Centrelink Payments Can Help You through Unemployment

If you have just lost your job, you are certainly under a lot of stress and worried about your future. It is important that you realize that there are programs available through the government that are designed to help you during this difficult time. With the help of these added benefits and support services, you will be able to maintain your home and find a new job.

Below is some information to help you find the resources you need.

Apply for Benefits
Your first step when losing a job is that you apply for Centrelink payments offered through the Department of Human Resources. Depending on your specific situation, you may have a waiting period before your benefits will begin, but it is still important that you apply as soon as you lose your job. You can apply online or go to one of the 300 Centrelink Service Centres located across the country.

You may have to submit certain paperwork and have a face-to-face meeting with a case manager. The Centrelink office will work to determine what benefits you are eligible for, which could include Newstart Allowance, Clean Energy Supplements, Health Care Card, Income Support Bonus, and Rent Assistance. Once you are found eligible, you will start to receive payments every fortnight. You can expect to receive between $501 and $699.99 per fortnight for your Newstart Allowance.

Contact Debtors
If you have fallen behind on some of your bills due to your unemployment, your best plan of action is to contact your debtors and explain your situation. Many companies have a hardship office that will work with you to come up with a payment plan that will work for your specific situation. You may even be able to receive reduces payments or additional help. You can also choose to have some of your bills paid directly out of your Centrelink payments through the Centrepay services.

Job Search
Once you start receiving Newstart Allowance benefits, you will be expected to actively start looking for another job. You will work with a caseworker to develop an Employment Pathway Plan that details certain steps you will take to find a new job. The government also offer a variety of support services to help you with your job search. There are various Job Seeker Workshops held across the country that can be attended by anyone receiving Newstart Allowance benefits. The government also operates an online JobSearch site that works to connects employers with those looking for jobs.

While you are out of work, you may also be eligible for help with childcare care payments through the Job, Education and Training Child Care Fee Assistance (JETCCFA) program. This will give you time to look for a job and go to interviews without having to worry about finding someone to watch your children. If you are having a lot of trouble finding a job, you may also be qualified for help through the Local Connection to Work program (LCW). This program is designed for people who have been unemployed on a long-term basis, and helps to remove any barriers that may be preventing them from being able to work.

The most important thing to do if you become unemployed is not to panic. It can be an extremely stressful time, but there is a lot of help available if you know where to look. Your first stop should be at the Centrelink Service Centre, either online or in person, and learn more about what type of benefits and services you will be eligible for during your unemployment. Once you finances are taking care of, it will be easier to apply for jobs.

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