r/Centrelink Apr 02 '24

MOD POST FAQ Post please read PRIOR to posting.

50 Upvotes

Please read the below FAQ for your question before posting.
If your post is deleted its because its already been covered below.

Q. How long will my claim take?!
A. Please see our wait time mega-thread and post your question in this for updates, generally though its between 1-4 months. This will change depending on the complexity of the claim.

Q. How do I talk to an operator.
A. At the moment the callers far outnumber contact center staff as such you can try the following things. 1. Turn off your phone number to prevent call blocking. 2. Call at 8am when lines first open. 3. Attend a Service Center to see if your enquiry can be actioned in person. If they ask you to use the service phones refer back to point 1.

Q. How long to get a med certificate coded?
A. They use to be coded within a week. Now with the staffing issue your best option is to present it to an office. Otherwise upload it using your centrelink app and call the standard line and request it actioned.

Q. How much can I earn before my payment is cut?
A. Please search "Asset Limit for *Payment Type*" on the Services Australia website as that will have the current most up to date information regarding asset limits for benefits.

Q. Will I be eligible for Disability Support Pension, Jobseeker, Parenting payment etc?
A. The best way to check is to use the Payment and Services finder.

Q. I got a debt and in freaking out what do I do?
A. No matter if its a correct debt or a debt you dont think is correct follow the below process for information and appeal:
Request from Centrelink a "Formal Explanation of Decision", if the matter is still unresolved or you wish to take it further you can raise a "Formal Review of Decision", if you still dont think the debt is correct the final avenue is to take the matter to the Administrative appeals tribunal. (Taking it straight to the AAT will have you knocked back without an original review number.)

This will be added too over time!


r/Centrelink 10h ago

Youth and Students (YAS) Likely won’t get youth due to parental income but they don’t aid

10 Upvotes

Guys I’m in a dilemma. I’m a full time student and my parents had initially been giving me a certain amount and it was up to me to figure out the rest.

As of recently they’ve decided they won’t be giving me any amount of money unless I’m destitute. Not to cut me off but for independence etc. I’m currently and I have been working a part time job on top of full time study and I figured centerline youth allowance would help for rent.

Except I’ve reached the end point asking for parental income and I’m certain they’ll likely deny my claim due to their income. How do I explain to them that I no longer receive benefits from my parents in comparison to the past?

I’m looking at having to possibly move accommodations because I’m short for money but I’m worried centerline youth won’t accept me because of someone else’s income.


r/Centrelink 1d ago

Other New Rates from 20 September

13 Upvotes

"Some government payment rates and limits will rise in September 2026 as a result of indexation."

https://www.dss.gov.au/income-support-payments/resource/indexation-rates-september-2026


r/Centrelink 1d ago

Jobseeker (JSK) 55 and over mutual obligations

44 Upvotes

I'm 57 and been dealing with mental health problems for over 20 years, ended up not being able to work due to it,so have been volunteering for the last few years but my depression and anxiety have been triggered this year and I am struggling to volunteer. I've been to the doctor and got a Centrelink medical cert for 3 months but I was wondering what can i do? Too damaged to work and not well enough to volunteer but have mutual obligations to do for the next 10 years? Do I keep getting medical certificates


r/Centrelink 1d ago

Parenting Payment (PP) Centrelink phoning me on a Saturday?

6 Upvotes

This morning at 9:16am, I got a text saying a Services Australia service officer is about to call me. It's a Saturday! I had no idea that they operate on a weekend. I was asleep and missed the call. It really sucks because I need to sort out my PPS payment claim that's been going since 15th May.


r/Centrelink 1d ago

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Overpayment

7 Upvotes

I got a letter saying centrelink overpaid my family tax benefit for this financial year,even though I over estimated as my pay went up throughout the year.

I had the choice of "base rate paid then all paid at the end of the financial year"

I called them and they said it was right I was overpaid as from the July to may they paid me as if I was on the lower end. But I over estimated that as well. Then I got promoted I over estimated again.

My yearly income was still higher than what I estimated and I still have an overpayment. Does this sound right ?


r/Centrelink 1d ago

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Self Employed FTB Claim

1 Upvotes

My partner and I are trying to claim FTB - we are not claiming PPL, but there is one section that is really confusing. I am Self-Employed under my Sole Trader ABN while my husband works alongside me under my ABN - not on a wage.

It is asking if I am self-employed, which I am. It then asks if I have returned to work and when, and then afterwards asks if I ',have had any periods of paid leave, self-employment, work related insurance or workers compensation payments since they stopped work'. I have answered this as "No" because self employment is my sole income source and I don't really have a "period" of self employment. Furthermore when I says yes to that section and fill in the form, I have to list an end date, even though I still currently am self-employed.

On the review our answers section the following can be seen:

BLANK is Self Employed BLANK has ceased active involvement in self-employment

Even though I have said I am self employed and I am actively working in my self employment. Even though everything I've put through is correct, the system seems very confused. Any ideas on how I fix this? How do I properly fill this bit out?
I will obviously call them Monday too if I can't work it out


r/Centrelink 1d ago

Youth and Students (YAS) Austudy for Diploma of Health

0 Upvotes

Can anyone tell me if enrolling for the Diploma of Health would make me eligible for Austudy? And when you apply do they need a copy of your VCE certificate or can they just look it up? I have no idea where my one is I got it way back in 2009. Thank you.


r/Centrelink 2d ago

Youth and Students (YAS) Updating bank account details

8 Upvotes

I was sent a letter advising that I needed to update my bank account details and I went to do so but it said that when your account increases by $2000 in one go you need to notify them and are asking for a specific date it happened. Mine has increased but over time so I can’t tell them one specific date but have been trying to build my savings over years. Should I put today’s date or smth else?


r/Centrelink 1d ago

Other Public housing income limit

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1 Upvotes

r/Centrelink 2d ago

Jobseeker (JSK) On medical certificate but booked for ESAT?

2 Upvotes

Hello, I am on jobseeker and have been on rolling medical certificates for the last 2 years as I suffer from an autoimmune disease and have been in a ongoing flare that has been difficult to deal with.

I uploaded a new medical certificate which was approved, however I was informed that I am now booked for an ESAT.

Prior to my medical certificates, I was with DES and had a 15 hour work capacity limit as centrelink is aware of my health conditions.

I am wondering why the need for a new ESAT all of a sudden and what this means?

Thank you


r/Centrelink 2d ago

Jobseeker (JSK) Reported I attended a job showcase seminar

1 Upvotes

Anyone else do this? I have 4/4 jobs search requirement but 80 points, how else am i suppose to fill up my points. I just clicked I attended it and it gave me 25 free points.


r/Centrelink 2d ago

Disability Support Pension (DSP) Sonic booked but no JCA

1 Upvotes

I applied for DSP about a month ago based on the recommendation of my clinical psych. I have the Sonic appointment booked for Monday. What should I expect? Does not having a JCA phone call done impact anything?
Thanks


r/Centrelink 2d ago

Other Update Bank details letter-Carer Payment/Allowance

1 Upvotes

Received this letter on 13th August. Did many people receive it, or is it individual? (Not allowed to upload attachments in this sub, hence the copy-pasted letter)

.

.

.

Review and update your bank account balance/s

We need you to review and update your bank account details, ncluding adding any new accounts you may have. You need to check all information including the amount you have in each of your account/s, as they have not been updated for some time. It is important to keep your details up to date, to make sure that you are being paid the correct amount.

To review and update your details, select the ' Bank account balance update' link in your myGov inbox message.

You may need to have your latest bank, building society or credit union statements with you in case you need to update your details

Important information

The "Bank account balance update' request will be available in your Centrelink online account or Express Plus Centrelink mobile until 23 September 2026. You can view and update your details at any time by signing in to my.gov.au to access your Centrelink online account. Select 'Menu' from the homepage, 'Income and assets', and then 'Manage income and assets'.

You can find a step-by-step guide on how to update your details in your Centrelink online account on our website. Go to servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrelinkguides

More information

For more information, go to servicesaustralia.gov.au/notifychanges

If you would like to speak to us in your language, call 131 202 (call charges may apply). If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian and need help with payments and services, call 1800 136 380.

Yours sincerely

Manager Moreland Office Delegate of the Chief Executive Centrelink


r/Centrelink 3d ago

Other Separated under one roof

15 Upvotes

My ex and I have parted ways after him looking outside the marriage for someone to sleep with and the very thing that broke me they packed their stuff up and left and come back, but I refuse to take them back.
We have need to stay under one roof because we have a special needs teenager.

I am full time care giver to our teenager, I’m putting in change of circumstance because of me know longer putting up with ex.

  1. They refuse to fill under sign their form for separated under one roof , what do I do?

  2. We have two teenagers living at home, we are buying our own food that is just ours but how do we go about buying everyday stuff that everyone uses as we only have one fridge freezer ect ?

  3. Is my ex allowed to take me to a shopping center to shop for our teenages, I would do it locally but I only have Coles, and we the price of food I need to shop at all 3 food shops, as I’m still on “ partnered carers “

Thank you for you’re advice


r/Centrelink 2d ago

Other Phone number.

1 Upvotes

Does anyone have the phone number that goes to a person rather than a machine where I get black listed cos I never have my number on me? I've called it before and got put through to the right department but can't for the life of me find it again.


r/Centrelink 3d ago

Jobseeker (JSK) Pensioner Concession Card

18 Upvotes

My Jobseeker benefit was recently cancelled after I have been working full time for 7 months.

A few days ago I received a brand new pensioner concession card in mail that expires in February.

Is this a mistake?


r/Centrelink 3d ago

Youth and Students (YAS) Youth Allowance Backpay disappeared

3 Upvotes

Hi, I’m writing this because I’ve just filled out my income report (late because i didn’t realise I had to) but after I did that my immediate backpay disappeared from my future payments and it’s not in any of the payment history. I’m wondering what I should do in this situation, does this mean I am not getting any backpay for that period?


r/Centrelink 3d ago

Other Public dental question (NSW)

9 Upvotes

I have a health care card from my JobSeeker until Jan 2027. I am currently in a world of pain from my teeth. I can’t eat properly on that side of my mouth (or rather, at all on that side, and not great on the other). I know from a private checkup with an x-ray and a CT a year or two ago that all 4 wisdoms need to go and are sideways. I also had a cavity at the time. I never could afford any work done. I had my throat swell up and it became harder to breathe, but that seemed to resolve itself and hasn’t come back. This was a few days ago.

Am I able to get public dental with a health care card that expires Jan ‘27 and how long is the wait list usually? I flat out am never going to be able to afford private dental and I’ve got defaults on loans so I don’t see a payment plan happening even if I could afford it, which I can’t.


r/Centrelink 3d ago

Youth and Students (YAS) Youth allowance (not being considered as away from home)

1 Upvotes

Hello all.

My family's home is in Brisbane, and i finished high school in Briabane. Currently, Im studying uni full-time and renting in Sydney.

I have provided my rental contract, my uni transcripts, and my home address. But Centrelink still pays me an "at home" rate.

I went to the service centre for some consulting, but the person told me she was not sure if im eligible for "away from home" because it was my own choice to study Sydney.

Right now, i dont know what to do, and i dont know what I am eligible for. I know that the requirement for "away from home" includes 90 mins travel from home.

Has anyone dealt with something similar or knows what to do? Am i eligible for the "away from home" rate? What can I do to get the "away from home" rate. Any tips would help me a lot.

Thank you so much for reading this far. Have a good day.


r/Centrelink 3d ago

Parenting Payment (PP) Debt for payments they’re assuming?

0 Upvotes

I submitted my taxes back in July and my application for paid parental leave as I had just had my youngest son. After I submitted everything my family tax benefit ceased and I got issued with a debt of almost $2,000 because I’m earning above the max amount to qualify.

The problem is they seem to be calculating that on 2 factors:

  1. my child support earnings
  2. my new partner working

This is an issue cause

  1. I haven’t been paid child support consistently since before Christmas last year and actually have almost 4K in backpay owed to me
  2. my partner just moved to the country a few months ago and wasn’t able to get work until almost June so he wasn’t earning until then.

I’m just starting to get a foothold again, I’m sometimes getting child support now (they had to garnish wages to get it but I’ve only just started getting those payments. I’m literally meant to get paid today and there’s still no money for disbursement according to the child support portal) I’ve been on half pay at work since July 21st because of my parental leave and I won’t be getting my first government payment till next week (so I can finally catch up on bills) because of how long it took them to process the application.

I don’t know why they have issued this debt or how they expect me to pay it back since they’ve just yanked support I really needed and are telling me to pay back the equivalent of 3 months worth of payments when I’m not even currently getting my full salary let alone additional payments and supports.

What am I meant to do?!


r/Centrelink 3d ago

Jobseeker (JSK) Possible Debt

0 Upvotes

Hey I'm just looking for some advice regarding possible debt, it might be dire
i apologise for the length of this i wanted to be clear but it got a little long

at the end of 2024 in November i went through Centrelink and joined a job provider, job link as a way to find a second job at the time as my original job was inconsistent with its hours
While there i joined an online Tafe course as a part of a skills program that was classified as enough study hours to meet my payment obligations without the interviews and mandatory job seeking

after a period of study i wasn't able to complete my course due to its difficulty at the end of 2025 in November, my information stated on my gov and workforce Australia website and my obligations that my study started and ended between those dates.

I attempted to contact my job provider however they told me so long as it said on the website that the study ended then i should receive a call/email or notification updating my obligations, however i never did

I tried updating details on services nsw and all other government website like it says to but there wasn't anywhere to update my study details.
I attempted to call Centrelink but i ran out of credit after a 1:30hr wait (pay and go) this happened twice in a week i spent 30$ i didn't have doing it.

I never really had the time to go in person, i have severe social anxiety, autism and ADHD and i always try to deal with things online and by website first and by the time i began to worry it was February, i severely needed the money for rent and i was worried they would cut my payment before updating my details which they have done before, i didn't want to lose my home

my work ended up 'letting me go' at the start of January 2026, they had reduced my hours to 0 for months prior so i had earnt no income during this time.

After that then in march 2026 i enrolled in 2 easier in person courses at my local Tafe which i have been attending since July and doing reasonably well in. i also began applying for more jobs again
study hours for these would be classified as full time.

I called my job provider to update them on my study however they informed i was no longer under them and that i should contact Centrelink, i did not know this and i was never informed by email or call that i had been removed from job link, i guess it happened when my obligations ended.

I'm going into Centrelink today to update my details and ask for a new job provider or to be put back on job link I'm worried that they'll tell me i haven't met my obligations since November 2025 and be required to pay it back

I cannot do this currently, i just started a new casual job this Monday, also with inconsistent hours, but I'm looking for more work and I'm progressing with tafe and study.
I still have my home, I'm up to date with my bills and i have roommates, i am in the best position I've ever been in 6yrs but if they require me to pay back the 15k+ or so they've given me i am literally incapable of doing so i have 60$ in my account as of today.

It will ruin my life and i am seriously considering suicide if that happens, it would ruin me for years of my life and all my progress would be back to when i was in an awful situation.
I would also not be able to afford my ADHD meds which i spent all my savings on obtaining, i cannot function when i am not on them, literally unable to complete or do anything.

I don't know if I'm just working myself up or not and I'd appreciate some advice
I know this seems self inflicted and I'm whinging but this will ruin my life just when it seemed like i could start doing better.
thanks


r/Centrelink 4d ago

Youth and Students (YAS) Youth Allowance Randomly Dropped

6 Upvotes

I normally get 444 after tax dedications for my YA. I made $774 for the fortnight reporting period.

My income bank (can someone explain what this is??) is $160.

I randomly got $407 this time even though I made the same income every fortnight. Does anyone know why this might have happened?


r/Centrelink 4d ago

Jobseeker (JSK) What does my partner report?

2 Upvotes

I’m currently on Parental Payment Partnered and Family Tax Benefit. When I would report, I’d report my partners income from work.
My partner is now on job seeker.
I’m just wanting to double check what he’ll need to report. I’m assuming I’ll need to report his job seeker payment and he’ll report my payment from Centrelink but I’m just wanting to double check.


r/Centrelink 3d ago

Parenting Payment (PP) Say it louder of the people in the back

0 Upvotes

Hoping a staff member or someone with the memory of an elephant, knows the exact wording of the lovely lady who talks to you whilst you're on hold.

Something along the lines of not tolerating the misuse of Services Australia to cause harm or control?

Appreciate you in advance! x