I am trying to find out if there is any financial support that I can get from centerlink as I am unemployeed. I tried to check this online but I could not understand if I am elligible or not. I am a permanent resident (29 yes female) and my husband is a citizen. He has a full time job (earning $60,000 per annum).
husband earns too much for this, or tell the bloke to work less.
I don't want to give you my tax money if you aren't a citizen. The way I see it, you should either get a job or live off your husband's wage. You shouldn't come to a country and immediately be a drain on the country, you should contribute.
If a person came to the country new, they are not eligible for the Newstart Allowance. It has a 2 year waiting period.
In addition, there is an income test as well which takes into account total family income, not just the income of the unemployed person. So, if the partner is receiving an income like that mentioned, it is unlikely they will be eligible for any type of allowance. The best way to know is to check with Centrelink as I can't make head or tails about their income threshold tables.
Sounds like someone at Centrelink is actually doing their job! Good to hear.
I wouldn't go so far as to say Centrelink is doing a good job. I don't like seeing my taxes going to dole bludgers either and would prefer more stricter rules. At the same time, those who are in true need should be helped. A line has to be drawn somewhere and I know it is difficult to separate the true needy from the bludgers.
just out of curiosity is the two year period after you Permanent Residency or do you have to be a citizen ?
I'm a permanent resident.
Please explain why I am a bad guy considering I have a fully time job supporting my Aussie wife and kids.
I also volunteer with local non profits which takes a significant amount of my time up.
You think that because I'm not a citizen that I shouldn't get any help from the government, even though I pay significant taxes and contribute to the local community?
To all the people who are negging my above post, do you actually think it is right that someone can go to a country and get money off the government, before they have contributed anything, and before they are a part of that country?
the right way of thinking is that we shouldn't pass judgement. we don't know anything about op's circumstances other than that op is unemployed and "I am a permanent resident (29 yes female) and my husband is a citizen. He has a full time job (earning $60,000 per annum)."
No, why should we give handouts to none Australians? I work hard for my money, I don't want to see it wasted. If someone has not contributed to the community, what right do they have to financial handouts?
so your line of thinking is that we shouldn't support australian residents that don't have an australian citizenship, and if they do have an australian citizenship then we shouldn't support them if they've newer paid taxes?
btw op is looking for work, but unsuccessfully for 20 months.
the husband isnt unemployed though.
@thorton82:
what if she's an aussie citizen who's never worked in her life? does she deserve our money?
@tm87: Obviously not, but coming from overseas, then expecting welfare payments clearly makes it worse.
@thorton82:
Agreed. So kindly direct your hate (and mine) to dole bludgers, doesn't matter if they're PR or citizen.
@thorton82:
Enlighten me, a citizen and a PR, both who hasn't contributed anything, how is one more deserving than the other?
@tm87:
It can be uncomfortable when people direct judgements based on stereotypes at you. I'm sure not all permanent residents are shiftless and taking true blue Aussies jobs. That is the kind of stereotyping that would cause somebody who wasn't in that situation to feel hurt or slighted.
Not like those dole bludgers who we can all hate. No stereotyping needed for them because we know they are all lazy frauds.
So..your saying that because she is a permanent resident, there is no way that she currently contributed, has contributed or is trying to contribute to Australian society?
The stereotyping and assumptions are strong with this one. She even said lower down she has spent 20 months looking for a job.
@zhuang281: And hasn't got one, and has therefore not contributed. The world doesn't owe people anything, people can't expect to get money for nothing. Where do you think the money comes from? A magic bean stalk?
Is a job the only way to contribute? What about volunteering?
Let me pose another scenario. What if she has been in australia for 10 years, working for 7, got sick/pregnant and then cant find a job anymore?
What then?
Your logic is clearly flawed because of these assumptions you are making. Granted, she may be a bludger but that is not the point I am making.
PS: Am not your downvoter btw.
Hi throton82 I am an Australian citizen. But before becoming a citizen I have spent AUD 60000 on study and permanent residence which is one of the major source of income for the Australian government….now if I don't accept citizenship do you think I should not get Centre link benefits though I have spent AUD 60000 for a study which normal Australian citizen can do in AUD 2000 and paid the same tax while I was working to support my study.
Kay, I'm afraid spending 60k on study/PR has nothing to do (nor should it) with getting or not getting Centrelink benefits.
The 60k was spent by choice - money for goods (or in this case, service) received. It doesn't (and shouldn't) come with "Centrelink benefits".
Unfortunately your post has an aura of "I paid so much to an educational institution, therefore I have an entitlement" which may annoy some OzBargainers.
@thorton82:
You have no idea what you're on about. Do you research anything you spit out?
International students are a major export for Australia, one of the largest in fact. 16.3 billion dollars generated in 2010-2011.
http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/Lookup/4102.0Main+Fe…
You're starting to sound extremely xenophobic.
(I don't agree that this entitles anyone to centrelink payments)
No, just because you were privileged enough to study here and had parents who were willing and able to pay the fees, does not entitle you to CL benefits as a resident. You paid for a 'goods and service' ie, the degree you wanted, and you got the qualifications in return. Considering Australia charges much less for a degree than UK or USA, I believe the $60K you invested was well spent. The $60K you paid most probably went to pay the lecturers, tutors, Uni admin and greedy SSU! The tax you paid while supporting yourself was justified, you were utilising Australia's facilities and infrastructure as a resident and that's where your taxes had to be spent. It didn't entitle you to CL benefits. Hope you are comfortably employed by now and it's been well worth it :) :) :)
Yeah you beat me to it there. I was just about to post an article saying the same
3rd or 4th biggest export. Pretty bloody big
Tertiary education is not a major source of income for the Australian government, contrary to what you say.
I like that you are defending yourself whilst ignoring that you were pulled up on your erroneous statement.
Perhaps you should avoid making statements about subjects you clearly know nothing about.
Yes, I was wrong, tertiary education is big business, but that doesn't mean I am wrong about what people are entitled too.
Tertiary education is not a major source of income for the Australian government
Wrong.
Being an immigrant or of some country colour or ethnicity is a characteristic of an individual and xenophobia is about the behaviour, they are not associated to each other.
My mother has been a permanent resident of Australia for the majority of her life. There are all sorts of reasons why a permanent resident may not want to become a citizen - we don't know why OP isn't a citizen, but a permanent resident can be just as much a contributor to Australian society as a citizen.
Of course, by the sounds of it, OP will have trouble because of the means test and so on - OP, my advice is simply to call Centrelink and enquire about Newstart and Austudy. It may well be the case that you're not eligible, but it won't hurt to ask. The rules are very complex and I know how hard it can be to figure this stuff out!
I agree with contributing before taking. Not every PR is not contributing before taking. I am a PR and contribute a lot in taxes. So much that I hate where my money is going - to the dole bludgers on drugs and alcohol whose never worked a day in their life, PR or citizen.
Your comment is completely ignorant of how the partner migration scheme works, and what people are entitled to, and after how long. And, sorry to burst your bubble Mr Patriot, but you don't need to be a citizen to quality for a range of benefits (eventually).
Unless you are 100% Aboriginal, your attitude is a little ridiculous.
Do you know that welfare is an economic stabilizer. All your taxpayer money goes back in the economy to keep you employed. It is a very good way inject cash into the economy. Why do you think the government gave all dole blgs $1000 to spend on drugs and nappies during the GFC. Its so the drug dealers could go out and spend the cash and give it back to us. It is unheard of for someone on the dole to save money in an ING account. People on the dole spend all their money. Look at the big picture please.
As a PR you can get welfare its essentially the same rights as a citizen. Not sure about what tests are required to get a benefit but the fact that your husband is working maybe a problem as he can support you. Go to Centrelink is your best bet.
Can you explain why you think you deserve benefits?
Because I find it highly offensive that someone comes to our country, is not even a citizen yet, and has such a sense of entitlement, that they think they can have my (our) tax dollars, which I have worked hard for.
op's husband is working. it's more than likely that he doesn't mind his wife get some of the tax that hi has paid back as newstart allowance.
that's right. her husband can support her as per "the rules". op may also be eligible for government support depending on her and her husband's circumstances.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink…
op, try this link to see how australia can help your family.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/payment-finder/?q=2…
If they aren't entitled to it according to the laws, they won't receive it. It's as simple as that.
Stop being a spoilt brat thinking you personally fund people on welfare benefits. Tax goes on variety of projects including paying off foreign debt. Blame the system not the people going through the process which allows them too.
That information is very easily found in the centre link website. Not a good sign on your part.
There are instances where the 2 year waiting period can be waived. I.e. Financial hardship, etc. (abusive relationship) can be taken in to account, to provide additional support for those in-need.
It's a on case-by-case basis though, and requires the person to demonstrate hardship.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/centrelink…
All the info you need is here. Read carefully. As a resident only and not citizen, you need to wait 104 weeks = 2 years before being eligible to apply for it. It's not just an allowance. It's a fortnightly allowance whilst you embark on a serious Employment Pathway Plan. So Newstart is for people who are looking for work, not to stay at home and just get the money. The Pathway Plan is strict. You need to apply for 10 jobs every week (therefore 20 a fortnight) and every fortnight, attend your CL office for interview, show them diary that you applied to 20 jobs within that fortnight. There are income and assets test. If your husbands and your assets and income are over a limit, you aren't eligible for Newstart. Also, the Employment Pathway Plan does not go on indefinitely as long as you are jobless. After 3 months, you will be connected to your local Job Agency that is affiliated with CL, and say you are still jobless, the Agency will place you in one (whether paid or voluntary unpaid) in order for you to 'earn' your money. You cannot refuse the job they place you in or your payments stop immediately. Many other factors can cause your payments to stop 'immediately' as you will find out soon enough. Once you are on Centrelink payment, you will have Big Brother watching you and breathing down your neck in everything you do and all that you earn. :) :) :) :) Hope this helps.
And just further to this even after the two years you wouldn't be able to get it due to your partners income.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/income-tes…
Once your combined income reaches $919.50 a week($919.50 each per fortnight as it is listed on centrelink) you will no longer receive any benefits.
The system is really meant to be a last choice and if you're someone who is used to working and not long time unemployed you'd probably much rather just get a job then have to deal with it.
20 years waiting is just too harsh and inhumane. hopefully it wont happen to you
That's a new measure for the extreme "leaner's", to be introduced in the 2016/17 budget. :)
You may want to inquire about doing a course at TAFE which may entitle you to some benefit and this course may lead you to a job, wonderful win win outcome and no need for Centrelink. Until you start a family, ie, which is a different story because that's when CL comes in once again and throws benefits in your face. No offence meant to those on family tax benefits but it's true. Once the babies start coming, different benefits available and a whole new ball game where income and assets tests are concerned. So there you are, some suggestions on how to make good your working life in AU and then again, some others.
Once the babies start coming, different benefits available and a whole new ball game
Disgusting way to look at welfare. However, you are most likely correct.
Maybe hubby can quit, so he can spend more time with the anchor babies?
You should be ashamed of yourself. Encouraging people to become welfare cheats is exactly the philosophy that created the massive welfare class in the UK; a huge cancer on their society. Australia should never become a welfare state and it should never encourage people to find loopholes in the system.
Haha. Australian welfare benefits are incredibly generous compared to the UK. For one child we got £16 a week in child benefit in 2005—8. With 3 in Australia we get about $300 Family Tax Benefit A +B a week despite an annual income almost double that of the OP.
And WTF has being a citizen got to do with anything? I have paid over a quarter of a million dollars in tax in the 6 or so years I have worked here and I will bloody well claim whatever I am allowed to.
The UK is a welfare state, it has massive problems with people on benefits. It would be a tragedy if this happened to Australia. End of the day, we can argue to the cows come home about citizenship, but the fact is that if you don't contribute, you can hardly expect handouts. Especially if you are a new immigrant.
The dole was created back in the day when men were the main/sole earner.
If the husband suddenly lost his job he could go on the dole to support his family until he got another job.
This arrogant bullsh*t idea that if you pay some taxes you are entitled to whatever the hell you want is what creates such huge problems.
I am very glad that the government has lowered the assets range to shut out people who can more than afford to take care of themselves.
hear! hear!
I have paid over a quarter of a million dollars in tax in the 6 or so years I have worked here and I will bloody well claim whatever I am allowed to.
If you have paid over $250k in tax over 6 years, that means you've made AT LEAST $1.3 million, or $216k per year
So why do you need welfare?
@Cyphar:
Not sure about your maths, the ATO suggests an income of $139,459 results in a $40k tax bill which is about right give or take 10% for my income, x 6.5 years is over 250k in tax.
dole bludger!
Are you unemployed by choice, hoping you can claim benefits?
OP should explain the circumstances. By the way this q was posted, it seeems that you are sitting at home and thinking about how you can claim the benefits. Instead, you should think whether you are in need or not.
If 60k not enough, look for other ways to earn more income. You cant find a job?
PS :Im not a PR or citizen but I do pay tax and want that money to reach those who are needy.
No because your partner works.
and stop buying stuffs from ozb, put them in high interest saving.
Maybe you should suggest shares, not high interest savings. If you can help me find a high interest saving a/c that pays more than 3% please share.
Hmm.. Advising the op to invest on shares? Trading need alot research but I think op lacks of this skill.
https://www.ingdirect.com.au/savings/savings-maximiser.html
3.50%?
Not that I disagree with you, high yield ETFs are generally paying about 4.5% in dividend streams.
thanks for those who have posted useful information, dont want to comment on silly comments (thorton82 in particular)
the reason i am not working is that i am not able to find a job, have been trying for almost 20 months but no luck what so ever.
Getting a job for overseas born immigrant may sometimes be difficult due to language and culture barriers, but may also due to skills issue. Maybe you could enrol in one of those training centres for some useful courses and enhance your employability? Think the govt have a number of training schemes to support you.
Seconded this. Pretty much this, From a family member's experiences.
Even with skilling up tho, it was quite hard to find a "proper" job without experience to write on resume (compared to younger ppl, or someone same age but with exp.). So begins a vicious cycle of off record jobs etc.
What type of job are you searching for? Though we have been here in Australia from last 3-4 years, we applied PR recently and my wife who is a MBA in HR was looking for jobs for the last one year without much success. She shifted her focus to call center jobs and soon got a job as a Retention Officer which didn't pay much but kept her engaged, however the sales targets were a headache. I persuaded her to join a Cert 3 in child care post which she has landed a casual job which pays better and doesn't have any sales targets. There are jobs out there but you need to re skill and maybe comedown from a high pedestal.
Hope that helps.
If someone really NEEDED the money, they would clean houses and cut grass for $15 an hour. Hear hear "re skill and maybe comedown from a high pedestal" the best advice for OP really.
HAHA to whoever negged me : Putting food on the table not good enough reason for hardwork? I guess being born gave you the right to free money, my bad.
You would probably be best following momov3's advice of doing a Tafe course, and do some volunteer/unpaid work. That way your resume continues to be supplemented with experience and in future interviews it shows you didn't just spend months doing nothing.
That was my problem when I first started looking for work, and again when I wanted to change jobs. I had suffered from mental illness which caused me to leave school early and then spent almost three years doing nothing, barely leaving the house.
You are right that the current job market sucks, especially for PR's. My best friend's husband has been working and paying taxes in Australia for almost 10 years, just got his permanent residency and is married to a citizen, yet he is unable to get a full time job, most places don't even want to offer part-time just casual. They just had a baby and the paid parental leave is the only government benefit, he has ever been linked to.
thorton82 comments are not silly they are just honest and straight forward.
It is very very very hard to get that first job in Australia without "LOCAL EXPERIENCE". Do some volunteer jobs at not for profits or aged care or child care for sometime and then use that local experience for applying for jobs. Good REFERENCE from the person who managed you at the volunteer job will be the biggest plus and soon you will find yourself funding the ATO and you need not think about Centrelink.
They are not silly comments, you do not deserve money from a government that you have not contributed to in the first place. It doesn't matter that you have been looking for a job for 20 months. Lower your expectations, work your way up from the bottom, there are plenty of places that will employ you if you are prepared to do something that you think you are above.
Newstart, and welfare in general, is means tested in Australia. This usually results in families where there is an employed person not qualifying for income benefits. Generally, there isn't a hard cut off line, but the allowance declines gradually the higher other income you have.
With your husband earning $60k, it is highly likely your family earns too much to qualify. As a guide, the level of income you could expect to receive with no impact is more like $6000 per annum.
We take this approach because as a society we have deemed welfare is only for those seriously in need. This keeps our taxes low compared to other OECD countries, but prevents us having the problems like hunger and violence countries with lesser safety nets have (e.g. USA & Mexico).
Unfortunately, in the last decade or two, there has been an expansion in welfare for wealthier people that gives only limited benefit to the genuinely needy. Things like Family Tax benefit that are paid to people earning well over average incomes, or child care help or private health care and schooling subsidies that only help the wealthy at the expense of those relying on state schools and medicine. You can see the impact of these in the country's increasing budget deficits, but politicians are unlikely to wind back these payments very much as so many people receive some of the money.
As a result it is easier to blame 'dole bludgers'.
As you will see from other comments here, even the low rates of welfare offered to the needy are given begrudgingly. Often these same people will be the first to defend tax concessions on superannuation or capital gains, as if those handouts are not substantial items in the national budget.
I hope you find work soon, and that you are never in the circumstances where you must depend on welfare, it is very hard.
You are unlikely to gain government assistance due to your partners income.
This is the income test that you need to qualify for a health care card,
You must earn less than the total amount over a 8 week period
““““““““““““““““Weekly 8 Weeks
Single, no children $527.00 $4,216.00
Couple combined, no children $912.00 $7,296.00
Single, one dependent child $912.00 $7,296.00
For each additional child, add $34.00 $272.00
Generally if you don't qualify for a health card you won't have any chance of qualifying for Newstart.
A health care card is for people that are working, but earn low incomes and those who have already met the much more stringent new-start allowance criteria
Newstart is takes into account your assets i.e. your car, shares etc. A health card does not.
Looks like you know more about CL so just want to ask you a question. I been here in Australia for more than six years and got my residence 8 months ago So to qualify for health care card do I have to wait 104 weeks? Thnks
Is this the medicare card? I got my medicare card straightaway within a few days after getting PR.
No, it's not a medicare card. It's Health care card
Just google and found out, don't think I will be eligible as income maybe too high (not gloating) and still single. I have medibank private as well as medicare card, think is sufficient for now. Hope peoples that really need it get it.
You can check your visa here:
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/newly-arri…
As in the OPs case you may not need to wait 2 years.
"The Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period may not affect you if you are:
…
-are the family member of an Australian citizen or long term resident
…"
If you can afford Medibank private I wouldn't be worrying about a health care card! It has minimal benefits apart from "concession travel" etc anyway.
What does this meant by then:
You can count periods spent in Australia as an Australian resident (or the holder of certain temporary visas) at any time in your life towards the waiting period, provided you were living in Australia at that time.
That's what I take it to say but you never really know with these things!
Apply for it, don't lie and see how it goes!
These are the things that drives me crazy. Went to centerlink office few days back, to my surprise even the centerlink staff can't answer me properly and was told to give a call. Came back and gave a call, waited for more than hours but just keeping me on hold. What a joke 'centerlink'…
Why don't we help this lady get a job rather than criticising her….
With a bit of group effort, we can save the country some money and suggest ways of her creating an income. That is the root of the question if thee question is genuine. "Teach a man to fish rather than give a man a fish" etc.
My suggestions (as you are obviously internet savvy enough to be able to post on a website) are as follows:
Check out elance.com, freelancer.com, odesk.com and other sites and you may be able to find there are jobs you are capable of doing for people.
In my experience if you really want to work in Australia there are plenty of opportunities for someone with internet skills and the right "can do "attitude.
People in Australia are always happy to help if you are open to it and if you ask.
But people come down hard on people who have the wrong attitude and don't want to contribute to society.
I employ a number of people myself through these sites to help with my business. If you get the right gig you can have a long term tie up with companies. You can get work worldwide.
I'm shocked when I use these sites that there are few Australians registered. There are some jobs which are best done locally where you need interaction.
Almost all small business owners hate bookeeping so if you are able to do this there are many opportunities to help businesses out. It's something that if setup correctly can be done remotely.
If you're not comfortable with this sort of work then cleaning, car cleaning, child minding are all things that a lot of people need. Get some leaflets sorted (you can get them designed on some of these sites) and do a letterbox drop. If you're clean, presentable you should be able to make a go of it.
I'm sorry if the description of the tasks is demeaning. If you're a highly skilled professional there are also jobs available. For example you could make a go of conveyancing or giving legal advice or medical advice if you are so qualified.
The only limit is your imagination, your skills and aptitude.
If you need skills, then consider the TAFE route that was suggested.
There are many other opportunities - set up a stall at one of the markets or farmers markets if you're an awesome cook or creative with handicrafts etc.
But if you really want to find some work, and not live off handouts you'll find it and it's better for your own self-worth.
I'm happy to help walk you through anything.
I hope some others can also give their 2c of what they would suggest.
Newstart Allowance may be the item you are looking for.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink…