Returning to work after maternity leave can feel like a significant transition emotionally, professionally, and financially. Whether you’re heading back full-time, shifting to part-time, or exploring a new role entirely, this phase often brings new routines, new priorities and new questions about money.
A clear financial checklist can help you feel more confident as you re-enter the workforce. From understanding your updated income to reviewing childcare costs, this guide breaks down the key steps to help women plan a smooth and informed return.
Understanding Your New Income and Entitlements
Your income may look different when you return to work. You may be changing your hours, adjusting your responsibilities, or picking up a new role. Taking time to check your expected earnings can help you budget confidently for the months ahead.
If you previously received Parental Leave Pay from the Australian Government, this payment ends once you return to work. Services Australia outlines how Parental Leave Pay interacts with employment here.
If you’re returning part-time, remember that your take-home income may look different once tax, super, and any salary sacrifice arrangements are factored in. Using the ATO’s tax calculator can help you understand your likely after-tax income.
Reviewing Your Budget for Your New Routine
Routines and expenses often shift during the return-to-work period. A refreshed budget helps you map out changes before they happen. Key areas to review include:
- Childcare expenses
- Increased transport costs
- Work-related expenses, including clothing, lunches, or parking
- Updated household contributions if your partner’s income or responsibilities are changing too
This is a good time to think about how your spending may change across the week, and what new recurring costs may apply during your transition back to work.
Childcare Costs and Government Support
For many families, childcare is one of the biggest financial considerations when returning to work. The Australian Government’s Child Care Subsidy (CCS) can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, depending on your income, childcare type, and activity level.
Understanding your eligibility early helps you plan your finances more accurately.
If you’re using childcare for the first time, factor in:
- Waitlists and enrolment fees
- The number of days required
- Differences between long day care, family day care, and occasional care
- Adjustments during school holidays
Childcare costs directly influence how many hours you return for and how your income balances against expenses, so reviewing the subsidy and your plan together is helpful before locking anything in.
Checking How Your Super Contributions Will Resume
Your superannuation may have paused or reduced during maternity leave, especially if you took unpaid leave. When you return to work, your employer must restart super guarantee (SG) contributions based on your earnings.
A few things to consider:
1. Confirm your fund details with your employer
Using your existing super fund helps you avoid duplicate accounts and extra fees.
2. Review your insurance inside super
Some income protection or life insurance may have changed during unpaid leave. Checking your fund’s policy ensures your cover aligns with your needs now that you’re back at work.
3. Consider whether to make voluntary contributions
If you’re able to, even small voluntary contributions can help rebuild your balance after a career break. Many women choose to increase contributions gradually as their income stabilises.
Understanding Paid vs Unpaid Entitlements When You Return
Depending on your workplace, you may also have access to flexible working arrangements, return-to-work programs, or staged return plans. These can affect your hours and income in the first few months.
It’s worth reviewing:
- Accrued annual or long-service leave
- Updated employment contract terms
- Eligibility for flexible work under the Fair Work Act
The Fair Work Ombudsman outlines return-to-work rights for parents here.
Understanding these options helps you plan a return that aligns with both your financial needs and family commitments.
Updating Your Tax, Benefits and Family Payments
A change in income often affects government payments, tax settings, and family benefits. When you return to work, it can help to review:
Family Tax Benefit (FTB)
Your family income estimate must be up to date so your payments remain accurate.Services Australia explains FTB income requirements here.
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
If your work hours change, your subsidy percentage may adjust, so updating your details ensures smoother billing.
Medicare Levy and tax adjustments
Changes in your income may affect tax thresholds. You can use the ATO calculators to estimate your updated tax position.
By updating your information early, you reduce the likelihood of overpayments or debt notices later.
Planning for Emergency Savings and Household Stability
Returning to work can bring new stability, but also new expenses. Building or rebuilding an emergency buffer can help you feel more secure as routines settle in.
Many women find it useful to aim for a small amount first, then gradually increase it as their income becomes consistent again. Think of it as creating a cushion for unexpected costs like illness, car repairs or childcare changes.
Even $20 or $30 per week, automatically transferred, can grow into meaningful support over time.
Refreshing Your Long-Term Money Goals
The period after maternity leave often marks a shift in priorities. This makes it an ideal moment to revisit or set new long-term financial goals. You may be thinking about:
- Saving for a home
- Adjusting your super strategy
- Creating a new household budget
- Planning for future parental leave
- Building investments
- Setting up education savings for your child
Checking in with these goals as you return to work ensures your daily decisions align with where you want to be in the future. It also helps you feel more in control during a period of change.
Re-Entering the Workforce With Confidence
Returning to work after maternity leave is a financial transition that influences your earning capacity, your household budget, and your long-term security.
By understanding your updated income, reviewing your super, checking childcare support, and adjusting your budget, you can enter this new chapter feeling organised and confident.
Your career continues to evolve through every life stage. A thoughtful financial plan helps you feel grounded as you step back into work and build momentum for the years ahead.
If you want help taking control of your financial future, download the eairwoman app.
Disclaimer: Information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. Information within the article is general only, not financial advice. We urge you to seek independence advice from a licenced Financial Advisor before making any investment or financial decisions.
