Disclaimer: The material in this print-out relates to the law as it applies in the state of Victoria. It is intended as a general guide only. Readers should not act on the basis of any material in this print-out without getting legal advice about their own particular situations. Victoria Legal Aid disclaims any liability howsoever caused to any person in respect of any action taken in reliance on the contents of the publication.

We help Victorians with their legal problems and represent those who need it most. Find legal answers, chat with us online, or call us. You can speak to us in English or ask for an interpreter. You can also find more legal information at www.legalaid.vic.gov.au

Read about our reduced hours over the holiday period.
Contacting us over the holidays.

Centrelink

Centrelink provides services and social security payments on behalf of a number of government departments.

Get legal advice if Centrelink believes you have:

  • received benefits you are not entitled to and asks you to repay the debt
  • deliberately failed to tell them of something which may have affected your payments, or have provided incorrect information about your situation, and you are being investigated for fraud.

It’s important to get other support for Centrelink before you make any statements or answer any questions.

Allowances and payments

Information about who may be eligible for assistance from Centrelink, how assistance may be affected if you have a partner, what to do if Centrelink thinks you have been overpaid and more.

Who can get Centrelink payments?

Centrelink payments may be made to people in a range of situations.

Disagreeing with a Centrelink decision

Find out what to do if you would like to appeal a decision made by Centrelink.

Centrelink overpayments and offences

Information about social security fraud and what you can do if Centrelink have are charged with an offence.

Your rights if Centrelink investigates you

Information about what Centrelink may do if they suspect someone is getting benefits that they are not entitled to.

Other support for Centrelink

Learn where to get legal help and other support for Centrelink.

Publications and resources

Get legal help

Disagree with a Centrelink decision?

I need legal information about

Updated

Back to top
Legal Help Chat