The Government has today in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook announced major changes to access to Social Security for migrants from July 1, 2018, aimed at savings $1.2 billion over four years from 2017-2018.

Changes to access to Social Security

From 1 of July 2018, the current two year waiting period for a range of payments will be extended to three years. The three year waiting period will be applied to Family Tax Benefit (FTB), Paid Parental Leave (PPL), and Carers Allowance.

Excemptions for vulnerable groups will apply and New Zealand citizens who are on Special Category Visas and have children in their care will be exempt from waiting periods when accessing FTB and PPL.

The Government will include a short term exemption for newly arrived residents who would have otherwise been eligible to receive PPL between 1 July 2018 and 31 December 2018.

Source: Migration Institute of Australia