Social Security assistance is provided by various Australian Government Departments including Centrelink (Department of Human Services) and the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA). They provide both short-term and long-term help to people who need financial support.

Centrelink is a major source of income support for those in need and makes a range of payments to people in a variety of situations.

Some payments, such as the JobSeeker Payment provide assistance for shorter periods of time. Payments such as the age pension and disability support pension give long-term financial support. Other payments such as Family Tax Benefit, Parts A & B assist with the cost of raising children.

Each benefit or payment that Centrelink provides has its own set of conditions. For example, the payment of Age Pension depends on a client’s age, how long they have lived in Australia and the level of income and assets they have.

As mentioned, payment amounts are subject to certain criteria such as the assets and income test. If a client’s assets or income extend outside the threshold rates then they will not be entitled to the relevant Centrelink benefits.

In addition to payment of benefits there are also certain fringe benefits that may apply. Clients that are of age pension age may be entitled to various concession cards such as Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and the State Seniors Card that offer additional concessions, benefits and discounts.

• Centrelink payments & eligibility
• Department of Veterans Affairs payments
• Assets test
• Income test and deeming
• Treatment of income streams
• Concession cards
• Work bonus/pension bonus scheme