Understanding Centrelink: Are You Eligible?

Centrelink is part of the Australian Government department of Human Services that was created in 2004. They offer a range of benefits through health, social and welfare payments and services. As of 2018 there were 3.3 million people on Centrelink benefits.

The objective is to create a safety net for people who may have greater disadvantages than others, or just can’t find regular employment income like most Australians. It is funded out of taxes paid by workers and businesses, and other sources.

The best way to apply and claim is online – Apply for Centrelink Here

You will need a MyGov Account linked to Centrelink. If you don’t have these, no problem it’s quick to set up –Click here to set up my Gov and Centrelink accounts

You will need to link these accounts with a Customer Reference Number to link your Centrelink Account with your myGov account.

You will also need to Confirm your identity

• One Commencement Document (birth certificate or Australian arrival validation)
• One Primary ID used in the community
• One Secondary document to show the use of your identity in the community

At least one of these must have a photo on it, and all must show the same name.

You can track your Centrelink claim. Once your claim is submitted online, you will get a receipt – with the ID number of your claim, the date of estimated completion, a link to track progress. You can track the claim with by signing into your myGov or Centrelink Mobile App

Centrelink is very clear about qualifying for JobSeeker – see who can get it

Centrelink considers two main things:

• If they consider you unemployed and you’re looking for work
• If you’re sick or injured and can’t do your usual work or study

The JobSeeker payment is financial help if you’re between 22 and Age Pension Age and looking for work. It’s also for when you’re sick or injured and can’t do your usual work.

If you are a single parent you may be eligible for the Parenting Payment which is a slightly higher fortnightly payment, with a maximum of $790.10, plus the $550 supplement.

To find out if you are eligible for other Centrelink payments you can use their payment search and finder tool. List of main types of Centrelink payment types and link to our specific pages.

They deliver payments and services at times of major change for all these groups:

• Pensioners
• Job Seekers
• Students and Trainees
• Families
• Carers
• Parents
• People with disability
• Indigenous Australians, and
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

They can also offer child support for separated parents.

These are loans for people earning some, most or all of their income from Centrelink Benefits. They can also be known as Pensioner Eligible Loans, Disability Income Eligible Loans, Carer Eligible Loans, JobSeeker Eligible Loans, fast cash loans for Centrelink. A Centrelink Loan is just a loan tool that can be used by people using Centrelink resources.

If you would like more information about ourCentrelink Eligible loans then click here.