Centrelink & Government Benefits: What Visa Holders Can Access in Australia (2026 Guide)

Australia has a system called the Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period (NARWP) that blocks access to most payments for up to four years after you become a permanent resident. This guide explains exactly which payments you can access, when, and what exemptions might apply to you.

The Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period (NARWP)

The NARWP is the mandatory waiting period before new permanent residents can access most Centrelink payments. If your permanent visa was granted on or after 1 January 2019, the standard waiting periods are:

Critical Rule: The waiting period only counts while you are physically present in Australia. Time spent overseas does not count towards serving your NARWP.

Example: A New PR's First Year

Maria receives her 190 visa (permanent residency) on 1 March 2026. Here's what she can access and when:

Who is Exempt from the NARWP?

Certain groups are fully or partially exempt from the waiting period:

1. Refugees and Humanitarian Visa Holders: Subclass 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 785, 786, 790 holders are generally exempt from NARWP for most payments.
2. Orphan Relative Visa Holders (117/837): Maximum 2-year waiting period for working-age payments.
3. Family Violence Survivors: If you have experienced domestic violence, you may be eligible for Special Benefit even during your NARWP.
4. "Lone Parent" Exemption: If you become a single parent after arriving in Australia as a PR (e.g., relationship breakdown), you are immediately exempt from the NARWP for Parenting Payment. This protects children in families experiencing separation.
5. Severe Financial Hardship: In extreme circumstances (e.g., sudden illness, death of sponsor), Centrelink may grant Special Benefit. However, you must have less than $5,000 in liquid assets and demonstrate a "substantial change in circumstances" beyond your control.

Warning: Simply being "unable to find work" or running out of savings is generally not sufficient grounds for a hardship exemption. The criteria are strict.

Medicare: Who Can Enrol?

Medicare is Australia's universal health insurance system. Unlike Centrelink payments, Medicare eligibility is relatively straightforward for most visa holders.

Automatically Eligible

Eligible Under Ministerial Orders (Temporary Visas)

Some temporary visa holders are also eligible for Medicare:

• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional)
• Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)
• Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage / Skills in Demand)
• Partner Provisional Visas (309/820) who have applied and are awaiting a decision
• Bridging Visa holders who have lodged applications for eligible permanent visas

Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) Countries

Visitors from certain countries have limited Medicare access for essential medical treatment:

Covered Countries: Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, United Kingdom.

Note: RHCA coverage is limited to "immediately necessary treatment"-it does not cover elective procedures, dental, or optical.

RHCA Duration Limits:

• UK, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Netherlands: Covered for the duration of your approved stay.
• Italy, Malta: Coverage is limited to 6 months from date of arrival.

NOT Eligible for Medicare

• Student Visa (500) holders - must purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Working Holiday Visa (417/462) holders - must purchase private health insurance
• Visitor Visa (600) holders - no Medicare access
• Subclass 461 (NZ Citizen Family Relationship) - NOT eligible for Medicare

Family Tax Benefit: Part A vs Part B

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a two-part payment to help with the cost of raising children.

Family Tax Benefit Part A

• What it provides: Fortnightly payment per child (varies by age and family income)
• Who can claim: Australian citizens, permanent residents, and certain provisional visa holders (309, 820, 491, 494)
• Waiting Period: 1 year NARWP for new arrivals

Family Tax Benefit Part B

• What it provides: Extra support for single parents or families with one main income
• Who can claim: Same as FTB Part A
• Waiting Period: No NARWP - you can claim immediately upon becoming a PR

Eligibility Requirements

• You must be caring for a dependent child under 19
• The child must meet immunisation requirements ("No Jab, No Pay")
• You must meet the income test

Strategic Note for Partner Visa Holders: If you held a provisional partner visa (309/820) before receiving your permanent visa (100/801), your 1-year FTB Part A wait is backdated to when you applied for the provisional visa-not when the permanent visa was granted. This means you may already qualify.

Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

The Child Care Subsidy helps families with the cost of approved childcare. This is one of the few payments with no NARWP.

Eligibility:

• Be an Australian resident (citizen, PR, or certain visa holders)
• Have a child attending approved childcare
• Meet the activity test (working, studying, or looking for work)
• Meet the income test

New permanent residents can apply for CCS immediately upon visa grant.

JobSeeker Payment: The 4-Year Wait

JobSeeker Payment is Australia's main unemployment benefit. Unfortunately, it has the longest waiting period.

Key Rules:

• Waiting Period: 4 years (208 weeks) for most new PRs
• Age: Must be between 22 and Age Pension age
• Requirement: Actively looking for work or unable to work due to illness

Special Case - New Zealand Citizens: Non-protected SCV holders who have lived in Australia for at least 10 continuous years may access JobSeeker for a maximum of 6 months only.

2023 Citizenship Pathway: From 1 July 2023, NZ citizens (SCV holders) with 4 years of residence in Australia can apply directly for Australian Citizenship. Upon becoming citizens, they gain immediate, full access to all Centrelink payments-bypassing the NARWP entirely. This is the most effective strategy for NZ citizens seeking long-term social security rights.

Provisional Visa Holders: The "Middle Tier"

Holders of Subclass 491 and 494 provisional visas occupy a unique position-more than temporary, but not yet permanent.

Risk Warning: If you lose your job on a 491 or 494 visa, there is no unemployment safety net. You must have personal savings to survive while seeking new employment.

Payments with No Waiting Period

Practical Planning: What to Do Before You Arrive

Given the significant waiting periods, new arrivals should:

1. Build an Emergency Fund: Aim for at least 6 months of living expenses before migrating.
2. Secure Employment First: If possible, have a job offer before arrival-especially if migrating on a skilled visa.
3. Understand Your State's Concessions: Some states offer utility concessions or transport discounts to low-income earners regardless of Centrelink status.
4. Apply Early for Payments You're Eligible For: FTB Part B and Child Care Subsidy can be claimed immediately-don't leave money on the table.

How First Migration Can Help

While First Migration does not provide financial planning advice, understanding the Centrelink landscape is essential for making informed migration decisions. Our registered migration agents can help you:

• Understand how your visa type affects your entitlements
• Plan your migration timeline strategically
• Connect you with settlement services that can assist with Centrelink applications

Ready to discuss your migration plans? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment so we can help you make informed decisions about your move to Australia.