Centrelink (Department of Human Services)

Centrelink are responsible for the development of service delivery policy and provide access to social, health and other payments and services. On 26 October 2004, Centrelink was created as part of the Finance and Administration portfolio. The Human Services Legislation Amendment Act 2011 integrated Medicare Australia and Centrelink into the Department of Human Services on 1 July 2011.

Crisis payments and rent assistance

If you are in severe financial hardship, have just come out of prison or are recently homeless, or have just arrived in Australia, you may be entitled to a crisis payment to assist you to find accommodation. Some people are also entitled to ongoing rent assistance.