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Why you have to wait
We may apply waiting periods when you claim a payment from us. The time you need to wait depends on:
- the payment you’re claiming
- how much money you have
- the reasons you don’t have a job.
What the waiting periods are
There are different waiting periods that may apply before your payment starts.
Ordinary waiting period
You may need to wait one week for your payments to start. We call this an ordinary waiting period. In some circumstances, this waiting period can be waived.
Read more about the ordinary waiting period.
Liquid assets waiting period
Your waiting period may be longer if you and your partner have enough money to live on for a while. This includes money in bank accounts, financial investments and term deposits.
Read more about the liquid assets waiting period.
Income maintenance period
If you or your partner have left or lost a job, an income maintenance period may apply.
Read more about the income maintenance period.
Seasonal work preclusion period
This may apply if you submit a claim within 6 months of you or your partner finishing any:
- seasonal work
- contract work
- intermittent work.
Read more about the seasonal work preclusion period.
Newly arrived resident’s waiting period
If you’ve recently arrived as a resident in Australia, you may have to wait to get payments or concession cards.
Read more about the newly arrived resident’s waiting period.
What other factors may affect your start date
If you’re applying for a job seeker payment, there are other reasons you may have to wait for your payment.
For example, you won’t get a payment for at least 4 weeks if you either:
- choose to leave a job without a good reason
- lose your job due to misconduct.
Read about:
When you can appeal a waiting period decision
You have the right to appeal a waiting period decision if you think we got your waiting period wrong.
Read about reviews and appeals.