Australia Relaxes Waiting Period Rules for New Residents on Welfare Support

In a major policy clarification designed to better support vulnerable newcomers, the Australian Government has officially confirmed a wide range of exemptions from the Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period (NARWP) — opening access to critical welfare payments and concession cards for eligible visa holders, humanitarian entrants, and struggling families.

The NARWP typically requires new permanent residents to wait before accessing Centrelink support payments and health concessions. But under this update, many residents will no longer have to wait — or may qualify for exemptions if their circumstances change.

“Every individual deserves support when they need it most, especially those rebuilding their lives in Australia,” said a spokesperson from Services Australia.

Who’s Exempt from the Waiting Period?

If you’re one of the following, you may automatically skip the waiting period:

• Australian citizen
• Refugee or former refugee
• Family member of a refugee or humanitarian entrant (at time of arrival and claim)
• Holder of eligible visa subclasses

Even if you don’t fall into those categories, you may still qualify if your life circumstances have substantially changed since arriving — including homelessness, domestic violence, or serious health decline.

Exemptions by Type of Payment or Card

✔️ Special Benefit: You may be exempt if:

• • You’re in severe financial hardship
  • Can’t access other income support
  • Have faced substantial life changes (e.g., health issues, homelessness, or loss of sponsor support).

✔️ Family Tax Benefit (Part A & B): No waiting period if:

• • You receive any of the following payments: JobSeeker, Austudy, Carer Payment, Youth Allowance, etc.
  • You received permanent residency or a partner provisional visa before 1 Jan 2019
  • You hold/have held visas: Subclass 444, 192, or temporary protection types.

✔️ Parental Leave Pay: You may qualify for immediate access if:

• • You hold/have held Subclass 444 or a temporary protection visa
  • You are already receiving another eligible payment.

Eligibility is also checked during:

• • Your child’s birth/adoption
  • The start of Parental Leave Pay blocks (10 weekdays or more).

✔️ Low Income Health Care Card: No wait if:

• • You care for a child who qualifies for Family Tax Benefit
  • Your circumstances changed substantially
  • You’re under 16 and living with an Australian resident or Subclass 444 holder.

✔️ Carer Allowance: No waiting period if:

• • You received your permanent residence before 1 Jan 2019
  • Or, you’re receiving an eligible payment like Carer Payment or Youth Allowance.

✔️ JobSeeker & Youth Allowance (Job Seekers): Exemptions available if:

• • You became a single parent or principal carer after arriving
  • You’re a Subclass 444 holder with 10 years of continuous residence

✔️ Austudy & Youth Allowance (Students/Apprentices): No waiting period if:

• • You hold a Pacific Engagement visa (Subclass 192)

✔️ Farm Household Allowance & Parenting Payment (Single): Eligible if:

• • You became a single parent/principal carer during your residency

✔️ Mobility Allowance

• • You may skip the wait if you became disabled while in Australia

✔️ Ex-Carer Allowance & Foster Child Health Care Card

• • Exemptions apply in cases of substantial hardship.

Exemptions Based on Visa Subclass

Your visa subclass may grant automatic exemptions to certain payments or concession cards:

What Should New Residents Do?

Always lodge a claim, even if you’re unsure about your eligibility. The system is designed to automatically check if an exemption applies — especially if you hold certain visas or your life circumstances meet hardship criteria.

Ref: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/exemptions-from-newly-arrived-residents-waiting-period?context=21986.