Sunbound

Hi,
Ok my parents are looking at potentially moving to Oz on a Parent Contributory visa.My question is this : Once they are here what concessions would they receive straight away and what would they have to wait for?
I understand their contribution is there (as well as us here to support them) but we're just trying to look at their day to day living costs etc
Any help much appreciated ,
Thanks Sunbound

ABCDiamond

I don't think they would be entitled to anything, other than normal Medicare.

After 2 years they may become eligible for some benefits, but the waiting period for any Australian Pension, if applicable, is 10 years.

I can't think of anything in the way of concessions that they may get immediately.

Sunbound

So for example if they are pensioners in the Uk ,and although they wont be drawing a pension in Oz,do they still get their oap card that gets them concessions on the bus,prescriptions,dentist etc It doesnt seem to be written down anywhere for me to look it up ??
Thanks Sunbound

jad n rich

I think here that type of card is means tested even for OAP, well according to my FIL, they had some assets and they were always moaning about not getting concessions etc. I know they didnt get a pension, as they had a bit of money stacked away from selling a house on the GC.

They had very high private medical insurance, again as they said they didnt qualify for concessions. Know their hospital bills were enormous

Would the centerlink website have that type of info, probably more reliable than the moaning groaning aussie FIL

JAJ

And if the benefits (after 2 years) are covered by a 10 year Assurance of Support, they are recoverable from the assurer.

FRAYNE

Hi, we are here on a CPV but only in our 50,our friends who are 60 get a seniors card which gets them cheap travel on the buses and train I think they pay $2 for a day ticket we are in NSW.
Janet

quoll

Doubt they would be entitled to much at all. Many of us who have reached retirement age and been here for yonks arent entitled to much either because everything is means tested and new migrants have the residence requirements on top of that. It would be nice to get something off prescriptions but I doubt I ever will.

You could check the Centrelink site http://www.centrelink.gov.au/interne...cards_cshc.htm

Our local govt has seniors cards which I think are universal and not residence based but they just give you a bit off the bus fares if you are not working full time. Dendy also take your age into account if you want to go to a movie (waiting to try that one, only just turned 60)