Payments if you have a Temporary Protection Visa or a Return Pending Visa

In general, social security payments from Centrelink are only available to people who:

• reside in Australia and
• are either Australian citizens or holders of permanent visas.

However holders of Temporary Protection, Temporary Humanitarian and Return Pending visas may be eligible for:

• Family Assistance Office payments
• low income health care cards and
• Special Benefit.

Note: on 9 August 2008, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship abolished Temporary Protection and Temporary Humanitarian Visas. Current and former holders of temporary visa subclasses 447, 451, 785 and 695 and their families can now apply for a permanent Resolution of Status visa. The Resolution of Status visa offers the same benefits and entitlements as a Permanent Protection Visa. Being granted a Resolution of Status Visa is a change in your circumstances which may effect your Centrelink payments. You must contact Centrelink if your circumstances change.

More Information

To find out more about payments and benefits, telephone Centrelink on 13 1202. For more information about visas refer to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.