Wednesday 9 August 2023, 2 - 4pm AEDT  Register here

Want to gain a better understanding of the Disability Support Pension (DSP)?

In this session we’ll explain 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. Speakers will cover manifest eligibility, Impairment Tables, Programs of Support, and job assessment capacity. They’ll also explain temporary exemptions from mutual obligations to look for work for those struggling to gain access to DSP.

The session will cover important points about obtaining the right medical evidence, including who can be considered a medical expert, and give directions about the content of letters and necessary forms. Finally, the session will 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, and lawyers⠀

Tuesday 26 September 2023, 2pm - 4pm AEDT Register here

Want to know more about Centrelink payments for young people?

This session will outline key issues determining young people’s access to Centrelink payments while studying, with a focus on JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Abstudy, Austudy and Youth Disability Supplement. ⠀

Speakers 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 will include information about Centrelink payments for young people in crisis, and will explain how young people needing further support may access a Centrelink Social Worker. Speakers will also cover what young people 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⠀
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Tuesday 17 October 2023, 2 - 4pm AEDT Register here.

Want to know more about access to Centrelink for Migrants and other Newly Arrived Residents?

Australia's social security system has strict residency criteria. Payments are usually available only to Australian 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.

This session will take participants through a checklist to assess a client’s eligibility. It will cover key issues including residency criteria, waiting periods, Special Benefit, domestic and family violence, the impact of overseas assets and income, and a whole lot more.⠀⠀

Speakers will explain the specific circumstances that may enable access to Special Benefit or other payments, and address the possible extension of the Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period rules.

Target audience: Community workers and volunteers, social workers and lawyers

Tuesday 14 November 2023, 2 - 4pm AEDT Register here.

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.

This free session will cover the qualification and eligibility requirements associated with each payment, including rules about levels of care and frequency of respite. We’ll outline the Centrelink assessment tools used and the type of medical evidence needed. We’ll also address the relevant residency rules, income and assets tests, and other factors that may affect each payment.

Finally, the session will include information about support services within Centrelink, particularly the role of Centrelink social workers, and outline what to do if your claim is rejected, including where to go for help

Target audience: Community workers and volunteers, social workers and lawyers