Funding for independent social security information

The Australian Government will provide $65,000 to the Welfare Rights Centre in New South Wales to keep families, pensioners and other income support recipients informed of their rights and obligations when accessing government payments.

The new funding will help employ a researcher to update and edit the Online Independent Social Security Handbook and provide the information on the Welfare Rights Centre website.

The handbook provides independent, easy to understand information on eligibility criteria and income and assets tests used to determine government payments, as well as advice on review and appeal rights.

It also gives frontline community workers a simple, yet comprehensive guide on the main aspects of the social security system.

It is essential that individuals, families and pensioners are aware of their rights and obligations when accessing government payments to ensure the smooth and accurate delivery of their entitlements.

This handbook is an invaluable tool in keeping people informed on the often complex issues of social security and family assistance legislation.

The Welfare Rights Centre New South Wales is part of the National Welfare Rights Network, which delivers free and independent information, advice, and representation about social security law and its administration to clients across the country.