Hi
I arrived one month back with my family (kids) under cat 175,
Still looking for a job. I visited Centrelink and was told I have a " waiting period " of two years before I become eligible for any concession. Does this mean I will not be able to get any assistance.

can someone please explain me following question as I find it confusing

1) what is the difference between Medicare card and Healthcare Card ?
2) will I be entitle for concession card ? ( public travel concession )

many thanks

You've been told you are not entitled to any concessions therefore you cannot get any concession card. The Medicare card allows you to get medical attention and not be charged the full amount. The Health Care Card is for people with medical issues or on low income who are entitled to concessions so that they do not have to pay what regular Medicare card holders pay, they get further discounts.

It is very clearly spelt out that there is a two year wait period for any benefits. You are expected to bring enough money to cover you as far as possible in the event of not finding work. It can be a struggle but you should have been well aware of the situation prior to moving over.

1) As MP says, Medicare is so you can get public medical attention and see a GP. Some GPs will only charge the Medicare rate, so you do not pay a gap fee. Others charge more and you will be responsible to pay the difference between what Medicare pays and what the doctor charges. Healthcare card is for people on pensions or very low income to assist with the costs of their healthcare/prescriptions.

2) Not unless you are a pensioner or a full time uni student

Sorry to say that you are not entitled to any payments/concessions for at least 2 years. Migrants - especially skilled migrants - are expected to be able to provide for themselves and their families without the aid of the Australian taxpayer.

Keep looking for work and something will hopefully come along soon. Is it not possible for your wife to find a job to help you make ends meet? I know that's what we did when we arrived and my husband couldn't find work.

Sorry to hear this but you are not entitled to any social security payments until you pass the 2 year mark.

There is one exception called a 'special benefit' however it is granted due to a substantial change of circumstances beyond your control; unfortunately, not being able to find a job doesn't fit this criteria.

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/interne...ly_arrived.htm

thanks for the answers.

Me too in the same boat. Its been 1 1/2 months for me. Still couldn't find any job. Its tough...........

Hi,

You are aligible for a Centerlink paymet if you are here with you children. if they are small you will get fortnight payments from centerlink. just go to there and ask for family assistant.

And they give you a concession card also. I got all of these when i came here.

Regards
Kausn

Yes, you are entitled to family benefit for young children. However, you are not entitled to unemployment or concession payments. Did you check the link provided by Tina?

Actually one is entitled to a Concession card if one is on a low income.

That's not what the Centrelink website says.

Can't comment on that but I was issued one when I was out of work for a year.

And how long had you lived here?

Just under a year.

You were lucky methinks

The card had a validity period of one year by which time I had taken on a new job. When I reported my change in circumstances they told me that no new card would be issued so I think the system was working as they designed it otherwise there would have been questions. I'm not complaining by the way - it saved me all of $50 in prescription medicine!