Proposed changes to the Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period from 1 January 2022

The Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) proposed changes to the Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period (NARWP) for some Australian welfare payments.

Proposed changes

Pending the passage of legislation, the NARWP for carer and family payments will increase to four years from 1 January 2022.

The changes will affect:

• • Carer Payment
  • Carer Allowance
  • Family Tax Benefit Part A
  • Family Tax Benefit Part B
  • Parental Leave Pay
  • Dad and Partner Pay

Should legislation pass, these changes will only apply to applicants if they are granted a relevant permanent visa or relevant temporary visa on or after 1 January 2022.

Migrants who come to Australia on humanitarian visas will not be affected. All existing exemptions will remain in place for vulnerable migrants, including those who have experienced substantial changes in their circumstances, or who are in financial hardship.

Stay updated about the proposed changes

Information about the proposed changes, including the relevant visas affected, is available on the Recent and upcoming policy changes page on the DSS website.