Our training sessions aim to increase your capacity to support clients to navigate the social security system, access correct payments and appeal incorrect or unfair Centrelink debts ... and they're free! Training sessions are run on Teams and are open to all. Presented by a WRC Solicitor, they include case studies and time for questions. We've trained thousands of community workers. Why not join us for one or more of our upcoming sessions?
You can watch our most recent training session videos here.
2026-27 Webinar Program
Need to know more about access to Centrelink for migrants, refugees and other newly arrived residents?
This free online workshop will focus on providing practical skills to community workers who are supporting migrant and refugee women and families, particularly those at risk of homelessness and /or experiencing domestic and family violence.
We'll look at eligibility checklists and issues including residency criteria, waiting periods, Special Benefit, domestic and family violence, the impact of overseas assets and income, and a whole lot more.⠀
Australia's social security system has strict residency criteria. Payments are usually available only to Australian permanent residents, with most migrants subject to a Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period (NARWP) or other qualifying residency period. People from New Zealand who have lived in Australia for many years can be particularly harshly affected.
We explain the specific circumstances that may enable exemptions from the Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period rules.
Target audience: Community workers and volunteers, social workers and lawyers working with migrant and refugee families.
Want to gain a better understanding of Centrelink payments for seniors?
Nearly two-thirds of Australians post-retirement age rely on government assistance as their main source of income.
This free online session will outline Centrelink payments and services available to people who are retired, planning for retirement, or wanting to keep working after reaching Age Pension age. It will cover common payments including Age Pension, Carer Payment, Carer Allowance and Bereavement Allowance, and special provisions for older people on JobSeeker.⠀
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We will dive into issues associated with residency, member of a couple rules, and incomes and assets, including the implications of temporarily leaving a principal home, selling a principal home or one or both members of a couple moving into residential care. ⠀
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Target audience: Community workers and volunteers, aged-care workers, social workers and lawyers
Want to know more about Centrelink payments for students?
This free online session outlines key issues determining access to Centrelink payments while studying, with a focus on JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, Austudy and Youth Disability Supplement.
We will cover the concepts of dependence/independence for people aged 21 or younger; study requirements including approved courses, approved education providers, and study load; and the way work rules and income from work can affect payments.
The session includes information about Centrelink payments for students in crisis, and explains how those needing further support may access a Centrelink social worker. You will also learn what students can do if a claim is rejected, payment is stopped, or a debt is raised.
Target audience: Community workers and volunteers, youth workers, social workers and lawyers
Watch our most recent Students and Centrelink community worker training webinar recording.
Want to gain a better understanding of the Disability Support Pension?
Our free webinar explains the complex DSP rules that determine eligibility by working through the multi-layered assessment process, including eligibility criteria, evidence requirements, and key steps in the claim process. We will cover manifest eligibility, Impairment Tables, Programs of Support and job assessment capacity. We will also explain temporary exemptions from mutual obligations to look for work for those struggling to gain access to DSP.
This session covers important points about obtaining the right medical evidence, including who can be considered a medical expert, and gives direction about the content of letters and necessary forms. We also outline what to do if your claim is rejected, including where to go for help.
Target audience: Community workers and volunteers, disability advocates, social workers, community/social work students, intake staff and lawyers
You can watch this recent session (3 July 25) on our Training videos page
Want to gain a better understanding of Centrelink payments for people who are caring for others who are frail, ill, injured or have a disability?
There are a number of different Centrelink payments intended for people who have taken on a caring role. These include Carer Payment, Carer Allowance and Child Disability Assistance Payment.
Our free webinar covers the qualification and eligibility requirements associated with each payment, including rules about levels of care and frequency of respite.
We outline the Centrelink assessment tools used and the type of medical evidence needed. We also address the relevant residency rules, income and assets tests, and other factors that may affect each payment.
Finally, our session includes information about support services within Centrelink, particularly the role of Centrelink social workers, and what to do if your claim is rejected- including where to go for help.
Target audience: Community workers and volunteers, social workers and lawyers
Want to better understand how domestic and family violence can affect Centrelink payments and services?
This free online session outlines income support available to victims and survivors of domestic and family violence, including Parenting Payment, JobSeeker Payment, Crisis Payment and Special Benefit.
We cover how to establish entitlement to payment, timeframes for claiming, residential qualifications, and presumptions of shared income under the Member of a Couple rule. ⠀
We tackle issues associated with demonstrating care of children and removal of children by perpetrators-which can impact both qualification and rate of payment. We also explain application of special circumstances in relation to debts.⠀
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This session includes information about support services within Centrelink, particularly about how victims of violence can access a Centrelink Social Worker to obtain additional support navigating the Centrelink process.⠀
Target audience: Community workers and social workers who assist victims and survivors of domestic violence⠀
Watch our most recent Domestic & Family Violence and Centrelink community worker training webinar recording.
Want to gain a better understanding of Centrelink payments for people who have children?
This free online session will outline Centrelink payments targeting families with children, including Parenting Payment, Family Tax Benefit, Parental Leave Pay, Dad and Partner Pay, Carer Payment and Child Care Subsidy.
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We address eligibility requirements, income and assets tests, mutual obligations relating to work, and the way that the number and age of children affects different payments.
The webinar explains how relationship status (single/partnered) affects payment, and outlines Centrelink payments intended to support people trying to escaping domestic violence.
We also address how issues related to separation can have a major impact on social security payments, particularly child support and the amount of time a child is in the care of each parent.⠀⠀
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Learn how to access a Centrelink Social Worker, and how to proceed if a claim is rejected, payment is stopped, or a debt is raised.⠀⠀
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Target audience: Community workers and volunteers, social workers and lawyers
Our Community Worker Training program is generously supported by the Ecstra Foundation - a not for profit organisation dedicated to building the financial wellbeing of all Australians.