We are thinking of moving to brisbane but are planning on having children within the next year or so could anyone please tell us what benefits we would be entitled to if we had children shortly after arriving in australia. Your comments would be greatly appreciated.:biggrin:

 

The benefit system is means tested so amounts will vary depending on your income. Your visa class will also determine if you are allowed benefit, only permant residents can claim Family Tax Benefits from Centrelink so if you are on sponsership, your on your own.
There is a one off payment when the baby is born (approx$5000) which is called the baby bonus, again im pretty surey ou have to be on PR to qualify for this too.
Overall we find Centrelink to be very 'giving' compared to the UK and the benefit can be a great help whilst you find your feet.
Good Luck with everything
Cal x

 

thanks for the info

You said at the end of your message that cetre link is a great help while finding your feet if we will not be able to claim anythink for our children due to the visa restrictions what else is avalible to claim??

 

Unfortunately on sponsership you wont be able to claim anything. (i tried with a newly arrived family a few month ago on sponsership, you cant even get full Medicare coverage) Personally in your shoes i would aim to gain PR status as soon as possible , not just for benefit reasons but for personal/family security too. The goverment are great in giving grants for one thing and another but normally they are restricted to citizens or people on PR .
Hope this helps a bit ,
Cal x