[Sunnycat]

As I understand it, I have to be back at work 10 of the previous 13 months with no greater than an 8 week break to be eligible for the government paid parental leave.

I started back at work on 3rd September 2012 so 10 months would bring me to 3rd July 2013.

Does anyone know if I am allowed to start my maternity leave before the 3rd July 2013? I was hoping to have 6 weeks off before I'm due (around the 7th of July).

[seepi]

Maternity leave counts as 'work' for CCr, so I'm guessing yes, but maybe ring them and ask them - or try the email question thing - they take weeks to answer, but you dont' have to stay on hold, and you don/t need to know instantly.

[namie]

I was only back at work for 5 months between boys and still qualified for PPL with DS2. I met the hourly requirements for the 10 months within the 5 months but had been continuously employed while on mat leave from work. I don't know which they took into account, but it worked for me.

[Sunnycat]

Thanks everyone I will ring FAO tomorrow and ask.

[Fossy]

If its paid mat leave then yes it will count, if it's unpaid you won't qualify. Any paid leave counts in the 10 months, mat, sick, annual, long service etc.
Hth

[Sunnycat]

If its paid mat leave then yes it will count, if it's unpaid you won't qualify. Any paid leave counts in the 10 months, mat, sick, annual, long service etc.
Hth

Oh that's brilliant! Thank you. Now the next drama will be negotiating with my boss to actually let me have time off before the about as she reckons she's going to deny all my leave if I take in more hours (which I can do in march).