CHAPTER CONTENTS

Last updated July 2023

pdf_downloadHow to Claim a Social Security Payment
Activity-tested Social Security Payments
Penalties Applied to Social Security Payments
Disability Support Pension
Common Social Security Problems
Social Security Payment Rates for Couples
New Zealand Citizens’ Eligibility for Social Security Payments
Appealing a Centrelink Decision
Free Legal Advice and Assistance

The social security system is administered by Services Australia, and Centrelink (an agency of Services Australia) provides social security payments and services on behalf of the federal government to eligible people including (but not limited to) retirees, unemployed people, families, students, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students or apprentices, carers, parents and people with disabilities.

Most legal issues arise when a person’s social security payment application is rejected, the payment has been reduced in amount, the payment has been cancelled or there has been an overpayment and a debt has been raised against the recipient.

This chapter will outline common issues experienced by people accessing the social security system and how to appeal a decision. Certain steps can be taken to find out why a decision was made and how to advocate to change the decision if appropriate.

The main pieces of legislation underpinning the social security system comprise the Social Security Act 1991 (Cth) (Social Security Act), the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Cth) (Social Security Administration Act), A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999 (Cth) and A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 (Cth).