Navigating Australia's legal system can be difficult, especially considering the cost of some lawyers. But a range of free legal services are also available across Australia for those in need.

Settlement Guide

How to get free legal assistance in Australia

Private health insurance helps people avoid long wait times for non-urgent procedures and lets them access services that Medicare does not cover. But out of pocket costs may be a deterrent for many people to use it to pay for their medical costs.

Here’s what you need to know about buying a private health cover

A variable loan offers more flexibility and comes with redraw and offset facilities, whereas a fixed-term loan keeps the interest repayments stable during the fixed term. But if you need to break the fixed term, the extra cost may be significant.

Fixed or variable: Choosing the right home loan

With changes in the social security laws set to take effect from 1 January 2022, new permanent residents will have a four-year wait period before they can access most government payments.

New residents face longer wait for Centrelink payments

With lockdowns in Melbourne and Sydney extended, gyms and other training facilities remain out of bounds for people. And a loss of social connection and restricted time outdoors means it’s not just one’s physical health but also mental well-being that may be taking a hit.

Staying healthy during COVID-19 restrictions

People with mental illnesses are more likely to develop physical illnesses. If ignored, mental health issues can worsen and lead to other disorders. But with timely help, one can regain control and come back with renewed spirit.

Identifying warning signs of mental illness

Taking care of one's physical and mental health paves the way for better holistic well-being down the track. But it's not always easy to do so, especially for women juggling career and household responsibilities. But here's how you can include self-care in your routine.

Including self-care in your daily routine

Government-funded relief payments are available for temporary visa holders and asylum seekers experiencing extreme hardship. Nearly 200 charities and community organisations are delivering financial support and food relief to people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Financial assistance for temporary visa holders and asylum seekers during COVID-19

疫情封城下，持臨時簽證的人士及尋求庇護者，往往都不符合資格申領政府的薪金緊急支援。爲此緣故，志願團體就會透過政府的撥款及私人機構的捐款，負起向未符資格領取薪金支援的一群，提供緊急援助。那麽具體的情況如何？ 宋慶勤爲大家報道。

「疫情下」臨時簽證及尋求庇護者求救有門

Stemming from historical injustices, Indigenous disadvantage continues to affect First Nations people resulting in shorter life expectancy, poor health and education outcomes and disproportionately higher incarceration rates. 

Understanding Indigenous disadvantage in Australia

If you are studying or working and have young children at home, you can access subsidised childcare in Australia. There are different care options available, depending upon whether you satisfy the activities test, and the level of government subsidy depends on your family income.

Childcare in Australia explained

Family migration makes up almost half of Australia’s annual permanent migration intake this year. With different visas allowing Australian citizens and permanent residents to reunite with their loved ones on Australian soil, here’s what you need to know about Australia’s family stream visas.

Sponsoring a loved one to migrate to Australia

A recent report has found that one in four permanent skilled migrants in Australia are working in jobs below their skill level, costing them and the economy hundreds of millions in foregone wages every year. In this segment of Settlement Guide, we look at some practical ways for new migrants to find employment that matches their skill level, qualifications and work experience.    

Finding the right job for your skills and qualifications

The buy now, pay later services may have made buying products easier for consumers, but with their increasing popularity and almost ubiquitous presence, concerns are growing that some users may get caught in a debt spiral.

The hidden risks of buy now pay later services

Every five years, a count is taken of every person and home in Australia in the national Census of Population and Housing. The data collected from over 25 million people will help the governments, businesses and community groups to make informed decisions about infrastructure and services for Australians. However, some people may be concerned about sharing their personal information and the safety of their private data. In this episode of Settlement Guide, General Manager of the Census, Chris Libreri, is answering questions about these issues.

Census 2021: Why and how to participate

We're talking about life and issues that affect you in settling in Australia.

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