Waiting period for welfare payments for new migrants Waiting times for new migrants to access certain Australian welfare payments have changed. Most migrants granted permanent residency from 1 January 2019 must wait the relevant amount of time before they can access certain welfare payments and concession cards. Potential migrants should make sure they have enough money to support themselves when they come to Australia on a permanent visa. Some migrants may not need to wait before accessing welfare payments and concession cards. This includes those on certain types of visas and those who have had a substantial change of circumstance. A four year waiting period applies to: • Newstart Allowance • Youth Allowance • Austudy • Parenting Payment • Mobility Allowance • Sickness Allowance • Bereavement Allowance • Special Benefit • Pensioner Education Supplement • Farm Household Allowance • Low Income Health Care Card • Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. A two year waiting period applies to: • Parental Leave Pay • Dad and Partner Pay • Carer Payment. A one year waiting period applies to: • Carer Allowance • Family Tax Benefit Part A. There is no waiting period for Family Tax Benefit Part B. This means that new permanent migrant families where only one person earns an income, including single parent families, can access this support immediately if they are eligible.
