spuds

Hi Guys,

Am hoping someone can help me with the following dilemma. We have now been here in Oz for almost two years and will have had PR for two years next May.

In the meantime, we are now expecting our fist baby (due Feb 06) and would dearly love to apply for the baby bonus of $4k which would really help us out with the medical bills. This used to be a one off goverment payment but is now a one off Centrelink payment and has been renamed the "maternity payment."

Our question is whether we are actually eligible for this as we cannot claim any social security benefits until we had PR for 2 years as far as we know (the government still has our bond) but we were eligible for the new home buyers grant which seems to be along the same lines.

Any help from those in the know or those who have done this already would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

Em.

ABCDiamond

You will be entitled to almost ALL benefits from the date you complete 2 years here as PR.

There is no waiting period for family payments which help with the cost of bringing up children.

I can't locate anything specific on the maternity payment yet, but I am sure you will be eligible for it.

spuds

Thanks ABC, I'm aware of that but the baby is due in Feb and we will not have been here for 2 years with PR until May - you see my dilemma????

Em.

ABCDiamond

I didn't see the May bit at first But I feel that the "There is no waiting period for family payments which help with the cost of bringing up children" bit that I added afterwards, will cover you.

I have the info somewhere, and I will check it.

spuds

Thanks, I appreciate your help.

Em. (if only)

ABCDiamond

These are the main payments and services provided by the Family Assistance Office:

• Family Tax Benefit Part A
• Family Tax Benefit Part B
• Child Care Benefit
• Maternity Allowance
• Maternity Payment
• Maternity Immunisation Allowance.

They all relate to Children, and the info comes from the New Migrants Welcome Kit
http://www.hic.gov.au/yourhealth/res...elcome_kit.pdf

Bordy

Hi Emma, just wanted to say Congratulations to you both.
Trying to workout if this was the aftermath of Wales winning the Grand slam.

spuds

Hello you,

I wondered how long it would take you to pick up on this thread!! No, it was a bit later than that for your information but our boys were great weren't they? Shame about the Lions...

Bordy

Yeah lions were poor but then no Scots in the team.

ABCDiamond

I double checked it, and all new arrivals with PR, who are entitled to an FBT payment, are entitled to the Maternity Payment from Day 1.
There is No waiting period for this.

This payment rate is effective from 20 March 2005.
Lump Sum Payment Amount Per child $3,079.00

This is scheduled to increase to $4,000 per child on July 1st 2006
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/interne.../maternity.htm

Bordy

I thought that to ABC, sounds like the drinks are on Emma then. Pity she can't have any.

ABCDiamond

I was also just about certain earlier, but just wanted to be 100% before I said so for certain.
I hate to give incorrect info out

Must remember drinks time in Feb

spuds

Thanks boys, I really appreciate your help. Now just have to confirm whether the bonus is $3k or $4k as it differs depending on who you talk to at Centrelink! I know the website says $3079 and the increase was scheduled for 2006 but the media have reported that it's been brought forward (my Ob thinks the same) and no one seems to be correcting them...

Drinks defo on me in Feb!

ABCDiamond

There has been a lot of comment on this, but I would suggest only relying on the $3,079 this year, and then the $4,000 from July 2006.

That is what the Centrelink paperwork currently states.

spuds

Thanks ABC, I'll be pleased with either tax free bonus! Obviuosly I'd be slightly more pleased with the $4k... (greedy smiley)