Centrelink, social security payments and disasters (Vic)

What is this resource?

This resource is designed to support community workers and volunteers connect people in disaster affected communities with legal help. It will help you identify when someone you’re helping is facing a legal problem related to Centrelink and social security payments, and where to refer them for appropriate legal support. We refer to community to community members you are helping as your ‘client’ throughout this resource. 

This resource provides:

• links to legal information resources that you can provide to your client
• information on how to make a referral for legal help

Disasters can create or worsen disputes with Centrelink

Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV) has produced a webinar to introduce you to the key aspects of Centrelink issues that can arise when disasters, such as floods, bushfires and pandemics strike, and how SSRV’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan will help Victorians when they need it most. Visit their website to view the webinar: SSRV’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan: watch the video – Social Security Rights Victoria

In this resource, SSRV explains that disasters can be both a direct or indirect cause of disputes with Centrelink. You can read their resource to find out more here: Disaster Preparedness & Response: Did you know? – Social Security Rights Victoria (ssrv.org.au)

Your client’s social security rights

If your client is unhappy about a Centrelink decision, they may have the right to have it reviewed. 

As Disaster Legal Help Victoria explains in a resource, Centrelink does not discriminate against customers who exercise their right of appeal. Centrelink decisions can be complicated and so can the appeal process. Your client should consider getting legal advice about a Centreilnk decision before appealing it. 

For more information, read the resource here: Centrelink – challenging a decision | Disaster Legal Help Victoria.

Refer your client for free legal help

Social Security Rights Victoria

Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV) offers specialist social security law advice to the Victorian public, and to lawyers and community workers helping clients with Centrelink matters.

Contact SSRV Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (note they are closed 1-2pm) on:

• (03) 9481 0355 – for metropolitan queries
• 1800 094 164 – for regional queries

Disaster Legal Help Victoria

Disaster Legal Help Victoria (DLHV) is a joint initiative of the Federation of Community Legal Centres, Justice Connect, the Law Institute of Victoria, Victoria Legal Aid, the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, and the Victorian Bar. DLHV brings together the skills and resources of the legal profession, including government and private legal entities, to help mitigate and respond to complex and widespread legal needs that arise in disasters.

For legal information and referrals, call Disaster Legal Help Victoria on 1800 113 432 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). You can also contact your closest community legal centre to get advice from a local lawyer.

Visit Disaster Legal Help Victoria’s website for more information on how they can help.

Justice Connect

Justice Connect can provide free legal advice and ongoing representation in certain matters to eligible individuals, small business owners and primary producers affected by disasters like floods, bushfires, cyclones and other extreme weather events. We may be able to match your client with free legal assistance to help with disputes or to assist them better understand their legal rights and obligations.

Refer someone to Justice Connect: https://justiceconnect.org.au/refer/.