Australia has one of the most comprehensive welfare systems in the world. After immigrating to Australia, you can enjoy a wide range of benefits, including free healthcare, baby bonuses, childcare subsidies, free education, home buying grants, and student loans. Let's take a look at the Australian benefits you can enjoy after immigrating!
I. Australian Parenting Benefits
1. Family Tax Benefit
The Australian Family Tax Benefit provides long-term support for Australian families. It is divided into two parts:
Part A provides annual funding of: $5,493.25 for ages 0-12; $6,927.70 for ages 13-19;
There is also a family energy supplement: $91.25/year for ages 0-12; $116.80/year for ages 13-19;
Part B provides annual funding of: $4,409.20 for children under 5; $3,186.45 for ages 5-18.
There is also a family energy supplement: $73.00/year for ages 0-5; $51.10/year for ages 5-18.
2. Newborn Supplement
The Australian Newborn Supplement is designed to provide short-term financial assistance to parents of newborns to alleviate their stress. Starting from 13 weeks after pregnancy, you can receive up to 13 weeks of subsidies. The maximum subsidy for the first child is $1,595.23, and $532.35 for subsequent children. The first newborn receives an additional family tax relief of $2,091.84, and other newborns receive $1,046.25. This is mutually exclusive with Paid Parental Leave.
3. Paid Parental Leave
Australia's Paid Parental Leave is provided to working parents of newborns. If you leave your job due to the need to care for a newborn, you can receive this subsidy. Parents who leave their jobs to have a child can receive $672.60 per week (before tax) for up to 18 weeks. This is mutually exclusive with the Newborn Supplement.
4. Dad and Partner Pay
If a family is under significant pressure due to a new baby and the father applies for unpaid leave, they can receive this type of short-term subsidy. Fathers who take unpaid leave to care for their child can receive $672.60 per week (before tax), but for a maximum of two weeks.
5. Parenting Payment
This subsidy is provided to parents who need to raise children and are in financial hardship. The maximum payment is $731.20 per fortnight for single-parent families, $476.40 per fortnight for two-parent families, and $570.80 per fortnight for separated two-parent families (due to illness, temporary care, etc.).
6. Child Care Subsidy
To receive this subsidy, you must pass an income test to prove the family is under financial pressure. For preschool children, the maximum is 24 hours per week at $4.24 per hour (equivalent to $212.00 per week). School-age children can receive an 85% tuition subsidy.
II. Australian Employment and Living Subsidies
Australia also helps all residents navigate the difficulties of finding a job by providing financial subsidies. In addition, subsidies are provided to those with daily income needs.
1. Unemployment Benefit
Applicants must be over 22 years old and actively seeking work. Applicants can receive this after passing an income test. It is paid every two weeks; the following amounts are the maximum: $527.60 for singles; $570.80 for singles with children; $570.80 for singles over 60; $570.80 after receiving unemployment benefits for nine months; $476.40 (per person) for those with a partner.
2. Low Income Supplement and Low Income Family Supplement
For individuals with an annual income of less than 30,000 AUD, or couples with a total annual income not exceeding 60,000 AUD, you must re-apply annually and can receive up to 300 AUD per year.