The Department of Home Affairs vides their email dated 17 November 2021 with the subject line ‘Proposed changes to the Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period’ has informed all the Registered Migration Agents about the proposed policy changes to the Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period (NARWP) for some Australian welfare payments.
The NARWP for carer and family payments will increase to four years from 1 January 2022, subject to the passing of legislation. This is applicable for the migrants granted a relevant temporary or permanent visa on or after 1 January 2022 but excludes relevant permanent or temporary visas granted before 1 January 2022. The changes will affect:
- Carer Payment
- Carer Allowance
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Parental Leave Pay
- Dad and Partner Pay.
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and Low Income Health Care Card
All the existing exemptions will remain intact for Humanitarian migrants and their families, including those who have experienced substantial changes in their circumstances, or who are in financial hardship.
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