Navigating Centrelink for People With Disability

Applying for financial assistance from Centrelink can be a complicated and time-consuming process. We’ve created a handy guide to help you navigate the system and make claiming your entitlements as simple and stress-free as possible.

Where do I start?

To start your application, you need to create a myGov account and link it to the Centrelink service. If you’ve never received Centrelink payments before you will need to get a Customer Reference Number (CRN) to link Centrelink to myGov and set up your Centrelink online account.

Once you receive your CRN, you need to login into myGov, and follow the prompts. You will be asked a series of questions and may need to provide bank details and other information. Once you have done this, you need to log back into myGov, select Centrelink, and make your claim.

If you don’t have a CRN you can request one via your myGov account or call Centrelink and ask them to help you set up an online account.

What am I eligible to claim?

There are a number of benefits that people with disability may be eligible to claim, Including:

• JobSeeker Payment – an income support payment for people aged 22 to pension age, who are looking for work. People who are sick or injured and can’t perform their usual duties may also be eligible to receive this payment.
• Disability Support Pension – a payment for people with a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working.
• Mobility Allowance – a payment for people with disability, illness, or injury who cannot use public transport without substantial assistance but are required to work, study, or search for employment.

People with disability who receive benefits from Centrelink may also be entitled to additional financial support to help manage the effects of the coronavirus (CVID-19). Here are some of the entitlements they may be eligible to receive:

• Coronavirus Supplement – the Coronavirus Supplement is a fortnightly $550 payment on top of your eligible income support payment. It will be automatically added to your income support payment if you are eligible.
• Economic Support Payment – if you are currently receiving the Disability Support Pension (DSP) you may also be eligible for the Economic Support Payment.
• Youth Allowance – financial assistance provided to youths aged under24 who are undertaking full-time study or an apprenticeship, or aged 16-21 looking for full time employment.
• Carers Payment – payment provided to individuals who give constant care to someone with a severe disability, illness or is elderly.
• Parenting Payment – payment provided to primary carers of children under eight years of age (single parents) or six years of age (for parents with a partner). Payment eligibility and amount is dependent on the carer and their partner’s income and assets.

What happens next?

Once you have registered with Centrelink, you may be required to meet with an employment service provider. It’s important to let Centrelink know if you have a disability, injury or illness as this will flag that you need a DES program over mainstream job active service. You don’t have to wait for your Centrelink claim to be processed to find a suitable DES provider, so do your research and connect with someone you like.

What is a DES Provider?

A DES provider is an organisation that delivers Disability Employment Services (DES) on behalf of the Australian Government. DES providers are experts at connecting people with disability to prospective employers and helping them become job ready. DES providers also work with employers to help them develop practices that support people with disability in the workplace.

AimBig has been providing employment support services to people with disability for over 20 years. We understand that everyone’s needs are different and take a personalised approach to help you find meaningful and sustainable employment that supports your needs now and into the future. For more information, phone us on 1300 034 997.