Can I get help with Centrelink?
Can I get a crisis payment?
You can apply for a Crisis Payment if you have left home or if your partner has left home because of domestic violence.
A Crisis Payment is a one-off payment, in addition to regular Centrelink payments.
To be eligible for a Crisis Payment you must be eligible for ongoing Centrelink payments (either as an existing, or new, customer). The amount of the Crisis Payment is half of your normal fortnightly payment.
You will only get a Crisis Payment if you have little or no savings.
You need to contact Centrelink within seven days from the day that: – you decided not to go home; or – you decided not to have your partner back into your home.
To claim, call Centrelink on 13 1794.
Ongoing centrelink payments – getting what you are entitled to
If you are not already on Centrelink payments:
you should contact Centrelink as soon as possible to see if you are eligible for a new, or different payment; even if you are working, you may be entitled to some payment; you can generally only be paid from the day you make contact with (lodge and application with Centrelink) Centrelink.
If you are on Centrelink payments, you need to tell Centrelink every time your relationship changes.
If you had a partner and now you are single, you need to tell Centrelink. Single people generally get a higher rate of payment. On-again-off-again relationships and relationships involving domestic violence can all count as “relationships” for Centrelink depending on your circumstances. If you’re not sure how your current situation would be assessed, call the Welfare Rights Centre for free advice. If you do not tell Centrelink every time your relationship stops and starts could end up with a large debt and be taken to court.
If you are caring for children, you need to:
Tell the Family Assistance Office (for Family Tax Benefit); and claim child support with the Child Support Agency.
If you are on an activity tested payment you can ask for an exemption from the activity test if you have experienced domestic violence.
What can I do if centrelink won’t help me?
If Centrelink doesn’t believe you, or says you are not entitled to a payment, you have the right to appeal.
Appeals can be made by calling Centrelink. You need to do this within 13 weeks, if possible, so that you can get back-pay if you’re successful.
If your payments are suspended, you should appeal straight away and should ask for payment pending review so that you keep receiving your payments while the appeal is under way.
You should get advice about appealing.