What support is there if I do not find work?
If you do not have a source of income or a job, you still need to support yourself and family while you are looking for work. Help is available from a number of sources for new arrivals. If you have a sponsor, ask them about the support they are willing and able to provide. If you have an 'Assurance of Support', the assurer agreed to support you for your first two years in Australia.
You are not eligible for Centrelink benefits until you have lived in Australia as a permanent resident for two years. Age and disability pensions are available to those who have lived here for ten years.
If you are a refugee or humanitarian entrant, you do not need to wait two years for social security payments.
If you suffer from severe hardship during the two-year waiting period, you may be eligible for a special benefit. Centrelink pays the benefit if the cause of the hardship is from a major change to your life beyond your control. Centrelink does not pay special benefit because you are unable to find a job or if you run out of money.
Additional help, through the tax system, may be available to families with children.
Centrelink is the agency that delivers social security payments and related services. The Family Assistance Office can help with details about family assistance payments and any exemptions.
See:
Have you recently moved to Australia to settle?
Centrelink
Family Assistance Office