Would i be entitled to a Centerlink payment?

[Alex]

Ok so i have left school with my HSC. Many of my friends bludge off Centerlink and have never worked and get a lot of money, i have worked every day since i left school and am now 19 but i need some help with my rent and bills. I'm living by myself and have to pay everything and the income isn't that great so my friends suggested Centerlink. So when i rang Centerlink and filled out a form they said i'm not entitled because my parents earn to much. So can i be entitled for rent assistance or is there any chance i can get some kind of payment, the people that don't bludge and need help must be able to get some kind of money wouldn't they?

[Scott]

Hi Alex

I’m Scott and I work for the Department of Human Services in a team that responds to questions about Centrelink payments and services on social media sites.

Based on the information you have provided, it doesn’t sound like you’re eligible for any Centrelink payments, and Rent Assistance is only available to people who are receiving Centrelink payments.

There’s a rate estimator on our website that you can use to help find out whether you’re eligible for any Centrelink payments. You can find it here: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/estimators

If you find that you might be eligible for Centrelink payments, you can apply online with Online Services. Find out more information about Online Services, at http://www.humanservices.gov.au/centrelinkonline

We have a Financial Information Service available to all Australians. You might be interested in checking that out. You can find all the details on our website, at http://www.humanservices.gov.au/fis

Hope this helps.