The Social Security (Special Benefit – Class of Visas) Determination 2025 has been released, outlining which visa holders are eligible to access the Special Benefit and other Australian Government support payments.
Key details of the Determination:
Access to Payments
Certain visa holders may qualify for Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, Parental Leave Pay, Disaster Recovery Allowance, and the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment.
Waiting Period (NARWP)
The Determination clarifies how the Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period applies before payments can begin.
Mutual Obligation Requirements
Some visa subclasses may be required to meet conditions such as job seeking to receive the Special Benefit.
Exemptions
Specific visa subclasses are exempt from the 208-week NARWP, giving eligible applicants immediate access to Special Benefit and related payments.
References to the Social Security Act 1991 within the Determination include:
- Section 6, subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v): Eligibility for Special Benefit – visa subclasses 060, 070, 309, 449, 785, 786, 790, 820
- Section 7, subparagraph 729(2)(g)(i): Mutual obligation requirements – visa subclasses 070, 449, 785, 786, 790
- Sections 8, 9, 10, paragraphs 739A(1)(e), 739A(3)(b), 739A(4)(b): NARWP provisions – visa subclasses 309, 820
- Section 11, paragraph 739A(6): NARWP exemptions – visa subclasses 060, 070, 449, 785, 786, 790
Click here: Social Security (Special Benefit – Class of Visas) Determination 2025