Welfare, Employment and Housing

During these uncertain times where job and housing security may be impacted by COVID-19 (coronavirus), make sure you are aware of what rights and entitlements you are eligible for:

Welfare Benefits

Most CentrelinkMedicare and Child Support business can be accessed online via the Express Pluss apps or using phone self-service. To find more self service options, please visit Services Australia by clicking here. For more information you can:

  • Call 131 202 to speak with Centrelink in yourlanguage about Centrelink payments and services
  • Go to servicesaustralia.gov.au/yourlanguage where they can read, listen to or watch information in their language

To see what government support is available to you, please visit the following online pages:

Welfare Rights Centre

Legal advice on Centrelink and social security issues over the phone.


Self-help resources

Created by Economic Justice Australia, click here for an easy fact sheet to see what support you can get from Centrelink.


Employment

Information and services related to employment if you are in need of support due to reduced hours, stand-downs, and/or redundancies. 

Jobs Hub

The Government has launched a new Jobs Hub to help Australians find work during the Coronavirus pandemic, advertising the latest vacancies from businesses across Australia. 

Fair work

Understand your rights and responsibilities at work during the impact of coronavirus.


Jobkeeper

The Government has passed legislation for the $130 billion JobKeeper Payment to keep more Australians in jobs and support businesses affected by the Coronavirus.

Higher education Relief Package

A new Higher Education Relief Package will support workers who have been displaced as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and who are looking to upskill or retrain.

 
Housing

Information and services related to housing if you are in need of assistance due to COVID-19. 

Managing your rent

There are many services that can help you manage your rent, including Rent assistance, the Rent Deduction Scheme and Centrepay.

Homelessness Australia

Homelessness Australia can help you if you're homeless, or at risk of being homeless. They can give you information about services that can help you.

NSW Renters' Guide to COVID-19

The Tenants' Union of NSW is regularly updating our Renters' Guide to COVID-19. The Guide covers common questions about renting and Coronavirus COVID-19 in NSW.


Local Council Services

To check what services your council is still providing, please click on the following directories to find your local council website for updates 

 

Back to COVID-19 Resource Hub