I've been there. My youngest was 7 months and my eldest 4. I understand why you want to see if you can do it without centrelink help and maybe you also feel that you have something to prove to others but this is not the time. Your children will need you emotionally and physically. It will be a very confusing time for them. Even just give yourself 6 months and get yourself ready to go without centrelink help but give yourself and your children time to get used to the new situation.

I agree other response, apply for Centrelink - family payment / parenting allowance & rent assistance. It will also make it easier to apply for the Childcare Benefit Fee Rebates. Get online & start your "Intention to Claim" today. If you don't need it, great, but it will give you some budget security, especially if you can only find casual work to start with. Goodluck

Use Centrelink to get on your feet. Never know how long it might take to get work and Xmas is so close...utilise the opportunity until after Xmas to get full-time work..alot of work places have a ton of people not come back after Xmas because they've been paid out over the break and cbf returning

Is Centrelink not an option because you can’t access it or because you don’t want to? If you can, it’s your right. The only option is daycare for your children, what’s you background? I’m sorry for the situation you are in, lots of love!

With a 5 month old baby and all the drama from the break up to deal with, youd be crazy not access centrelink at least while you are getting on your feet.

Without knowing much about your situation id say dont even think about work till the baby is 12 months old.

Its a human right to access and receive welfare when times are tough, and we are lucky in Australia that we provide this for those who need it. There is no shame in it. And it dosnt have to be forever.