Get prepared to go back to work

Finding child care options

You may want to think about finding child care options when you return to work.

Apply for Child Care Subsidy

You may be eligible for Child Care Subsidy to help you with the cost of child care.

Transitioning back to work if you get Parental Leave Pay

You can return to work and keep taking Parental Leave Pay on any days you don't work. This can include:

• part-time work arrangements
• weekends
• supplementing paid or unpaid leave.

If you are planning to work on a Parental Leave Pay day you can find out more on the Services Australia website.

Confirming your start date

When you decide to return to work, you’ll need to speak with your employer to confirm your start date and work arrangements. You may also ask for flexible hours.

Find out about flexible working arrangements and returning to work after parental leave on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Managing your government payments

If you get a payment from Services Australia, you need to tell them when you go back to work and your income changes. Find out how to change your circumstances with Centrelink on the Services Australia website.

What to expect

Returning to work after taking time off to care for a new family member can be daunting. It’s also an opportunity for you to:

• reconnect with your job and colleagues
• ease financial pressure
• add variety to your daily routine.

You may want to think about:

• setting up family routines
• finding child care options
• coming up with strategies to manage any stress.

Find out about returning to work on the Raising Children Network website.

Managing stress

Returning to work might cause you some stress. Too much stress can be overwhelming, making it hard to cope. Ask for help from family, friends and healthcare providers when you need it.

Find out about work-related stress on the Health Direct website.