# New Parent Paperwork Checklist

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/parenting/new-parent-paperwork-checklist/
- Published: 2013-02-17T05:51:12+11:00
- Author: Clare Whitfield

**[⌊Baby with diaper lying on bed smiling for new parent paperwork checklist⌉⌊Baby with diaper lying on bed smiling for new parent paperwork checklist⌉ ](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/baby-paperwork.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)
[New Parent Paperwork Checklist ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/new-parent-paperwork-checklist/)**

We have put together a new parent paperwork checklist �to help you, because there
are always things you forget about and it can become overwhelming, even for parents
that have planned for a baby. Because of this, the government have a few options
for parents when it comes to financial relief. Once you have your baby you will 
probably be required to fill out the paperwork in the hospital. However, you can
also look into filling the paperwork out online through the Centre Link website 
if you want to be extra organized. These are some of the things you will need to
consider:

**Baby’s Birth Certificate**

It’s official! Your little one has arrived and will now require evidence of this
joyous occasion. You will get the paperwork at the hospital which needs to be filled
out and stamped by the hospital and then sent to Births, Deaths and Marriages in
your state. Make sure you send it through within 60 days of your child’s birth.

**Medicare Form**

Your new baby will be offered [Medicare](http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/medicare-online-services)
just like you and often he will be placed on the same card as you and your spouse.
You can apply for his Medicare number and card through the paperwork given at the
hospital. If you have Private Health Cover, then you will need to contact your insurance
provider to add your baby to your current policy or switch to a family plan.

**Baby Bonus Vs Paid Parental Leave **

The baby bonus and paid parental leave offer financial assistance during the first
year of baby’s birth. The Paid Parental Leave a weekly amount of $570 up to 18 weeks
so that the main carer doesn’t have to work for a certain period of time. It can
be taken right away or anytime during the first year of the child’s birth. For example,
if you have four weeks annual leave as well as long service leave, then you may 
wish to use this first and then take the 18 weeks Paid Parental Leave for maximum
paid time at home with your little one. How much you will receive will depend on
an income and means test.

The baby bonus is a standard amount, currently at $5294 which is paid over 13 fortnightly
instalments. You will need to be an Australian resident and your household income
cannot be more than $75,000 in the six months following the birth.

New parents cannot receive both the Paid Parental Leave and Baby Bonus. There is
an online comparison estimator that will determine which option is right for you
and your family.

**Child Care Rebate and Benefit **

If you do need to return to work shortly, then you should not only be looking into
childcare options as soon as possible, but you can also look into the Child Care
Rebate which helps working families by covering 50% of the out of pocket childcare
costs, up to $7500 per year. The Child Care Benefit can also provide assistance 
in childcare costs but it is income based.

**Family Tax Benefits A and B **

Family Tax A and B are both income tested and will offer fortnightly assistance 
with the costs of a newborn. Family Tax A offers up to $160.30 per fortnight for
newborns while Family Tax B offers up to $136.36 per fortnight for newborns where
there is only one main income earner.** **You may be eligible for both and can choose
to have the�installments�throughout the year or as a lump sum at the end of the 
tax year.** **

 

![author avatar](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/
12/clare_whitfield_profile.webp?quality=80&ssl=1)

 Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

 Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical
home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney,
she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school 
age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience
in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

 [See Full Bio](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/) [  ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/)