Migrants could be forced to wait up to four years before accessing a raft of welfare benefits under a federal budget measure expected to net more than $200 million in savings.
The Turnbull government already has legislation before parliament to push the waiting period for various payments out to three years.
But now the government is proposing to stretch the wait time for migrants wanting to access Newstart and Youth Allowance – as well as various parenting and family benefits – out to four years from July 1.
It expects this will save $202.5 million over five years.