Dealing with Work and Income
Benefits and other income support
What this chapter covers
- Overview of the benefit system
The main types of income support and the main legislation - Applying and qualifying for benefits
How you go about applying for income support, what information you’ll need to provide, and when your benefit will start – this section also explains general requirements and issues that apply across most benefits, like how Work and Income decides whether or not you’re single - Types of main benefits
The main benefits available (like JobSeeker Support or Sole Parent Support) – this section also explains the key requirements for each benefit or payment - Getting ongoing extra help
Information on extra payments you may be entitled to (like Disability Allowance, Childcare assistance and the Accommodation Supplement) - One-off payments for immediate and essential needs
Hardship assistance payments for immediate needs and essentials (like Recoverable Assistance, Special Needs Grants and Temporary Additional Support) - Trouble with Work and Income: Penalties, investigations and overpayments
How your benefit can be reduced or cancelled if you don’t always meet the requirements, what can happen if you’re accused of getting payments you weren’t entitled to, and how Work and Income will recover any amount that they overpay you - Challenging Work and Income decisions: Reviews and appeals
How you can challenge a Work and Income decision and who will review the decision - Where to go for more support
Other information and resources
