What are my Centrelink and social security rights after a disaster? (Vic)

What is this resource?

This resource is designed to support people in Victoria who have been impacted by a disaster find legal information online and connect with appropriate services. It will help you identify if you are dealing with a legal problem related to Centrelink and social security payments and understand how to make an application for legal help.

This resource provides:

• links to legal information resources
• 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 social security rights

If you are unhappy about a Centrelink decision, you 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. You 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.

Where to get 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 assists eligible individuals, small businesses, community organisations and farms and other primary producers who have been impacted by natural disasters.

You can apply online for free legal help: Apply for help – Justice Connect. This is the quickest and most efficient way to check if you’re eligible and start the process of being matched with a lawyer. Once we receive your application, a member of our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.