kang123

First time post in this forum.

We have got our PR recently, and planning to move to OZ in early SEP 08. I've got some basic doubts and wish to clarify from the family of BE.

We are family of four me, wife, two kids aged 1 and 3.
After verifying from CENTRELINK website, it is learnt that we are eligible for $280 per week towards family tax benefit i/c rent assistance. My doubt is whether we'll be able to manage on this assistance alone at least for six months without both of us doing a job in suburbs of Melbourne with least least expendeture. Is it possible? because we have no money in hands right now and we have to atleast wait for six months to get a job to start with.

Is it possible to survive???

homewardbound

In a word NO. But i don't understand why you can't get a job for 6 months? i have been applying for 4 each week and getting 2 -3 interviews from those and hoping at least one job offer will come of it.

On top of Family asssistance are you entitled to newstart payment too whilst you look for work - i dont really understand diff visas as i'm australian returning resident.

hereshoping

they won't be entitled to any other benefits for at least 2 years....

I also don;t understand why you won't get a job for 6 months, even if you don't get you ideal job you can get some casual work, or even bar work when you first get there.

WelshSarah

How can ANYONE survive with no job or money?

You may get HELP with your rent but surely you will be expected to pay the rest? What about medical cover?

IMHO if you want to go and live in another country the least you should do is provide for yourself and your family ... Why should the Aussies keep you and yours?

Just curious but how can you afford the emigration process and flights but not basic funding to live?



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kang123

Thanks for ur quick reply dear Homewardbound
If I get the job immediately there'll be no pobs at all. Iam taking it on the negative side as I've very less or no money in hand. But I'll try to get in to work as early as possible. As far as I know new strart allowance has got a waiting period of tow years after landing.
Really can't we survive on $280/week making the l..e..a..s..t expendeture on house rent, groceries etc.. etc.,

hereshoping

you'd struggle to get a rental for that low a price in most parts of melbourne, and what will you do about a deposit on the rental?

mike-Ju

Thats about £130/week, could you survive on that here?? God that wouldnt even cover my groceries and petrol for a week here, let alone mortgage, bills, clothes and childrens club fees and stuff.

Your off your rocker if you think you can survive on that, you'd better start saving your pennies mate or set up a job before you leave the UK.

jad n rich

Does the australian visa not require its applicants to have enough funds to support themselves on arrival.

As others have said, 280 a week wouldnt even cover rent, we spend 280+ a week to feed 2 teens and 2 adults. Basically to live in australia allow about the same costs as you would in the UK, could you survive there on a total income of 140 GBP a week?

Also watch out for claiming centerlink on arrival anyway, its means tested at end of tax year and adjusted to what you actually earn. So if you claim and get a well paid job you might get a bill to pay it back.

Also to rent you have to pay 4 weeks bond and 2 weeks in advance so on a $500 rental ( many pay more in melbourne ) you need $3000 deposit.

kang123

Dear mebers pls dont take it otherwise
I am expecting the views from our beloved members to assesing the real situation, so that we wont fell into miserable situation after landing over there. And regarding money we've lost a lot in the buisiness recently. And waiting for the time and luck in our favour.

crystal23

Well said

To the OP - Suggest you get off your backside and get a job quickly. I cannot believe you are moving here with no savings or contingency money and expect Centrelink to support your family.

Not sure why you are unable to find a job for 6 months as you obviously aren't stupid. After all you had the foresight to check exactly how much you could get from Centrelink without paying a penny into the system.

mike-Ju

If you havent got the money to go and set up over there then you shouldnt go.

How would you feel if you go to the other side of the planet and there is nothing for your kids, no home, no food, no life?

Someone once told me if you dont take £20000 over in your account to start your new life in Oz your going to struggle, how much will you have to start off because if it is less than this I think youll struggle

kang123

Im expecting my money in a couple of months or so, if it comes its well n good, there'll be no probs for us to set up a family in MEL. As I said Im taking the other side due to obvious reasons.
Any way thanks a lot for your time.

Pollyana

Two adults and two children, on $280 a week.

Stay in the UK. You'd be mad to think you can live on that.

DownUnderPaddy

No - you won't even find a place to rent for that, never mind food.

UK-2-OZ

Unfortunately, everyone is right there is no way you could survive on that, my grocery bill is usually $150 plus a week then petrol, my latest gas bill has come in $354 a quarter. Even if you lived on baked beans and toast you could not afford a rental here let alone furniture. I am sorry to put a dampner on things for you, but please don't put your family through the move until you can offer them security. Also the payment from centrelink is not instant so how will you survive till they sort the paperwork out? Please sit and work out your figures