Latest news with #maternityLeave
News.com.au
a day ago
- Business
- News.com.au
‘My claim had been denied': Centrelink mistake that almost cost a young mum $15,000
A simple paperwork error on a Centrelink form turned into a 'nightmare' and almost cost an Aussie mum $15,000. Lexi, 26, explained that when she was filling out her Centrelink paperwork in 2022 for her maternity leave, she made one mistake that almost cost her the entire payment. 'It was an absolute nightmare. I had filled it all out before my son arrived, after my son got here, I sent through all the documentation I needed to,' she said in a video shared on TikTok. 'Three weeks later, I was sent an email from Centrelink saying that my claim had been denied because my husband earned too much money.' Lexi told that it was 'devastating' to receive the letter that said she was denied the payment. 'We had been counting on that money and we knew it'd be a struggle without it,' she said. The young mum was applying for parental leave pay, a government benefit for primary carers of newborns. You can be entitled to receive up to $915.80 weekly for up to 22 weeks, but this is dependent on your taxable income. As of 2023, couples can earn a combined income of up to $364,350 a year and still be entitled. You must have also worked for 10 of the 13 months before your child's birth and be either a permanent visa holder or an Australian citizen. The 26-year-old had done her research and thought she and her partner qualified for the benefit and the couple were then 'gutted' to be denied the payments. 'We were counting on that money. We knew it was coming and, honestly, to be denied it, we were just in a spiral,' she said. At that point, Lexi didn't know she'd made a mistake. She just assumed they couldn't qualify and they'd have to deal with the $15,000 loss. It wasn't until she spoke to a mate, who was also about to go on maternity leave, that she learned about a standard error people make. On the form there's a box you can tick that means you're applying for both paid parental leave and the family tax benefit. If you tick the box for both, your entire claim will be denied if you're ineligible for just one of the benefits. Lexi had also applied for the family tax benefit but wasn't eligible for it, so her entire claim was denied. 'This wrong box gets ticked all the time. I can't imagine the amount of people going around thinking they're not eligible for this money when they actually were,' she said. Lexi argued that there are likely so many people who have no idea they just ticked the wrong box because people get denied with 'no explanations' and don't realise their mistakes. 'If they'd turned around and said 'yes you're eligible for this part' but 'not this part', I would have been fine,' she said. 'They said a blanket 'no', so I thought I wasn't entitled.' General Manager of Services Australia, Hank Jongen, told that it is important to remember different payments have different criteria. 'You don't need to submit a separate claim for Parental Leave Pay and Family Tax Benefit if you want to claim both,' he said. 'The payments have separate eligibility criteria, in particular, different income tests, so what you are eligible for depends on your circumstances. You may be eligible for one, both or neither. 'Our' having a baby' website page is a great place to start researching your eligibility, but it's important to not self-assess. When you are completing your claim online, you can select what payments you want us to assess you for, and we'll check your eligibility.' Mr Jongen said that you'll be notified about the outcome of your claim by sending you a letter or to your MyGov inbox. 'If you don't agree with the outcome of your claim, you can ask us for an explanation or to review our decision,' he said. Parental Leave Pay has changed over the years and is increasing. For children born from 1 July 2025, it will be up to 24 weeks and 26 weeks for children born after 1 July 2026. From 1 July 2025, it will also include superannuation. You need to meet an income test, a work test and the residence rules to be eligible. Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a 2-part payment available to low and middle income families to help with the day-to-day cost of raising children. How much you get depends on your situation, including how many kids you have and the level of care. Your payment is worked out based on the FTB rate and income test for the current financial year. You may be eligible for one part and not another, it depends on your circumstances. You cannot get Family Tax Benefit Part B while you are getting Parental Leave Pay. Lexi has previously gone viral for sharing that she's a stay-at-home mum and has always wanted to be financially dependent on her husband. The young mum previously told that she's frustrated people assume she's somehow not financially savvy purely because she's not the one making money. 'Some people think there's an 'issue' with what I've chosen to do or that it must not be a choice or it isn't the right choice or it isn't a smart one,' she said. 'Just because I'm financially dependent on my husband doesn't mean I'm financially unaware.' Lexi stressed that she and her husband make financial decisions together and are very open about money. 'My husband and I have complete transparency. Just because I'm not earning the income doesn't mean I don't get to have a 50/50 say in how we spend it,' she said.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Radio 1 fans threaten to switch off as they slam ‘gross' decision and insist it's ‘not right'
MIC DROP As Vick Hope goes on maternity leave, fans are fuming at her replacement RADIO 1 fans have threatened to switch off as they slammed the latest 'gross' decision by bosses and insist it's 'not right'. The BBC station has announced the newest presenter to join the line-up. 6 6 Greg James is the flagship presenter of the breakfast show and fans constantly praise his skill behind the mic. He was supported by the likes of former Strictly Come Dancing star Vick Hope who presents the Going Home show. She usually takes to the airwaves alongside Katie Thistleton and former Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing in the traditional drivetime slot. However, she will be taking a break from her presenting duties as she goes on maternity leave. The station announced that her replacement will be none other than Jamie's wife Sophie Habboo. Loose Women presenter, influencer and former I'm A Celebrity campmate GK Barry will also join the presenting roster as she takes over the weekend afternoon show. Longtime fans have slammed the latest hiring by bosses after they announced the news. On the official social media account of BBC Radio 1, fans flocked to the comments section as they claimed the station has 'fallen' in standards. One disgruntled listener fumed: "How far we've fallen from Vick and Jordan…" A second exclaimed: "There is something really gross, about two such privileged and independently wealthy (the Laings)given access to prime time national radio shows over people who have trained and studied for years in media." Vick Hope finally reveals pregnancy - and date she's going on maternity leave from BBC Radio One "Please get some good DJs back in the drive time slot. It's getting embarrassing," stated a third user. While someone else raged: "Wealthy Reality stars just being handed roles for nothing now. They're sooo unrelatable." And a fifth added: "Im a big radio 1 fan but shouldve been jerry .....jamie and sophie is a bad move be a switch off for me sorry." Many longtime fans of the station directly blamed bosses for a decline as they hired ' influencers '. They slammed the decision not to look for upcoming talent or give the role to an existing cover presenter who has trained for the job 'for years'. Another fan noted: "Where is the dislike button? There are so many hard working and capable presenters covering gigs on R1 atm, how undermining that they weren't given the chance to show the listeners what they're capable of!!" Someone else agreed" "Really glad I'm not the only one who was disappointed by this update. It really doesn't sit right with me when there's people trying so hard to get a break. It's a no from me I'm afraid." As a seventh fan stated: "Radio 1 turning into a constant influencer podcast.. what happened to actually knowing music to being a radio DJ! Many years of listening, only holding on for Greg! Time to switch!" Please get some good DJs back in the drive time slot. It's getting embarrassing Radio 1 fan While another added: "I think I'll be finding a different radio station to listen to for my 'going home' slot in the week now. "Something just doesn't sit right with me, that his wife has got the job… when there must be some amazing local talent & those that have worked really hard in the industry that will have been overlooked for celebrity privilege…" 6 6
Gulf Business
27-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Maternity leave: Dubai-based company offers double the days with full pay
Image credit: Getty Images Sobha Realty, a leading luxury global real estate developer, has announced a significant enhancement to its maternity leave policy, reinforcing its commitment to employee well-being and workplace excellence. In a bold, people-first move, the company now offers 120 days of maternity leave to its female employees. Throughout this period, all other employment benefits will be fully retained. This progressive policy far exceeds the UAE Labour Law requirement of 60 days and sets a new benchmark in the private real estate sector. Read- Sobha Realty now stands out as the first developer in the UAE to offer such a comprehensive and inclusive maternity leave framework—one that supports working mothers while promoting a more equitable and compassionate workplace. The announcement follows Sobha Realty receiving the prestigious Great Place to Work® certification for the second consecutive year, a recognition that highlights its dedication to cultivating a people-centric culture built on trust, care, and empowerment. The enhanced maternity leave reflects the company's ongoing efforts not just to meet expectations but to exceed them in ways that matter to its employees. 'At Sobha Realty, we have always believed that true excellence begins with our people,' said Ravi Menon, Chairman, Sobha Group. 'This new maternity policy is a statement of our values. It reflects our ongoing commitment to our employees and our desire to stand beside them during life's most important moments. This is yet another initiative that embodies the core of who we are—driven by compassion, grounded in commitment, and focused on continuous improvement,' added Mr. Menon. With this announcement, Sobha Realty continues to lead by example in shaping a workplace culture that values human connection and holistic well-being. In an era where talent retention and employee satisfaction are more critical than ever, Sobha's bold step sets a new gold standard for employer responsibility and progressive leadership in the region. Dubai-based Alpha Nero announces 70-Day paid maternity leave policy On February 27, 2024, Dubai-based retail design and production company Alpha Nero is the first SME in the region's manufacturing industry to extend statutory maternity leave, championing improved work environments for women. Women reportedly hold managerial roles—including CFO and COO positions—at the company. Alpha Nero also boasts an all-female accounts department and a female head of logistics, a department traditionally male-dominated in the Middle East. The company states that it has witnessed first-hand the impact women make in business and recognizes that being an effective, multi-tasking leader, employee, and decision-maker is not mutually exclusive with being a homemaker, carer, mother, wife, or daughter. Nestlé Dubai's maternity leave policy This policy offers 38 days more than the UAE's standard private-sector maternity leave. Maternity leave provisions in the UAE private sector Under 45 days of fully paid leave 15 days of half-paid leave She may apply for maternity leave up to 30 days before the expected delivery date. Additionally: She may take up to 45 extra days without pay if illness due to pregnancy or childbirth is certified by a medical authority. If the baby is sick or has a disability, she may take an additional 30 days of fully paid leave, extendable by another 30 days without pay (with medical certification). Upon returning to work, she is entitled to one or two daily nursing breaks (not exceeding one hour total) for six months post-delivery. These breaks are fully paid.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sobha Realty sets a new industry standard with enhanced maternity leave policy
Dubai: Sobha Realty, a leading luxury global real estate developer, has announced a significant enhancement to its maternity leave policy, reinforcing its commitment to employee well-being and workplace excellence. In a bold and people-first move, the company now offers 120 days of maternity leave to its female employees. Throughout this period, all other employment benefits will be fully retained. This progressive policy far exceeds the UAE Labour Law requirement of 60 days and marks an unprecedented benchmark in the private real estate sector. As of today, Sobha Realty stands out as the first developer in the UAE to provide such a comprehensive and inclusive maternity leave framework- one that supports the needs of working mothers while fostering a more equitable and compassionate workplace. The announcement comes on the heels of Sobha Realty receiving the prestigious Great Place to Work® certification consecutively for 2 years in a row, a recognition that highlights its dedication to cultivating a people-centric culture built on trust, care, and empowerment. The enhanced maternity leave reflects the company's ongoing efforts to not just meet expectations, but to exceed them in ways that are meaningful to its employees. 'At Sobha Realty, we have always believed that true excellence begins with our people,' said Ravi Menon, Chairman, Sobha Group. 'This new maternity policy is a statement of our values. It is our continued effort towards employees and to stand beside them during life's most important moments as a family. This is yet another initiative that embodies the core of who we are- driven by compassion, grounded in commitment, and focused on continuous improvement.'; added Mr. Menon. With this announcement, Sobha Realty continues to lead by example in shaping a workplace culture that values human connection and holistic well-being. In an era where talent retention and employee satisfaction are more critical than ever, Sobha's bold step sets a new gold standard for employer responsibility and progressive leadership in the region. About Sobha Realty Sobha Realty is an international luxury developer committed to redefining the art of living through sustainable communities. Established in 1976 as an interior decoration firm in Oman by PNC Menon – a visionary entrepreneur – the company has grown its presence with developments and investments in the UAE, Oman, and India. For nearly five decades, Sobha Realty has been redefining the real estate value chain through 'Backward Integration' by leveraging its inherent in-house capabilities of conceptualization, design, and development. Today, the firm has developed into one of the most prominent and premium real estate developers in the UAE and aims to become a global real estate developer with its essence, the 'Art of the Detail,' remaining deeply embedded in the organization's DNA. With a proven track record of delivering projects ahead of schedule, the company has thirteen masterplans across the UAE and is continually expanding its presence in the city with a number of other prominent projects. The flagship community of Sobha Realty (Sobha Hartland) is a thriving community that is home to over 11,000 residents. Sobha Siniya Island, Sobha Realty's masterplan and its very first-ever luxury island project, features luxury villas, mansions, and resorts within a serene island setting.
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Pregnant Vick Hope asks Radio 1's Big Weekend crowd for baby name ideas before maternity leave
PREGNANT Vick Hope delighted fans at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend as she asked them for baby name ideas before heading off on maternity leave. Presenter Vick, 35, who's expecting her first baby with husband Calvin Harris, 41, later this year, made the most of her final weekend on air by getting stuck in at the Liverpool festival. 5 She danced on platforms, soaking up the sunshine and asking the crowd for baby name suggestions with co-host Jamie Laing. Taking to the stage in a vibrant, bump-hugging maxi dress with a thigh-high slit, Vick looked glowing as she laughed and chatted with Jamie, who turned to the crowd for some help. In a video published by MailOnline, he said: 'Vick is about to go on maternity leave and she wants some help with some baby names, so if you can shout some names to me…' Thousands of festival-goers started yelling their best suggestions - with Vick giggling, 'OK, I got it,' before Jamie added, 'That's some good names in there!' It marked a high-energy send-off for Vick, who was clearly in her element across the weekend. She was spotted dancing with the BBC crew on the presenter's platform, catching up with co-stars Greg James, Arielle Free and Lauren Layfield, and cheering along to surprise sets like Melanie C 's on-stage appearance with Tom Grennan. She kept things more low-key behind the scenes - slipping into a black dress and trainers while off duty. The mum-to-be penned: 'Final @ bbcradio1 Going Home show with just the two of us for a little while, it's been such an absolute blast! 'Thank you for the love and the laughs these last few months sweet sweet @jamielaing, all the team, and of course our amazing listeners. Legends, the lot of ya.' Vick shared a look at a cake and cards she'd been given from the Radio1 team, and she posted a photo of herself smiling behind the mic. Calvin Harris set to become a dad for the first time as wife Vick Hope reveals pregnancy Jamie also shared a sweet message for Vick, saying: 'To the sweetest soul, who goes on maternity leave today - what a blast we've had." When Vick told Jamie live on air that she was about to go on maternity leave, her co-presenter showered her with praise. Jamie told her: "You're an amazing friend, an amazing person, and you're just going to be an amazing mum,." She replied: "Oh, thank you." Vick and her DJ husband, have plenty of stunning homes where they will raise their child. The pair own a stunning 138-acre organic farm in Ibiza, known as Terra Masia, which produces fruit, vegetables, eggs, and wine. They also have a 10-acre estate in the Cotswolds, which Calvin purchased for £3.6m in 2019. Over the past few years, they've been building a new mansion on the Oxfordshire site which will become the family's primary residence. 5 5 5 5
