Cruise

Dear all,

I have been recently granted my PR, just like to know what are the things to do as soon as you arrive in Australia.And is there any time limit in which these things should be done.


Thanks

Cruise

Diprotodon

Disembark, acquire a pair of rose tinted spectacles and report your findings here.

Vegemite Kids

First things first .........


Do you have children ?????


Are you a one income family ?????


First thing (most important thing) is to go to centrelink and register your intention to claim.


I know they say you cant claim anything, but actuallly yes you can.


get the child allowance claim in plus the rent allowance.

Can equall $250 per fortnight (in some cases per week). Speaking to some friends today and there is lots of money available IF you know what to ask for.


Most important info for arrival in OZ is to go to centrelink and state your intention to claim.


Even if you think you are not eligible, still go and state the intention to claim, you might be pleasantly surprised !!!!!!

cresta57

Alternatively you could firstly find a place to live then find a place to work then open a bank account to pay your wages into then buy a car to get to work in.
Naaaaa far to difficult just go to centerlink and make a claim

Diprotodon

10/10 for trying but your words will fall on the deaf ears of the desperate.

Pollyana

....and also on the ears of those who had been here two months already in January 2004....?
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204155

Siren & Brian

Isn't that kind of a no-brainer? I think the question was more or less about the things you might not think of...like checking out centerlink. For those with kids (specially single parents) this can mean the difference between struggling and not. Your kids deserve it.. no matter who thinks you don't.

Also, make sure to get a tax file number ASAP, (Can be done online at the ATO website) and do your drivers test to convert to an Australian licence. All of these things get more complicated the longer you wait.

Siren

Pollyana

Hmm, posting as yourself not Mr Siren....... he would've wondered about my last post.........!

Peter

It's his brother using his login, Polly. That's the excuse they usually use.

Pollyana

he had a friend once, too.......
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220208

Siren & Brian

HOW did I miss your link, Pollyana?

Ah, well....can't help 'em all huh?

Ahhh.... yes.. the brother excuse.... that ALWAYS works, doesn't it???
In my case it the other half

Siren

mika24me

I think you need to get your drivers licence within three months of arriving, but the actual test you need to take will depend on which state you live in.

Your tax file number is a must. It can be applied for online and you will not be able to work without one (at leat we were unable to). Aditionally for the self employed an ABN (Australian Business Number) should be applied for at the same time as your tax file number.

If you are not moving straight into a long term rental property then a PO Box may be a good idea for the first few months until you have an address sorted.

The other things we got as quickly as possible were:

Life insurance, contents insurance, a vehicle and car insurance. You do not want to be still sorting out these things and (god forbid) have an accident or get burgled and find your UK insurance company will not cover you.

Can't think of anything else at the moment...

Mel

Pollyana

You can tell I'm bored if I'm tracking the history of posters can't you! I must get some sleep and stop these sarky posts!

Siren & Brian

...but I LIVE for the sarcy comments!!! Don't stop now! LOL

Pollyana

I shall return tomorrow/today with more......! Glad someone appreciates them - its not often I dare to post what I really think about some people on here!