In response to my questions in my previous post, I received this message from Scott from the Australian Government Department of Human Services. I posted it here verbatim for the information of all...
" Hi there! I'm Scott and I work at the Australian Government Department of Human Services in a team responding to enquiries about our services, on social media sites like this one.
Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support are all services offered by the Department of Human Services. Our website has a lot of information for new arrivals to Australia that will answer most of your questions. You can find it at
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/new-arrivals-to-australia .
If you would like to discuss Centrelink payments and services, you can find contact details at humanservices.gov.au/contact. We will be able to discuss your personal circumstances and the Centrelink payments and services you may be eligible to receive.
You can read about Medicare eligibility here: http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/register/eligibility.jsp and what is covered by Medicare here: http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/claims/what-cover.jsp. If you would like to contact someone about services offered by Medicare, you can find the most convenient way for you at http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/about/contact.jsp.
It’s also worth noting that we offer Online Services for people who want to manage their own business with the department online. You can read about Online Services and how to register at humanservices.gov.au/onlineservices.
I wish you all the best! "
Cheers Mate!
Showing posts with label Centrelink. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Centrelink. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
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!
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!
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