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Need help with a Centrelink problem?

You may want legal help if:

  • you have to pay back money to Centrelink
  • you can’t get a payment
  • you are getting the wrong amount
  • your payments have been stopped
  • you want to appeal a Centrelink decision, or
  • you are being investigated by Centrelink.

What we can do

We can give you legal advice and information about your Centrelink problem. We may also be able to:

  • ask Centrelink for a copy of your file so you know what information they used to make the decision
  • help you get Centrelink to look at the decision again
  • help you appeal against a Centrelink decision to an independent tribunal
  • represent you at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

Before you talk to us, make sure you have any letters Centrelink has sent you about the decision. 

Legal Aid NSW is separate from Centrelink.

Anything you tell us is confidential, unless the law says otherwise.

Legal Aid offices

You can call a Legal Aid NSW office to make an appointment with a lawyer. Legal Aid NSW offices that can help you:

What to bring to your appointment

You should bring any letters Centrelink has sent you about the decision.

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) provides free interpreters if you do not speak English. TIS can help you talk to us in your language. Call TIS on 131 450.

If you are hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us by calling the National Relay Service (NRS) on 133 677 or TTY 9219 5126.

This publication is intended as a general guide to the law. It should not be relied on as legal advice and it is recommended that you talk to a lawyer about your particular situation.

At the time of printing, the information shown is correct but may be subject to change.

If you need more help, contact LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.

Visit the Legal Aid NSW Social Security web page.

February 2015

Order a publication

You can order or download publications from this page. All Legal Aid NSW publications are FREE. If you have any questions regarding your order or require further assistance please email publications@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
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