A new Determination, the Social Security (Special Benefit – Class of Visas) Determination 2025, setting out which visa holders may qualify for the special benefit and other government support payments has been released
Under the Determination, certain visa holders can access payments such as Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, Parental Leave Pay, Disaster Recovery Allowance and the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment.
The Determination also:
- identifies visa holders who may need to meet mutual obligation requirements (such as looking for work) to receive special benefit
- clarifies how the newly arrived resident’s waiting period (NARWP) applies before payments can start
- provides exemptions from the 208-week NARWP for some visa holders, allowing immediate access to special benefit and other payments where eligible.
The following references refer to the subparagraphs for the Social Security Act 1991 not the Migration Act 1958.
- Section 6, subparagraph 729(2)(f)(v) – Who may be eligible for Special Benefits – Subclasses 060, 070, 309, 449, 785 ,786, 790, 820.
- Section 7, subparagraph 729(2)(g)(i) – May be required to meet specific criteria to be eligible – Subclasses 070, 449, 785, 786, 790.
- Section 8,9,10, paragraphs 739A(1)(e); 739A(3)(b); 739A(4)(b) – NARWP- Subclasses 309, 820.
- Section 11, paragraph 739A(6) – NARWP exemption – Subclasses 060, 070, 449, 785, 786, 790.
The Determination commenced 19 September 2025.