single. it took me a long time to get taken off that list. i still get my Family Tax Benefit part A, which every household gets if they have children. | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/12/2007 11:49:21 PM | I dont think too many single mums(or dads) take advantage of the system.The majority of us work at least part time around our children, so we are not sitting on our bums just taking whatever is given to us.I think there is far more of that going on from people claiming unemployment benefit.
I think every single parent should be encouraged back into the workforce ,but concessions need to be made to encourage this and to allow for flexible working hours.
School hours are shorter then your average working day but too much time in before and after school care makes it a long day for the little people.
Is'nt all this changing soon anyway? Something about 16 hours of work per week once your youngest child is 7 or your benefits are affected........thought i heard that but i could be wrong........i usually am!! | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/12/2007 11:53:39 PM | centrelink has alot of information regarding the returning to work program they have for mums and dads getting back into the workforce.
for instance, in my case, if im working purely to pay child care i do not have to stay at that job. i can, if i wanted to, quit that job and look for something else. but i choose not to. the outting alone is worth it roflmao!!
i agree though sarah that most of the 'bludging' is done by those on unemployment benefits.
and yes those changes are already in effect in most states. 16 hours a week isnt a great deal and can also include canteen duty at school and volunteer work.
its a matter of asking the right questions to get the right answers from govt departments | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/12/2007 11:54:20 PM | Good topic...very mixed reactions / opinions I would imagine.
Personally I am a single mum on the pension and I enjoy being a mother that has the option of staying at home. Although the income isn't substantial it is enough if you are careful and budget your money.
I have chosen to return to studies rather than work for the moment because that way I can still be a housewife...without the partner...LOL...not that I don't want one but I am quite happy doing it alone at the moment.
I believe that we are very fortunate in Australia as we are well looked after...I know that many working tax payers feel differently about this though. I have been rediculed for my choice to stay home at the moment...but I don't pay much attention because usually I have found that there has been a certain amount of envy on their part because I manage my money and life better than they do...and it's just a case of sour grapes.
For me personally...although I really do enjoy working and adult stimulation rather than only home-duties I find that because my children have no contact with their father...my life is very full being the only parent in their young lives.
Any comments? | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 12:08:38 AM | Many people ridicule single parents who dont work and i think you just have to learn to let it go straight over your head.
I work because i want to and i enjoy having at least a bit of a life outside of being mum.If i thought for a moment my working affected my children badly in any way i would give it up in the blink of an eye,ridicule or not.
eaglewingsfly,my childrens father also has nothing to do with them and its the bloody hardest job i have ever done in my life........going out to work lets me have a bit of a rest!!!! | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 12:36:37 AM | ^^^Ive always admired people who have to do their thing your way its never sat right with me that women get stereo typed because of a few areseholes who rought the system.....You will go along way with your attitude on this | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 1:08:30 AM | Hi, I'm a single mum of four.
I will have to go to work but can get an exemption as I will have four children between the ages of six and sixteen when the new law comes in, in July this year. Those people with less than three children between those ages, or whose youngest child turns seven, will have to find fifteen hours a week paid work, or study.
Volunteering as an option is only available to mature aged people either over 50 or 55 years of age. I asked about all this when I went into the Centrelink office this week.
I am very grateful to be staying at home with my children for another few years. They have no contact with their father and my family is all overseas, so it can be a very busy life not only bringing them up the right way, but also things like driving them around can be very time consuming as can trying to get them to eat veges!
I am going to go to university and do a degree so that I will be able to enter the work force full time, as the part time wage would really only pay the after school and before school care fees for most single parents.
Friends of mine have been told by Centrelink that they will be expected to take up a job whether or not it is school hours or weekend hours. They have also been told that during the school holidays they will still have to work, and, obviously there is no holiday pay loading for casual workers. Time off would have to be without pay and with repercussions from Centrelink. Ouch.
Personally, I think that Tafe and Uni will fill up pretty quickly when people realise they won't be able to find jobs.
I manage fine on the pension, but, I am one of the lucky ones who receives child support and I don't have any significant debt. When I was first on the pension I owned a home but had to sell it as I couldn't afford the mortgage.
Carena | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 2:26:17 AM | I can relate to everything you have said Carena and, Sarah, I admire you for working. It's not an easy job bringing children up regardless of any situation. I just find that many kids like having a parent around if possible...mine do anyway, and although I understand the government's need to get single parents back into the workforce and off benefits so as to ease the financial strain on the country, etc...there simply aren't enough paying jobs to go around. Many parents that do work actually lose out financially because of the costs of childcare, vacation care and simply going back to work. A friend of mine's exhusband...father of her kids...has claimed part of her pension to spite her and she struggles all of the time. She has recently given up her part time job because she doesn't have reliable and / alternative childcare available when they aren't well. Unfortunately they are somewhat sickly children with some minor health problems that do require regular attention. She is an excellent mother and I feel for her and others in similar situations because she will be penalised further after July.
I don't know what the answers are...and wonder how the latest custody arrangements which favour 50 / 50 care will effect all of this in the future. | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 2:49:54 AM |
there simply aren't enough paying jobs to go around
im not sticking up for anyone but that statement right there needs to be reworded eaglewingsfly
did you mean ... there simply isnt a job suitable for me
did you mean ... there simply isnt any part time jobs which i would like to do
did you mean ... there simply isnt any family friendly jobs for me
see there are simply many paying jobs out there. but alot do not fit into the 'school' day for most of us mums and dads.
Child care is expensive. the govt suppliments really dont help much at all. My kids love going to after school / day care. they get away from their crazy mother for a few hours and they get to socialise with kids other than their relatives.
my daughter doesnt see her father, hes dead. my son only sees his father 1 week out of every 4 because he works away.
yeah im lucky i have another income coming through to help pay the bills and keep our heads above water. I choose to work as an outlet for me to relax, but my kids dont miss out on me being their mother.
i see alot of women using the 'excuse' that their kids need them. and whilst thats a nice thought, you also need a life outside of being a home maker.
dont be afraid that your kids wont love you any more or less because your not at their beck and call every second of the day.
please dont be offended by anything i have said. i mean no offense just offering my experience. | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 3:58:45 AM | i could say lots of things on the subject by i will try and be nice........it is going to be hard coz this subject annoys be greatly - and yes i have been a single PARENT for 10 years.
do not rely on a pension, do not rely on maintenance......... get out there an make things happen for yourself and for the long term future of your children. where there is a will there is a way........no ifs, buts or maybes.
says miss stupid who actually has 5 jobs at the minute - yeah long story.....!
(gets down off soapbox now)  | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 4:15:02 AM | Its each to their own,but most women want to bring their children up themselves not have other people do it for them.
Just because a woman(or man) receives a pension and maintenance does not mean they are not "making things happen for themselves"
I work my job around my children not the other way around......this just seems to me the right way to do things. | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 4:48:53 AM | Hey sarah...no offence taken.
My statement regarding not enough paying jobs to go around was a general statement as to the economy of the country...re jobs, employment, taxes, etc.
I never have any problems finding paid work and have worked regularly over the years...both when I was married and divorced. But, it was always my own personal choice. My comments are simply regarding what will happen if everyone is working, that's all. I do not think that there will be enough jobs available. This in turn will impact on the entire economy as we know it because as a nation we already have much of the population in part-time and casual work instead of fulltime work. This will effect labour prices, terms and the general standard of living...but as I commented earlier I don't know what the answers are.
Perhaps rather than forcing single parents to return to work...other areas could be looked at. I don't believe that single parents are the main problem regarding govt funds and spending. The majority of them are genuine and it is only a handful that abuse the welfare system.
I am strongly against paying females to have babies...ie baby bonus, etc...but this was implemented by the government to increase our population as a nation because of our aging population and the implications regarding future expenditure versus actual government income.
I was refering to the unfairness as in my friend's case...simply showing that family situations are all very personal and therefore it is very difficult to throw everyone in the same basket...that's all.Working is great if that's what you want to do...kids will be fine, etc...it's good for one's self-esteem, etc...but again I think it should be a personal choice.
For me.. I'm studying so that when I return to work I will have a employment in a field that I want to pursue. | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 4:59:23 AM | Eaglewingsfly,im getting confused now and it does'nt take much!!
I was responding to the post above me,which seemed to say that if you recieve a pension and child support and dont choose to work all the hours god sends you are not making things happen for yourself!!
Personally i think being a mum and being available for your children is the most important job any of us will ever do! | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 7:02:46 AM | I reckon single parents could do with a little more, but couldn't we all. It must be tough though, for single parents in city, where there's a higher cost of living.
The times that I've tried to work & juggle young kids, on my own, I found it to be mentally taxing & physically exhausting & totally impossible without my mum. And the time I spent with my kids, when working, was poor quality, due mostly, to tiredness & stress. Some grandparents are very willing to take the kid/s for a day or two each week (god bless 'em). My mums attitude was " I've raised four boys, with ya silly alcoholic father, & I've done my bit" & fair enough too.
There are so many different circumstances for single parents, I think that most, would jump at the chance to work a couple of days a week, if it didn't turn their life upside down. Unfortunately, many employers are very demanding, especially on their casual staff, & don't offer much leeway.
I attended a Centrelink Welfare to Work/Mutual Obligation Seminar this morning, it was pretty much a croc, oh sure, we have a social & personal obligations, to better one self & give to the community or to the world, for the greater good & not take our whole lives. What the gov't is proposing is doomed to failure. The Speaker, at Centrelink seminar, came under fire, from many of the single mums who attended (I was the only bloke), the speaker, seemed less than convinced himself, about the new laws, & expressed doubts about Centrelinks ability to cope, after July 1st, when the new rules come into force.
EDIT: BTW... school canteen time doesn't count as voluntary work | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 9:00:15 AM |
EDIT: BTW... school canteen time doesn't count as voluntary work
neither does picking up YOUR children from day care because no one else is available...
neither does packing YOUR child's lunch because you have forgotten to buy bread, yet a single parent remembers remedial things like that?
neither does attending school excursions because parents are required, and you still need to pass a security police check, how many mothers have you seen with prams holding up banks?
do I dare go on an on...last of the slaves are unpaid mothers | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 3:10:30 PM | actually yes working in the school canteen does count as voluntary work.
any community based volunteering can be used with your 16 hours per week. its a matter of asking what you can and cant do.
like i said before you gotta ask the right question of centrelink in order to get the right answers.
yeah the welfare to work scheme is going to fail. just another project john howard has introduced to make it seem like he is doing something constructive.
once howard is out of office the scheme will be reviewed and more than likely thrown out the window. | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 4:18:21 PM | I operated hotels and hospitality businesses for years and in many different places as I was a liquidation manger for many years. Every pension day, even in the smallest town, in would come the women, they'd buy smokes, drink and gamble, whilst their kids either sat outside or were home alone or in a group with an older kid. Most would spend their money that day and the next would be of to the welfare groups to get vouchers to buy food for the next fortnight. Lot's of them had live in blokes that centre link never knew about and they basically wasted their lives and did nothing but get fat.
However you would also see those that really put in for their kids and never came to the pub or club. Most of them ended up getting jobs, as businesses could see they wanted to improve their lives. I know I never employed a single mother who drank in the businesses I ran, they just weren't reliable. But the ones that you did employ, we lovely people and deserved all the help they got. There were many times when staff had to bring a kid along for some reason, or had to pick one up, I always made sure they could work it out and they always made it up in some way. Basically I reckon if you can't live on the assistance you get, including low cost government housing, then you shouldn't have kids at all, as its them who suffer in the end. | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 4:20:20 PM | Im a single mum of two,Im also a working parent that juggles three casual jobs and the kids.
I personally would only just survive on the sole parents pension,therefore I need to have employment as well.
I believe its good for my esteem to be working and it makes me feel as though,I do my bit,within the community.
I live in a very low income area and see familys falling through the so called cracks,its mainly buy choice for a lot,they dont seem to have the tools to get out of the rut and therefore produce offspring,that dont know any differant. | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 4:32:26 PM | Why doesn't John Howard introduce working for the pension, between say, the hours of 9.30 am and 2.30 pm, 3 days a week? If you had to take time off for a sick child, then introduce like a glide-time system, where you would work so many days in a fortnight, and, as long as it amounted to the six days, or fifteen hours per week, you could make up for days lost?
Seems to make sense to me and most of us would love to get out and work for our self-esteem and also to meet people.
Carena | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 4:52:34 PM | carena it sounds great in theory
but john howard doesnt run the business' that will be employment people.
its going to come down to the same thing everytime. is there enough jobs out there that will suit the hours of mothers and fathers who need to care for their children?
the answer is no.
im really lucky that the business i work in allows me to drop the kids off and if i need to my boss will let me go and pick them up if theres any issues. otherwise they get picked up from school by the day care and i pick them up at 5.30pm after work.
my children do not go without, theyve always gotten before i have, call me selfish but i need a little time out too. why not do it while theyre at school. | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 6:48:10 PM | Sarah...I thought that you were replying to my post. Obviously an area that I feel strongly about. LOL
MzScrubber...you seem to understand my comments and viewpoint about the lack of availability of suitable jobs... that will be necessary come July 2007 for everyone.
Employers have businesses to run and make profits...that's why they are in business. I cannot blame them for wanting reliability and dedication to one's job...but many unfortunately do not make allowances for busy parents with children's needs which must be met. I have found this myself many times.
Self-employment around children is often a good option...but I have been told that unless you make a reasonable profit, the time spent on that doesn't count.
The question / comment that I raise regarding all of this is...
Is the government undermining the importance of parenting...be it single or partnered by forcing us to return to paid employment? Personally, I think it is ...because wanting to stay home and just be a good mother / father is no longer acceptable. Again, I have personal experience here...I used to be a successful tupperware manager earning very good money but now I am a single mum on a pension that chooses to be at home ...and some of my family members definately do not approove of my choice. | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 7:47:45 PM |
actually yes working in the school canteen does count as voluntary work
For requirements relating to welfare to work for single parents - it doesn't, and nor does most other voluntary work unless it relates directly to work experience, or is done through an agency such as work for the dole.
I've just attended the Centrelink information session as well, and it was all pretty straightforward. All single parents of children aged 7 and over as of July 1, 2007 and in receipt of the parenting pension will get their appointment letter to attend the session by that same date.
Probably the main thing C'link is NOT clear on is how to get the pencil pushers in Canberra to make better provision for handing in the fortnightly form that is a requirement of continued pension entitlements being paid. For those who DO manage to obtain their minimum 15 hours work per week, or get into an approved course of study - tough titty, you still have to deliver the form, or phone in your details or have your payment axed.
Another vote of confidence for the Howard Goverernment - bring the scheme into effect without fine tuning some of the important details first. Brilliant! | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 7:56:33 PM | Stormbay... I thought a Hotelier & a liquidation manager were the same thing.
Scrubber... from the Government's back to work FAQ page. I'm not questioning what you were told, but I was informed differently, when the question of school canteen & other voluntary work, came up at the seminar, I attended yesterday. One lady asked, "if she did voluntary work for a political party & that political party was elected, would that be seen as a worthwhile contribution?" Geez! there's some scally-wags around.
Can I do other things instead of paid work e.g. voluntary work or tuck shop etc.?
Voluntary work is not considered suitable for the purposes of meeting a principal carer’s requirement to seek or undertake part-time paid work of at least 15 hours per week unless the principal carer of a dependant child is aged 55 or over.
However, you may be able to undertake voluntary work where it gives you relevant work experience. | |
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| single mothers: underpaid by social security or...?
Posted: 3/13/2007 10:12:10 PM | i stand corrected.... my bad
my information is out of date sorry. when the policy was first being launched volunteer work was a acceptable for all parents returning to the workforce.
they have obviously changed their stand on volunteer work.
apologies there | |
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