Legal help about Social Security
Who we are
Legal Aid NSW can give you free legal help if you have a Centrelink problem.
Who we help
We can help people on social security or family assistance payments who have a Centrelink problem.
How we can help
Advice and Assistance
We can give you free independent advice about your Centrelink problems. We can tell you about your rights to social security and family assistance payments.
We may be able to help you 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.
Representation
If you’re not happy with a decision that Centrelink makes you can challenge the decision.
If you have appealed a Centrelink decision to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or the Federal Court we may be able to represent you if you are eligible for legal aid. We will prepare your case, obtain evidence and represent you at the hearing.
Education
We give talks for community groups and community workers on topics like:
- Centrelink debts and prosecutions;
- Disability Support Pension payments;
- Compensation issues;
- Relationships and Centrelink;
- Residence issues;
- Asset and income test issues.
Contact us
You must call us first to book an appointment. Call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 to find your closest Legal Aid office.
You can also make an appointment at one of our South West Sydney social security advice clinics.
If you have appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (General Division) you can make an appointment to see a Legal Aid lawyer at the Tribunal on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Contact the Tribunal on 1800 228 333 for an appointment.