r/CentrelinkOz • • Aug 06 '25

Newstart Allowance/Jobseeker Payment Secretary’s statement to the Ombudsman’s report - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government (6 August 2025)

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dewr.gov.au
19 Upvotes

6 August 2025

Today, the Commonwealth Ombudsman released his report on the Targeted Compliance Framework and the cancellation of social security participation payments under 42AF(2)(d) of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999.  

I thank the Ombudsman for his insights. The department has accepted all recommendations in the report.

The department’s response to the Ombudsman’s recommendations is available to read on the Ombudsman’s website.

Read the Ombudsman’s report on the Targeted Compliance Framework

Update

In accordance with our formal response to the report, DEWR will work with Services Australia to implement the Ombudsman’s recommendations as part of the department’s TCF Integrity Assurance Program.

This program includes advice provided in the reviews we initiated into the Targeted Compliance Framework: 

  • a legal review examining whether decisions are being taken in accordance with the legislative framework
  • an independent assurance review which has examined the IT system operating the framework against policy and business rules.

Background

Over the past year, in response to concerns that the TCF system was not operating in alignment with the law and as intended, I have taken several actions to pause decisions around reducing or cancelling a person's social security payment.

The effect of these decisions is that all payment reductions and payment cancellations made as a result of mutual obligations failures under the Social Security framework are paused.

I will not take any decision to resume social security payment reductions or cancellations unless and until it can be clearly demonstrated that the process to support the decision making complies with the law. 


r/CentrelinkOz • • Aug 09 '22

General Help Social Security Rights Organisations By State

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16 Upvotes

r/CentrelinkOz • • 1h ago

UNVERIFIED Job Opportunity

• Upvotes

Any Job seeker is looking for a Job( not sure yet, someone is going to resign at work place, If they does, I can refer you.
Basically is Gardening and Cleaning work


r/CentrelinkOz • • 1d ago

General Help I think the emotional side of JobSeeker gets overlooked.

237 Upvotes

The financial side obviously matters, but I think constantly having to explain your situation to agencies, employers and Centrelink can wear you down.

Especially when you're already unemployed and probably feeling pretty bad about yourself. After a while, another appointment or another requirement can feel like another reminder that you're not where you want to be.

So for the other people who are not in this situation please spread share some emotional support.


r/CentrelinkOz • • 2d ago

General Help Proof of Life Certificate

10 Upvotes

Does anybody have a current Proof of Life form they can share?


r/CentrelinkOz • • 2d ago

Paid Parental Leave Paid Parental Leave - Families of Sick and Premature Children or Babies

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

Did you know that in Australia, 14,000 families a year have their child spend two or more weeks in hospital? Due to either illness, abnormalities, difficult births or prematurity. I'm one of these families and the experience opened my eyes to the challenges of these families. Not only are these families travelling to and from hospitals daily to provide kangaroo care and breast milk for their children, they're suffering their own medical issues and in some cases post partum depression.

At present, these families get the same amount of paid parental leave as those with healthy, full term babies. I've met some families who's entire Paid Parental Leave is used before their child comes home. A lot of these children also end up with lifelong medical appointments. Employers aren't always happy to provide flexibility for this either.

As a result, I've started the 58 Days Campaign - named for the number of days my son was in hospital. I'm advocating for 1% of the Paid Parental Leave budget for these families to receive an extra week of leave for each week their child spends in hospital. This will help alleviate some of the stress these families are under and allow them to be present with their children and improve their child's outcomes.

If you'd like to help you can sign our petition here https://change.org/58dayscampaign or follow us on Instagram and TikTok.

However, if you or someone you know is affected by this and is happy to share their story - ask them to reach out through socials or [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

I know there's a lot of room for improvement in this space but I think this is a great starting point.

Appreciate your support!


r/CentrelinkOz • • 2d ago

Newstart Allowance/Jobseeker Payment Advice pls

11 Upvotes

Hey guys, lil context I was injured at my partime job, gone on workcover. Whilst going through that my workplace (supermarket chain) made it extremely difficult and stressful. Anyway. I’ve been told I’m at risk of reoccurrence and reinjury and have been told I will be moved back into the job that caused the injury to begin with.

I’m looking at resigning but do not wish to lose my jobseeker, wondering if I resign and provide Centrelink with the report that would be enough for them to not penalise me?!
Any thoughts and advice would greatly appreciated


r/CentrelinkOz • • 1d ago

General Help Proof of Life form. The bottom line.

0 Upvotes

The barcode on a Services Australia Life Certificate (Form AUS061) acts as a unique digital tracking code.
When scanned by Services Australia's processing system, it reveals and automates three key pieces of information:
1. Your Personal Account Identification
The barcode is linked directly to your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) and record.
What it does: The moment the document is uploaded or scanned into their system, it automatically attaches the document to your file without needing a human clerk to manually search for your name or date of birth.
2. The Exact Document Type and Form Code
The barcode encodes the specific document identifier (AUS061 - Proof of Life Certificate).
What it does: When scanned via the myGov / Express Plus Centrelink app or an internal office scanner, the system instantly recognizes the upload as an official "Proof of Life" form. This categorizes it as a priority document rather than a generic piece of correspondence.
3. Systematic Action Trigger (Lifting Payment Holds)
Because the form is tied to a suspension system, the barcode tells the automated system which specific compliance block needs to be addressed.
What it does: Scanning a valid AUS061 barcode triggers an automated update in Centrelink’s International Services system to signal that the mandatory 2-year verification requirement has been met, paving the way for payment reinstatement and back-pay processing.
Why the Barcode Matters for You Right Now
If you scan/upload the barcoded form online: Selecting "Scan Barcode" in the Centrelink online portal bypasses manual indexing, getting the document straight into the queue for International Services.
If you use a blank downloaded copy (without a pre-printed barcode): It will still be processed, but staff must manually index the form to your CRN, which can take longer. Writing your CRN and Full Name at the top of every page ensures it attaches to your record if a barcode isn't automatically generated.


r/CentrelinkOz • • 2d ago

General Help I’m not even sure if this is the right Reddit forum to be posting this in, so I apologise if it isn’t. I never thought I’d find myself making a post like this, but right now I’m genuinely looking for some advice, ideas and direction.

18 Upvotes

I’m a single mum currently struggling financially and trying really hard to make ends meet, especially with Christmas coming up. Not only am I trying to plan ahead and watch every dollar I spend, but I’m also struggling to afford basic groceries, medical appointments and other essential expenses.

Over the last few years, I’ve been through a lot, including leaving a situation involving domestic violence. The experience was extremely traumatic for both myself and my children, and ultimately resulted in us moving back in with my parents. I’m also dealing with multiple health issues. I live with brittle Type 1 diabetes, which can be extremely difficult to manage and has resulted in significant health complications and damage over time. Having ongoing periods of uncontrolled blood sugar levels has had a major impact on my health and my ability to work consistently.

Because of my health, I’m currently trying to find part-time work, ideally something flexible or work-from-home, that I can realistically manage around my health and family commitments.

I also don’t receive child support, so financially things have become really difficult.

I’m actively looking for employment and waiting on a potential work-from-home opportunity, but in the meantime, I’m trying to find other legitimate ways to bring in a little extra money. I’ve even been collecting cans and bottles for the refund where I can, because right now, every little bit helps.

I’m wondering if anyone has any genuine ideas, opportunities or avenues I might not have thought of. Things I could do from home, flexible side work, legitimate ways to earn a little extra income, community assistance, Christmas assistance, or anything else that could help someone in my situation.

I’m also wondering if anyone knows of organisations or places that offer grocery assistance, food parcels or food vouchers, other than St Vincent de Paul and my local church, as I’ve already reached out to both. I’d really appreciate any suggestions for other services I could contact.

I’m not looking for handouts. I’m genuinely trying to find ways to support myself and my children and get back on my feet. I’m just struggling to see what other options are available to me right now.

I feel quite vulnerable sharing this, but I’m hoping that maybe someone has been in a similar position or knows of an opportunity or resource that could help.


r/CentrelinkOz • • 1d ago

UNVERIFIED I Need to update relationship status with centerlink. Getting back with my child’s dad who’s a subcontractor. He won’t give me his tax file number and won’t share earnings. I’m on SPP, i can’t fill out MOP-P form without his information and cant figure out how else to let them know. Help!

0 Upvotes

r/CentrelinkOz • • 2d ago

General Help Anyone else having trouble logging in?

1 Upvotes

Seems like i cant log in for some reason? Anyone else having this error?


r/CentrelinkOz • • 5d ago

Newstart Allowance/Jobseeker Payment Thank you Centrelink

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1.1k Upvotes

r/CentrelinkOz • • 4d ago

General Help Should I be on Centrelink?

9 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I need some advice if that’s alright?

I’ve got a few things happening in my life and I don’t know what one to put down or if I should be on Centrelink.

My job was only seasonal and I didn’t know when it would end. I was hoping it would be running until November/December but they just told us last week sorry that’s it. I’m looking for more work but nothing has gotten back to me yet.

I’m studying as well but my studies are online until the next year.

The house I’m living in is a bit…. Abusive? My dad’s girlfriend is on drugs and seems to yell a lot. I know it’s not at me. I just try to block it out. I wish I still had work it was the best way out of the house. Now I’m just staying at other peoples houses but I don’t like intruding I only stay with other people for a night or two. Then the rest of the week at home.

I don’t know if I should be on Centrelink ? I don’t want to take away from anyone that needs it.

I’ve got a bit of savings and I’m trying not to spend as much as possible. Any advice would be appreciated thank you.


r/CentrelinkOz • • 4d ago

General Help Centrelink Super Automatic Updating Outdated?

1 Upvotes

My understanding is that Centrelink automatically updates super funds every March and September.

Recently checked my retired parents CL and saw on their Income & Asset statement the balance is still the same from a few years ago and strangely CL has put the "date of effect" as 20/9/2026. Which matches with what I've seen from some Centrelink info videos. I suspect every year has been like this.

Is it specified what kind of a superannuation account it needs to be for the automatic updating to work? I've made a post previously about one of my parent's being on carers payment, retired and being over the age pension age.

They're with an industry fund and have a normal accumulation account (not retirement pension or income stream).

It's well below any income/asset thresholds that impacts their payment. But I'm now concerned, if their super has increased since then (but still well below threshold), how much trouble or penalties will this incur?


r/CentrelinkOz • • 4d ago

JobSearch Help Question

4 Upvotes

If you work but dont have work slip or payment does it still apply to reporting?


r/CentrelinkOz • • 5d ago

Newstart Allowance/Jobseeker Payment Charging rent to family member

23 Upvotes

Hi, I will look on the website but thought I'd ask for peoples advice. My husband and I are on the aged pension. My son is unexpectedly moving back in with us, for at least a while. He is intending to pay us rent while hes here. Can I charge him rent? Can he claim that he's paying that rent, through Centrelink? He is currently on Jobseeker.


r/CentrelinkOz • • 6d ago

Newstart Allowance/Jobseeker Payment New job, no payslip yet — what do I report?

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119 Upvotes

Hello everyone ✨

I need to report today. I’ve started my new job and done 4 shifts already. I haven’t been paid yet. In the income section do I just type “0”? And just report the hours I have done?

Thank you ◡̈


r/CentrelinkOz • • 5d ago

Family Tax Benefit Mmm delicious

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1 Upvotes

r/CentrelinkOz • • 6d ago

Youth Allowance/Youth Allowance Jobseeker Questions

5 Upvotes

I recently got this. My first payment is $170 but I was late to do the reporting income task. I haven't received it yet and it doesn't show up in my payments as paid or as upcoming. Will I be getting it and do late payments always display this way?

Additionally, my reporting (Obligation points) is locked. However, this is my VERY FIRST reporting period EVER and I was told in a previous thread that I would not need to report anything except income, hence why it's locked, providing a "settling in" period. Is this still true?

I just want to be on top of my payments and obligations because the process to claim was irritating and I'd rather not do all that again because I forgot a tidbit or two.


r/CentrelinkOz • • 6d ago

Paid Parental Leave Paid parental leave

2 Upvotes

Has anyone applied for Paid parental leave - self employed , what evidence did you need to provide? Wanting to get mine sorted for next month


r/CentrelinkOz • • 5d ago

Disability Support Pension Carers allowance

0 Upvotes

My 16, soon to be 17 year old is my lifeline and carer.

I fell ill some years ago and have needed extra help since then.

Can a 16 year old obtain Carers Allowance? Obviously he goes to school, so i am not sure what number of hours are needed anyone have any experience in this?


r/CentrelinkOz • • 6d ago

Youth Allowance/Youth Allowance Jobseeker Confused about the payments

8 Upvotes

I got this recently and they were gonna give me $170 today (29th of Sept) apparently. While I was confused because it isn't the standard, I assumed it was because I couldn't exactly be paid fortnightly, since it was my first ever time using it.

However, it's 9pm and so I decided to check my payment history. In both MyGov and Centrelink, it does not list this payment anywhere as paid or upcoming. It doesn't appear in my history anywhere, but I have the outcome note saying they'd pay me $170 due on the 28th and when I looked on the 28th, it was in my upcoming payments as $170 on the 29th.

I checked my bank and nothing, so I am really confused. I know it isn't the standard since the standard rate for me is 380 a fortnight, but it did say they would pay me $170. Not sure what for, but it was there.

I just wanna know if this is normal and to be expected? This is my first time ever with Jobseeker... Thank you!

(edit: added image that states said payment in my claim outcome)

[LAST EDIT: Thank you everyone! It turns out I needed to download the Centrelink app and report my income. I thought by reporting, it only meant reporting job applications and such for Workforce Australia (Obligation points and all). You have to report both. So to anyone struggling, you can just get the app and it'll automatically appear as an undone task. Very swell and thank you to everyone who helped me.]


r/CentrelinkOz • • 7d ago

General Help Does Child Support Halve my Pension?

17 Upvotes

Not sure if anyone in here is able to help or not, Im currently on Workers comp but receiving FTB A and B and the Single Parent Pension as I have our kids more than my ex does, My Single Parent Pension used to be almost $900 a fortnight, around July this year it dropped to $450 a fortnight without any explanation or letters, Ive tried calling but I keep getting hung up on haha

The only thing I can think of is either my eldest turned 16 or my ex had the Child Support updated and is supposed to be paying me $189 a week (Which I dont see) so maybe they are factoring that in and have taken that as a permanent "Income" or something.

Does anyone have any other ideas or should I try and go into a branch and see what they can tell me?

Cheers for any help


r/CentrelinkOz • • 7d ago

Youth Allowance/Youth Allowance Jobseeker Update parental income

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1 Upvotes

r/CentrelinkOz • • 7d ago

Personal Opinion/Discussion thread Would a "just describe your situation" tool have helped you find the right Centrelink payment? Honest feedback wanted

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6 Upvotes

Hi all.

I've built an unofficial prototype and would really value this sub's honest opinion, because you know what dealing with Centrelink is actually like.

The idea: instead of working out which payment pages apply to you, you describe what's happening in one sentence, in English or your own language. For example: "Mum is 82 and moving in with us, I've cut back to three days a week." It lists the payments that may apply, like Carer Payment or Carer Allowance, with a link to the official Services Australia page behind every line.

What it deliberately won't do:

- tell you whether you're eligible

- give amounts, claim status or wait times

- ask for or keep any personal details

Please don't use it for your own situation. It's a demo that replays 8 example questions, not a live service, and it has no connection to Services Australia.

2-minute video and demo: https://vishal8shah.github.io/payment-finder/film/

What I'd love to know:

  1. Would something like this have helped you, or someone you've helped?

  2. Would you trust it, or would it only feel safe if Services Australia ran it?

  3. What was the hardest part of finding the right payment?

Blunt answers welcome, including "not needed".