Maternity leave is a life-changing time.
Whether you’re preparing to go on leave yourself or supporting someone else, it’s important to understand the financial support available, and how to approach these moments with warmth and care.
At eairwoman, we’re here to make maternity leave planning feel supportive, not stressful. From child care subsidies to the right words to say to a colleague or loved one going on leave, we’re covering it all right here.
What to Say to Someone Going on Maternity Leave
Knowing what to say when someone is heading off on maternity leave can feel tricky—especially if you’re unsure of how much they’ve shared or what kind of support they need.
Here are a few thoughtful, respectful suggestions:
- “Wishing you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter.”
- “Let us know how we can support you before and after your leave.”
- “We’ll miss you—but can’t wait to meet the little one (if you’re sharing baby news)!”
- “Take all the time you need. We’ve got your back.”
- If it’s a colleague, offering to help transition their workload or catch them up later is always appreciated. Respect their privacy, avoid unsolicited advice, and instead, focus on reassurance and encouragement.
Can You Receive Child Care Subsidy While on Maternity Leave?
This is a common question—and the answer is yes, in many cases, you can still receive the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) while on maternity leave. However, it depends on your situation and whether your leave meets certain conditions.
According to Services Australia, to be eligible for CCS, you must meet an activity test that includes recognised activities like:
- Paid work
- Unpaid leave (including parental or maternity leave)
- Study or training
- Volunteering
So if you’re on paid or unpaid maternity leave and plan to return to work, your leave may still count toward your CCS eligibility. You’ll typically need to prove that you’re still formally attached to your job and intend to return after your leave.
For more details on eligibility, visit Services Australia’s recognised activities guide.
How Much Child Care Subsidy Can You Get While on Leave?
The amount of subsidy you receive depends on several factors, including:
- Your combined household income
- Your activity level, which includes your hours of leave
- The type of approved child care you use
If both you and your partner are on parental leave, your activity levels might drop—but depending on your circumstances, you may still qualify for partial or full subsidies.
To get a more accurate picture of your entitlements, you can use the Child Care Subsidy Calculator or speak directly with Services Australia.
It’s also worth noting that NSW and other states may offer additional subsidies or preschool fee relief, so check with your local early childhood education provider or visit NSW’s family support portal for current updates.
Tips for Managing Child Care While on Maternity Leave
If you already have a child in care and you’re going on maternity leave, it’s completely valid to want to keep them enrolled. Many parents find it helpful to maintain routine and give themselves time to rest or care for a newborn.
To manage this effectively:
- Speak to your child care provider about maintaining your booking
- Update your income and activity details via myGov to ensure CCS accuracy
- Consider part-time attendance to keep costs manageable while preserving structure
Many parents also discuss this topic in parenting forums like BabyCenter, where you can see how others manage CCS during leave.
Plan Your Parental Leave with eairwoman
The financial side of maternity leave can feel overwhelming, but the eairwoman app is here to simplify it. With tools built specifically for women, you can:
- Track how maternity leave may impact your superannuation
- Use our “What-If” calculator to test scenarios like part-time work or career breaks
- Get a clear picture of your retirement savings and how today’s choices shape tomorrow
Maternity leave shouldn’t derail your long-term financial goals. With eairwoman, you can stay informed, feel supported, and plan with confidence.
Conclusion
Whether you’re going on maternity leave or supporting someone who is, understanding your options and showing kindness goes a long way.
Yes, you can still access child care subsidies during maternity leave under certain conditions. And with the right tools, like the eairwoman app, you can make informed decisions that support your present and your future.
Download the eairwoman app to start planning your leave, tracking your finances, and preparing for what comes next.
Have questions about how maternity leave affects your super? Contact us—we’re here to help.
