This is a brief and general recount of some of the services that Centrelink can provide. All information is correct at the time of printing.

Centrelink is a nationally based Government organisation that offers Australian residents a wide range of services and payments to help them reach their full capability.

With a range of employment and referral services, Centrelink encourages people who can work, to improve their chances of finding a job and become more self-reliant. This can mean taking up community work, studying or training to build up your work skills. ("Options for your Future - Mutual Obligation". Centrelink brochure)

All personal information that you give to Centrelink is protected by the Privacy Act of 1988. This information can only be used in accordance with this Act. Centrelink will tell you at the time of your registration who they can release your personal information to. Job Network Members cannot pass on any information without your prior consent.

Intensive Support

Intensive Support is assistance that is given when you have not found work after three months of registering with Centrelink and a Job Network Member.

The Job Network Member will give you regular, specialised one-on-one help until you gain employment. This help may include:

• Resume writing
• Learning interview skills
• Confidence building, or
• Discovering new career choices.

Customized Assistance is similar to Intensive Support however; the level of support given is far more intense.

These activities continue even while you participate in your 6 month Mutual Obligation requirements.

Job Seeker Identification Number

Job seeker ID numbers are issued to you when you first register at Centrelink for unemployment assistance. This number is your personal identification number for all your job seeking efforts.

This allows Job Network Members nationwide to have access to your previous Job Search Activities when you register with them.

Newstart Allowance

To claim and qualify for Newstart Allowance, you need to be an Australian Resident - which means you live in Australia permanently.

You need to provide proof of identity, including information on your residence, income and assets. An Employment Separation Certificate is also needed from your last employer if you have worked in the last 12 months.

Centrelink will let you know by letter what the outcome of your Newstart claim is. If you are eligible, the letter will tell you when your payment starts and how much you will recieve. Payments are made on the same day each fortnight. Early payments and Advance payments are also available. Contact your nearest Centrelink office for details on 13 2850.

The amount of money you will receive will depend on the outcome of your income and assets test that is completed when you first apply for benefits.

* Payment rates effective from 20 March 2004 .

(Correct at time of printing - July 2004. Please phone Centrelink or visit for exact payments)

You must let Centrelink know if you are planning to, or already have moved residence. Your payment may be affected if you move to another area where you have less chance of finding work. This may also apply even if you are not currently getting a payment but move before you claim.

Youth Allowance

Youth Allowance is available for those:

• aged between 16 and 24 who are studying full-time
• aged between16 and 20 and looking for full-time work, or
• aged 25 and studying full-time if you were getting Youth Allowance immediately before turning 25, and are an Australian resident.

If you are recieving Youth Allowance and are not studying, you must prove to Centrelink that you are actively looking for work by meeting the requirements set out by an Activity Test.

Getting a Decision Reviewed

If you believe that there has been a wrong decision made, you have the right to ask for it to be reviewed. Reviewing a decision doesn't cost you any money at all. Contact Centrelink or the Family Assistance Office as soon as possible, because if the outcome of the decision is changed, you may be eligible for back pay. Also, getting the decision reviewed quickly is important as there is a certain time limit on decision reviewal. For more information call 13 1021.

Useful Telephone Numbers

For more information or to make an appointment    13.1202

• 13 1021
• For information in languages other than English
• Looking for work 13 2850 (21 and over)
• 13 2490 (under 21)
• Youth Allowance 132490
• Report a Fraud 13 7230

These Web-pages contain only a small and brief selection of the services that Centrelink can provide for Jobseekers. The writers hope that you will find some information on this Web-page that helps you in your efforts to find new employment. For more detailed and up-to-date information, visit www.centrelink.gov.au . Good Luck.