Are Australian social security payments available to me?

In general, Australian social security payments are only available to people who reside in Australia and are either Australian citizens or holders of permanent visas. In addition, most newly arrived migrants have to live as permanent residents in Australia for 2 years (waiting period) before they can get most social security payments such as unemployment and sickness benefits, student allowances and other payments.

To be able to get age and disability pensions, you generally have to live in Australia for 10 years. If you are a permanent visa holder with dependent children you may qualify immediately for Family Tax Benefit and/or Child Care Benefit that helps cover the costs of raising children. The amount you can receive depends on your family’s size, total income and other criteria. More information will be found on the internet www.centrelink.gov.au or call Centrelink Multilingual Telephone Information Service 13 1202 (local call cost from anywhere in Australia).