Centrelink (Social Security)

Centrelink has a range of Jobseeker services which you may use to secure employment.

You can also use the Employment Self Help facilities available at Centrelink Customer service centres.

In general, social security payments from Centrelink are only available to people who reside in Australia and are either Australian citizens or holders of permanent visas.

Most social security payments and concession cards, except Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Benefit, have a two year newly arrived resident's waiting period.

Special Benefit

for people in severe financial need due to circumstances outside their control.

Disability Support Pension

for people unable to work for 2 years due to illness, injury or disability.

Parenting Payment

To lodge a claim and qualify for Parenting Payment, you must generally be an Australian resident and in Australia on the day you lodge your claim.

To qualify as an Australian resident, you must be living in Australia as:

An Australian citizen, or
The holder of a permanent resident visa, or
a New Zealand citizen who was in Australia on 26 February 2001, or for 12 months in the 2 years immediately before that date, or
was assessed as 'protected' before 26 February 2004

You also need to either meet a 104-week qualifying residence period or be exempt from this requirement.

You may qualify for Parenting Payment, either as a parent, grandparent or foster carer, if:

You are single and you care for at least one child aged under 8 years, or
You have a partner and care for at least one child aged under 6 years, and
Your and your partner's income and assets are below a certain amount.

If you received Parenting Payment on or after 1 July 2006 and your youngest child is aged 7 or older, you have to meet part-time participation requirements to keep getting Parenting Payment. The requirements can include studying, training or working part-time.