\n <\/a><\/a>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Centrelink, which is part of Services Australia, <\/strong>is the government program that handles support payments to many, including the unemployed and underemployed, people with disability, students, older Australians, First Nations people, and parents of young children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Centrelink payments are intended to give people the resources they need to build stability, security, and independence in their lives when they are unable to do so through employment, for whatever reason. With this in mind, we\u2019ve prepared some information below to help you navigate Centrelink systems with more confidence, including knowing who to talk to if things go wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In practice, there are serious issues with Centrelink payments and the systems and institutions that deliver them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Low payments<\/strong> \u2013 many Centrelink payments, such as the Jobseeker unemployment payment, are very low. This means that people can struggle to get by if they must rely on Centrelink payments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Strict eligibility<\/strong> \u2013 Centrelink payments are linked to strict eligibility requirements that lock out some people who are in financial hardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bound by obligations<\/strong> \u2013 payments are usually linked to tasks and requirements known as \u2018mutual obligations\u2019, which is a system of obligations that can be counter-productive, invasive, and even humiliating for recipients of Centrelink payments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n People who receive Centrelink payments are often portrayed by politicians and the media as being \u2018lazy\u2019 or the victims of their own choices. The truth is that when people are experiencing financial hardship, it\u2019s rarely due to their own choices. More often, it\u2019s due to circumstances outside of their control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic showed that anybody may find themselves in need of support in times of crisis. People should be able to get support without shame, and the support should be adequate enough to get them \u2018back on their feet\u2019. It\u2019s the system that often falls short of this goal, not the people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Government support payments through Centrelink include payments for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Special payments are available, including payments for people experiencing severe financial hardship due to a crisis like a natural disaster. Advance payments on existing Centrelink payments are also provided for eligible people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Payments are available to people meeting certain eligibility requirements, including age, employment status, and if you\u2019re a student. Payments are also \u2018means tested\u2019, which means they relate to your income and assets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The historical logic for the eligibility requirements is that people who are unable to support themselves on their own or through close relatives (such as romantic partners or family) are supported by government payments temporarily as a \u2018safety net\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While this ideally means that help only goes to those in need, it can mean that people who would expect to be eligible for payments find that they are not due to their unique circumstances. At times it can also push people to rely on other people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Centrelink might decide that you aren\u2019t eligible for the Jobseeker unemployment payment because you\u2019re in a relationship with someone who, \u2018on paper\u2019, earns enough to support both of you. They may not necessarily consider the real-life relationship you have with that person and the conditions that arise when relying on them financially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If someone is no longer eligible, then their payment can be cut off or reduced, even if they\u2019re still experiencing money stress at the time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also possible that Centrelink will ask you to pay back any payments you might receive if you\u2019re not eligible anymore. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In both these instances, you could go into debt to Centrelink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Much of the responsibility for reporting on eligibility lies with the individual, which adds to the time and effort needed to claim Centrelink support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use this online tool<\/a> to see if you are eligible for payments or other services, or read up on individual payments<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend getting in touch with non-profit organisations which have programs that may be able to assist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can submit a claim for payment online, over the phone, or in person at a Centrelink service centre<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit Services Australia<\/a> to learn more about what\u2019s involved, or look for a Centrelink customer service site near you at Ask Izzy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The primary government support payment for people living with disability is the Disability Support Pension (DSP), which is operated by Centrelink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Changes to requirements for the DSP over many years have made eligibility very restricted. Many people struggle to access the DSP, even if they can prove they have only a partial capacity to work or are unable to work entirely, and many end up receiving the Jobseeker unemployment payment instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n DSP Help <\/a>\u2013 an excellent resource to help you navigate applying for the DSP <\/p>\n\n\n\n Free legal services<\/a> \u2013 expert support if your application is rejected<\/p>\n\n\n\n Centrelink is a large and complex organisation that deals with many people daily. This means that any interaction could be a lengthy and frustrating experience \u2013 for example, you might find yourself on hold on the phone for a long time, or waiting in a queue at a service centre for even longer. And while it might be easier to use online services instead, it may not work in all circumstances as there are times when a conversion is required. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, is there anything you can do to cut out any time-wasting? Take a look at our top strategies that anyone can use when dealing with Centrelink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/studiokettle.com.au\/wip\/living-costs\/wp-content\/uploads\/home.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe problem with Centrelink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A matter of misinformed opinion <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Who can access Centrelink payments?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Special payments <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are the eligibility requirements?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is the eligibility fair?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can payments end or change?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Who is responsible for reporting on eligibility?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eligibility check <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What happens if you\u2019re not eligible?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Claiming payments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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About the disability support pension<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Getting help with your application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/studiokettle.com.au\/wip\/living-costs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Support_v004-1-1024x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTips for dealing with Centrelink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n