Surely centrelink isn't available as soon as you arrive? I thought you had to be in Oz two years before being entitled to it, correct me if I'm wrong?!

If you have a PR visa, then you are entitled to centrelink family benefits. This is from the day you arrive.

Family benefits? So you're only entitled if you have children?

Yup.

I take it it's not the equivalent of the dole in the UK then?

If people need benifits from the day they arrive then they shouldn't be moving overseas, if they need it for their kids then they shouldn't be having kids until they can afford them!

That's a very good point you make. I have been here since the beginning of February, and as a qualified Teacher I should be working by now, in my field. Unfortunately I am STILL waiting for my Teacher Registration to be processed over 3 months later, how frustrating. Unfortunately I don't have children, so wouldn't be able to claim anyway. In saying that I totally agree with you but am finding myself getting very frustrated with the hoops required to be jumped through in order to continue to work in my profession.

Family Tax benefits are VERY generous allowances for kids. Depending on their age and your income you might get up to 6000 per kid If you were unemployed these payments would make up part of your benefit, if your working they are still paid but according to your income.

Most important thing to be aware of is they are adjusted to your actual income at the end of the tax year, in other words any overpayment you pay it back. You can also claim once a year once you are sure of your income, much safer.

Income includes most things like interest on bank accounts, any investments - shares - property etc.

I dont think there is a asset test? I know plenty of migrants have arrived with the sale of a house proceeds - so quite cashed up and and claimed all centerlink has to offer most seem amazed at the cash bonanza - probably till the very astute aussie tax dept does some checks on bank interest etc

My s-i-l and family moved here 20 years ago, with hardly any savings. They were on the dole for the first 18 months, whilst her hubby went back to Uni to obtain Aussie qualifications (although he already had two degrees). Both found jobs soon thereafter and haven't been unemployed ever since. Between the two of them, they've been earning well over $250k a year for the past 10 years, so have paid back much more in taxes than what they received in benefits. Their son got top marks in his VCEs and is now studying to become a doctor.

Are you saying they shouldn't have come here as they had very little money with them?

BTW, if you're entitled to some benefits from the Govt. would you claim them or not?

Most governments see big benefit in people having children. From their point, they are happy to give out benefits for 15-18 years on a child, because they expect an even bigger return in taxes over a longer period when the child enters the workforce.

It would also be a big negative if people arrived from the UK (where they get help with childcare), only to arrive in Australia and have to pay out without any support. Perhaps it matters less if you are arriving to work in a job paying $150,000 or more annually, but for those who are earning less it makes the financial 'shock' on arrival all the more less.

There are many who think schools shouldn't be subsidised, and parents should pay the 'actual cost of schooling'. Again, the government sees the benefit of educated people earning more money.

So you are saying that the poor or the needy shouldn;t have children? It takes all sorts to make a population. How boring if we were all the same.

FTB (centrelink family benefits - Family Tax Benefit) is the equivalent to Child benefit.

Ok, so someone like me, with no sprogs, would be entitled to nothing, even if we're experiencing hardship due to this bl**dy teacher registration taking so long!? Hardly seems fair....

From their point of view, you've only got yourself to look after. So they assume you'll be arriving with enough money to sustain yourself for 2 years.

I agree though that someone who is actively seeking employment, who has 'the right skills', should be given some form of 'compensation' for loss of earnings whilst waiting for the relevant organisation to 'pull their finger out'.

It's not been easy I can tell you, been waiting just over 3 months now and have been actively seeking work in just about everywhere, nobody gets back to you either!!! I was fortunate enough to get 6 weeks Teacher Aide work in a local high school but that came to an end. My OH is working and has been since day dot, but obviously two wages are better than one eh...

Patience is a virtue, patience is a virtue...ho hum!