Australia Social

More information about social security

Centrelink is the organisation which delivers social security payments.
The information provided here is a guide only, there are many
regulations, forms and other details which will contribute to whether
or not you will be eligable for Centrelink benefits.

There are Centrelink offices in most regions of Australia, you can call them
or visit their website. If do not speak english well you should call 131 202
to have your questions answered in another language.
Calls to Centrelink are charged at local rates, however may be higher if you
are calling from a mobile or pay phone.

Website: www.centrelink.gov.au

Mail: Manager - International Services
Centrelink
GPO Box 273
Hobart TAS 7001
Australia

Telephone: 131 021 (Appointments)
131 202 (if you speak another langauge)
+613 6222 3455 (if you are calling from outside Australia)

Two year waiting period for social security                   

As mentioned earlier it is a good idea to have an idea  of how you will provide for yourself for the first two years of your stay in Australia.

Social Security payments from centrelink including: Unemployment -            
Newstart Allowance, and Sickness Allowance, Student Allowances - Austudy and Youth Allowance aswell as  Health Care Cards are only available to those who have lived as permanent resident visa holders in Australia for         
more then 2 years.                                                             
                                                                                        
For Age and Disability pensions the time you must have lived as a permanent resident visa holder in Australia is 10 years.
                                                                                         
Waiting period expemptions                                                   
                                                                                                 
You may be exempt from the waiting periods and be eligable for a Special Benefit under special circumstances, such as: If you are experiencing hardship due to a substantial change in circumstances that have been beyond your control.           
                                                                                                          
The waiting period may also be waived if you have become a  widow, disabled or a single parent after starting your stay in Australia. It is also possible to get the pension if you are covered by an International Social Security Agreement.
Which Australia has agreement with 19 countries as of January 2008.

The 2 year period can be waived if you are a humanitarian entrant, a partner or a dependant child of a Australian citizen, who has passed their 2 year waiting period. Also if you are caring for a permanent resident and you have
a specific carer visa you may have the waiting period waived.