The majority of new Migrants to Australia will have to wait a period totalling 104 weeks of residence before becoming eligible for most Government Benefits.

However, there are a few that are available without this qualifying waiting period, and these do relate to Families with Children.

The main benefits consist of:

Family Tax Benefit Part A - for parents or carers to help with the cost of raising children.

Family Tax Benefit Part B - for single income families or sole parents.

Child Care Benefit - for families to help with the cost of child care.

Rent Assistance may also be paid, if you get more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A and pay rent privately.

Maternity Payment - A one off lump sum to help with the extra costs of a new baby, born or adopted.

Maternity Immunisation Allowance - To help towards Immunisation Costs

These benefits are Income tested.



Details are available at the CENTRELINK website and offices. Call Centre telephone number is 13 1021 from in Australia only.



Note: The following quote is from http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/inte...wly_arrived.htm as at 11th November 2004.

Quote: For other benefits you will have to serve a waiting period if you have not been an Australian resident, and in Australia, for periods totalling 104 weeks. Periods spent in Australia as an Australian resident at any time in your life can be counted towards the waiting period.

However: Age Pension and Disability Support Pension have qualifying residence requirements of ten years.



Some Example Benefits as at February 2005

Family Tax Benefit:

Family with 3 children between 5 and 13, Single gross income of $50,000 per year:
Possible Family Assistance of $346.22 per fortnight or $9,026.45 per year.
This is made up of:
Family Tax Benefit Part A $266.28 per fortnight.
Family Tax Benefit Part B $79.94 per fortnight.

Family with 3 children between 5 and 13, Joint Income of $75,000. One wage $50,000 2nd wage $25,000
Possible Family Assistance of $128.94 per fortnight or $3,361.65 per year.
This is made up of:
Family Tax Benefit Part A $128.94 per fortnight.

Family with one child under 5, Single gross income of $50,000 per year:
Possible Family Assistance of $157.64 per fortnight or $4,109.90 per year.
This is made up of:
Family Tax Benefit Part A $42.98 per fortnight.
Family Tax Benefit Part B $114.66 per fortnight.

Family with one child under 5, Joint Income of $75,000. One wage $50,000 2nd wage $25,000
Possible Family Assistance of $42.98 per fortnight or $1,120.55 per year.
This is made up of:
Family Tax Benefit Part A $42.98 per fortnight.


Child Care Benefit
Family with two parents and 1 child between 5 and 13 years:
2 parents, 1 works earning $50,000, the other doesn't work: 76% rebate of schedule fees.
2 parents, 1 earns $50,000, the other $25,000: 41% rebate of schedule fees.
2 parents, both earn $50,000 each: 16% rebate of schedule fees.