Discussions with Families about Maternity Payment

Families make their own choices about how to spend Maternity Payment. However it may be useful for family workers providing services to pregnant women to raise the question of their plans for using the payment. Some issues to consider could include:

  • What costs does the family anticipate arising from the baby’s arrival? What impact will this make on the mother’s income, especially if she is currently employed? 

  •  What preparations have they made regarding equipment that will be needed for the baby now and in the coming months?

  • Does the family have debts that could be addressed using the Maternity Payment? This will benefit the baby if it means there will be less pressure on the family. 

  • Has the mother discussed the payment with her partner? Has she experienced any pressure about the use of the payment? Does she have her own bank account, or is it a joint account? Pregnancy can be a time of increased risk for domestic violence, and issues of financial control may be an aspect of domestic violence that women don’t readily identify.