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.

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 myGov 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 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

If you are a casual or full-time worker, or sole trader, who has lost income related to COVID-19, you are likely eligible for the new Government JobSeeker payment support.
There is good news.  The Government is behind you with a generous fortnightly payment of at least $1,100.  You will be back paid from your qualified application date, so get on to it quickly.  You can also qualify for the March 31 $750 Economic Support Payment

Important timing:
• New eligibility will last at this stage until April 27, 2020
• The new Coronavirus Supplement Payment will begin from April 27, 2020

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.
During the COVID-19 crisis, the Government has made it available to people who have been financially impacted, lost hours and income due to the COVID-19 situation.
For example, if you are in hard-hit sectors like the travel and hospitality industry, you have lost your job or as a casual worker or sole trader who has lost 20% more of your income, you will qualify for at least 6 months of the JobSeeker payments.
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.

If you would like more information about our Centrelink loans then click here.