Want to know more about access to Centrelink for Migrants and other Newly Arrived Residents?

Australia`s social security system has strict residency criteria. Payments are usually available only to Australian residents, with most migrants subject to a Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period (NARWP) or other qualifying residency period. People from New Zealand who have lived in Australia for many years can be particularly harshly affected.

This session will take participants through a checklist to assess a client’s eligibility. It will cover key issues including residency criteria, waiting periods, Special Benefit, domestic and family violence, the impact of overseas assets and income, and a whole lot more.⠀⠀

Speakers will explain the specific circumstances that may enable access to Special Benefit or other payments, and address the possible extension of the Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period rules.

Target audience: Community workers and volunteers, social workers and lawyers

When: Tuesday 17 October, 2.00 - 4.00pm (AEST)
Where: Online via Zoom, register here: https://buff.ly/3LnAB0C

Have you ever been part of Welfare Rights Centre - as staff, on the Board, as a volunteer or member?

We`ve been providing free legal advice for 40 years … and couldn`t have done it without all those who`ve been part of our Centre - supporting tens of thousands of people to access their social security rights, while holding Government to account.

We`re updating our systems, including compiling an accurate list of all those who’ve previously worked with us. So if you’re a former volunteer, Board or staff member, please click the link below so we can add you to our list.

Please feel free to share this post among your networks. And if you’re in touch with others, please let them know to get in touch - https://buff.ly/3LvHzks

We are looking for an Intake Officer to join the team at our Surry Hills office.

Welfare Rights Centre provides free legal information, advice, and representation to help vulnerable people in NSW navigate the complexities of the social security system. We collaborate closely with Economic Justice Australia, our peak organisation, to advocate for a robust social security system as the foundation for a fair, just, and inclusive society.

As our Intake Officer, your primary responsibility will be to handle the intake and assessment of new and existing clients who contact the Welfare Rights Centre by phone or email. You will also play a vital role in recruiting, training and supporting volunteers, while ensuring the smooth operation of our casework management systems. This role operates in a dynamic environment, and adaptability to change is essential.

We’re looking for someone who has at least 6 months’ experience volunteering or working in a community legal centre or who has previously worked with people who live with social and economic disadvantage.

We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

See the link in our bio for more information including remuneration, selection criteria, position description, and how to apply. Applications close Monday 9 October 2023.

We’ve been providing free legal advice for 40 years… and we could not have done it without the support of our dedicated staff, amazing Board members and many generous volunteers.

Your efforts have helped us hold Government to account – supporting tens of thousands of people to access their social security rights.

We’re currently compiling an accurate list of all those who’ve previously worked with us. So if you’re a former volunteer, Board or staff member, please click the link in our bio so we can add you to our list.

Please feel free to share this post among your networks. And if you’re in touch with other WRC alumni, please let them know to get in touch.

Link in bio

A lot of Centrelink payments are increasing by $40/fortnight from today. That includes the full rate of JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment (Partnered), Austudy, ABSTUDY, Disability Support Pension (Youth), and Special Benefit.

These payments regularly increase on 20 April and 20 September each year, but this increase is bigger than usual. It was announced as part of the 2023 Federal Budget.

Many people will only get a partial increase for their first payment after 20 September, as the pay cycle will cover days before and after the rate increase.

The increase will not apply to Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Parenting Payment (Single) which continue to be paid at a higher rate than the payments listed above.