Craig Hill
KC Hill
Paladin
Oracle of DelphiBaby Bonus Changes for Under 18's
November 14th 2006 03:29
photo by stuartjessop, www.morguefile.com
From early 2007, mothers under the age of 18 will no longer be paid the Baby Bonus in a lump sum. Instead, the $4,000 payout will be given to young mums in 13 installments over a period of 6 months.
The decision was made after claims that mothers under the age of 18 have been spending the lump sum payout on themselves rather than their children.
And if you watched any of the recent current affairs programs, there have been segments on teenage mums who admit they fall pregnant in order to receive some quick cash.
The Council of Social Service who initially supported the changes now say that the new plan does not give young mums enough choice. And I couldn’t agree more.
The thing is, out of the 269,000 bonuses paid out in 2005, 11,000 were handed out to under 18s. Sure, maybe there are 5, 10 or even 50 severely irresponsible mums who do just want the money but what about the other 10,950 young mums out there who do use the money responsibly? What about those mums who actually need the lump sum payment to assist them with their newborn’s expenses? To help them in the care and welfare of their baby boys and girls?
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Comment by Judy
Ex-Hostie
Comment by Legally Brunette
My Wedding
Comment by Stuart
Mediated
That means that over 6 months they receive 13 payments of $310 dollars.
"I wish I could afford a baby stroller and/or a cot, but I just don't have the money, where are you government"
To appear in a blaze with a pittance of $310 bucks.
If anything this encourages the squandering of the money more because it requires deliberate and thoughtful saving on their behalf, as opposed to 4k, ok lets buy the cot, the stroller, a short-term nuclear bunker supply of nappies etc.
Silly if you ask me