Pre Departure Questions - part 1

Since Visa grant, We are now preparing for the big move to Melbourne on September this year. I have started researching online, and have a lot of queries and points of clarification.

There questions were already posted in http://www.philippines.com.au/ and garnered relevant answers from "finepix" - also a fellow forumer at http://www.philippines.com.au/. The answers are from finepix's point of view and not really final and executory, so to be really sure, you are free to conduct your own research and share with us your own perspective.

I would like to post these questions and answers for my and other would-be migrants information and reference.

QUESTION # 1. We will visit the centrelink office for registration within 2 days upon arrival in Melbourne. My husband and I are still unemployed, we have 2 children (ages 6 y.o. and 2 y.o.). Are we qualified to claim Family Tax Benefit A & B? If yes, how soon can we claim this? How about Rent Assistance, can we also avail?

ANSWER >>>> Open a bank account first then go to Centrelink. You should receive your FTB A&B benefit within 1-2 weeks. As for rent assistance, yes you can avail if you're a valid tenant (meaning, you have a legal landlord, you paid a security bond, etc.). you can't avail if you're staying with a friend or relative (even if you're paying a weekly rent).

QUESTION #2. When we register to the medicare, does this cover free consultations and medicines and procedures? Or is it like Philhealth where they just pay for a portion and we pay the excess? How about dental consultations, procedures (prophylaxis, extraction), medicines?

ANSWER >>>>> COnsultation is almost always free if you go to clinics who does bulk-billing. Discounts to medicines will be available especially if your family income falls under a limit (e.g. $50k/annum?)

QUESTION #3. Once employed, kagaya rin ba sa Phils where our employers prepare our income tax, or we do it personally? Meron din ba exemptions (like yung married with 2 kids, head of the family)? does all employers give supperanuation?

ANSWER >>>>> you'll file your own tax returns. employer will give you a summary. i highly recommend that you go to a tax agent. fee is reasonable and it's hassle free. sometimes, agents offer instant tax refunds. All employers are legally required to provide a minimum 9% super.

QUESTION #4. in renting a house, do we get the bond back if we move out?

ANSWER >>>>> yes unless you trash the place.

QUESTION #5. how much is average child care fees? my younger son is already 2 years old and will turn 3 on october, should i register him with child care or pwede nang preschool? if preschool, how much is average preschool tuition? from what i read kasi, parang walang public preschool, only private, so may fee.

ANSWER >>>>> average child care fee is $85/day. depending on income, it's refundable up to 50%. most childcare centres have preschool programs.


Cheers mate!