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Centrelink & veterans’ affairs

Centrelink is a national agency that delivers services and social security payments on behalf of a number of government departments.

Centrelink payments include:

  • age and disability pensions
  • family tax benefits
  • Parenting Payment
  • Newstart Allowance (for unemployed people)
  • Austudy (for students)
  • Youth Allowance.

The amount of payment you’re entitled to usually depends on whether you are single or in a ‘marriage-like’ relationship.

Changes to the law from 1 July 2009

From 1 July 2009 Centrelink recognises people in a same-sex relationship. This means that all couples will be assessed the same if they are in a de facto relationship, regardless of the sexual orientation or gender of a partner.

This may affect a person’s eligibility for a pension, allowance, family assistance or other social security payment. It will also affect whether a parent is eligible to pay or receive child support. See 'Child support & child maintenance' (link below).

If you get a Centrelink payment you are required to tell Centrelink if you are in a de facto relationship. It may affect the amount of payments that you get. If you do not let Centrelink know, you may have to repay any benefits you receive after 1 July 2009. 

Get legal advice

If you are contacted by Centrelink because you have been overpaid, to review your entitlements or about any other issue, it’s important to get legal advice before you make any statements or answer any questions.

The law related to Centrelink payments is complex, and it often changes. If you are unsure about your rights or entitlements, you should get independent advice from Victoria Legal Aid or the Welfare Rights Unit.

If you claim a Centrelink benefit you aren’t entitled to, or if you don’t inform Centrelink when something changes that may affect your payments, you may have to repay any money you were not entitled to. You could also be charged with social security fraud.

Legal assistance for war veterans

War veterans do not need to satisfy a means test to get a grant of legal assistance from Victoria Legal Aid to help with legal matters about a Commonwealth pension, benefit or allowance, including a pension, benefit or allowance relating to war veterans.

More information

Centrelink – frequently asked questions

Child support & child maintenance

Youth issues – Centrelink, allowances & payments

Related publications

Disagree with a Centrelink decision?

Related websites

Centrelink (new window)

How we can help

Call Victoria Legal Aid’s (VLA) Legal Information Service for free information over the phone about the law and how we can help you with your legal problem. You can speak to a legal information officer in English or ask for an interpreter. Phone (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers), Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.

VLA’s other free legal services include:

  • advice at VLA offices and other locations across Victoria
  • lawyers who are on ‘duty’ to help at many courts and tribunals.

For some matters we can provide you with a lawyer to help you run your case.

To find out more about any of our legal services see What we do.

Who else can help?

The Welfare Rights Unit provides assistance, including legal help, to people with social security problems. See the National Welfare Rights Network website (new window) for contact details and fact sheets about Centrelink and social security matters.

Your local community legal centre (CLC) can give you legal information and advice. Most CLC services are free. See the Community Law website (new window) for more information and CLC contact details.