Table Of Contents
Getting a new job can be a dream come true. However, the job offer might involve relocating to a new city or a different country, which will result in you spending considerably on moving; it can be demoralising. It is worse if you are not sure whether the new employer will assist with moving expenses.
Fortunately, there is a way out. So long as the offer is genuine, you have the right to ask for relocation assistance from your new employer. Many firms are willing to assist you with your relocation expenses, provided what you ask for is fair, and you go through the right channel.
However, to get your employer to give you relocation assistance, you have to know what it entails so that you can do everything properly. This article will take you through the process of applying for relocation assistance in a manner that your employer will be happy to assist you.
How To Apply For Relocation Assistance In Australia
Understand employee relocation policy
Relocation can be pretty expensive and, in some cases, may even cost hundreds of dollars. As such, companies are cautious about how much they are willing to spend on it. However, firms understand that once they spot an intelligent talent, the benefits that the person will bring to the company are far more than whatever they spend on recruitment, relocation, and remuneration in the long run.
Therefore, if you have an offer, your future employer believes that you will provide the return they are looking for and will be willing to help you settle down very fast. Companies can help you in relocation in various ways, including:
- Third-party - The company outsources relocation services to a broker
- Direct billing - The company pays for expenses and manages your move directly
- Reimbursement - You fund the relocation, and the company reimburses you later
- Lump-sum - The company pays you a one-time taxable payment to take care of the relocation
Most firms have a standard relocation assistance policy that guides how much they can offer employees. Ask for this guide, and find out how much to expect. If the company doesn’t have any, continue reading, and you will know what to do.
Evaluate what you need assistance with
Even if there is no relocation assistance policy, you can negotiate with your employer so that you settle down quickly. You can also ask for other things such as job assistance for your spouse and breaking lease fees.
The following is a list of things that firms typically provide relocation assistance for:
- Moving coordination - Provides logistical support, covers expenses and temporary storage of personal belongings
- Real estate assistance - Facilitates the purchase or sale of a home as you move
- Travel allowance and stipend - Covers moving and traveling costs
- Housing search trips - Supports finding housing in your new location before you start working
- Job assistance for spouses - Offers job search assistance to your spouse
- Rental assistance - Helps you break the lease and pays for your security deposit
How should I ask for relocation assistance?
The way you make your request will impact whether or not you get moving assistance, and the key is to capitalise on the principle of mutual benefit; make it clear that giving you help brings mutual benefit.
For instance, instead of saying "breaking my lease is expensive, can you help me?", say "breaking my lease will shorten my start date by one month, which will help me settle down quickly and understand our business operation faster."
When should I ask for relocation assistance?
There is no perfect timing for this, but it will not make sense to ask for one if you don’t have an offer yet. Relocation assistance is a logistical issue. It may not be appropriate to ask for relocation assistance when you have not been offered a job elsewhere.
However, while facing an interviewer, it is not out of place to bring this up so that if the relocation assistance is a deal-breaker, you and your employer do not have to waste each other’s time.
The following should help you know where a company stands on relocation assistance:
- Check the job description - Some companies will inform you whether or not they are ready to assist you with relocation
- Confirm from current employees on LinkedIn - If many of the people at the level you are applying for moved when joining the company, it could be a clue that the company will assist with relocation
- Ask directly - If relocation assistance is a deal-breaker for you, it is best to ask if the company has a relocation assistance policy
Australian Relocation Assistance Programs
AgMove
AgMove is an initiative of the Australian government that helps to finance people who relocate to take up short-term agricultural jobs in rural Australia. Between November 2020 and December 2021, the successful applicants will be eligible for financial assistance that will cover travel and housing costs when they take up harvesting or other agricultural jobs.
Who is eligible for AgMove?
- You must be either an Australian citizen certificate holder or a permanent resident to be eligible
- You must be ready to take up short-term agricultural work, including harvest work that the Harvest Trail Information Service has verified
- You must move within Australia to a regional, remote, or harvest area away from your current place of residence
- You have the right to be hired in Australia, including international students and working holidaymakers
- You must be a bare minimum of 18 years, or if you are moving to Australia to take up a job after 5th May 2021, you must be at least 17 years
How do I apply for AgMove?
You can enquire about the scheme by dialing the National Customer Service number 1800 805 260.
You may be thinking about moving for a harvest job in South Australia, West Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, Northern Territory, or NSW. In that case, Your harvest trail service provider will validate your eligibility for relocation assistance and the amount you are entitled to.
If you are busy applying or already have an offer for non-harvest jobs in Australia (e.g., working with livestock or dairy farms) or if you are taking harvest jobs that are located outside of your harvest areas, you need to call the harvest trail information service number 1800 062 332 to assist you with relocation.
How much will I be paid through AgMove?
If you have moved and begun your job, including harvest work between 1st November 2020 and 4th May 2021, you must have completed a minimum of 120 hours in 6 weeks to be eligible for:
- $2000 if you are a visa holder or have a general Australian work permit
- $6000 if you are an Australian worker
However, if you moved and started working between 8th May 2020 and 31st December 2021, you have to complete a minimum of 40 hours of work in two weeks to be eligible for:
- $650 if you are a visa holder or have a work permit in Australia
- $2000 if you are an Australian worker
If you accumulate 120 hours in four weeks, you could get up to:
- $2000 if you are a visa holder or have a general Australian work permit
- $6000 if you are an Australian worker
RATTUAJ
RATTUAJ is an Australian government-backed relocation assistance program for people who want to relocate to take a job. This program is constructed to assist people who want to work outside of their area of residence and overcome financial challenges that would otherwise prevent them from moving.
Who is eligible for RATTUAJ?
Unemployed people participating in employment service programs are automatically eligible for RATTUAJ.
How do I apply for RATTUAJ?
If you are eligible for this assistance, talk to your community program provider, ParentsNext, Jobactive, Transition to Work, or Disability Employment Services for assistance.
How much will I be paid through RATTUAJ?
From 1st May 2021, if you relocate to take up employing (apprenticeship is covered) and work for a little over 20 hours a week for at least six months, you qualify for:
- $6000 if you move with a dependent
- $3000 if you relocate to a capital city. If you are relocating to a capital city with fewer jobs, you may not be eligible for this assistance.
Hire A Moving Company
Congratulations if you have a job offer and are planning to move to a new location. With the excitement of relocation and new job offers comes the dilemma of choosing between dealing with the hassle of relocating yourself or hiring movers to assist you. As you have read from this article, the process can be dicey and complicated.
You need someone who understands the entire process to help you make things seamless. If you don’t have the experience to deal with relocating, outsource it to a professional removalist company.
