missusing centrelink payments?

[DotDotDot]

i have a friend that is on centrelink and uses the money for electronics and home entertainment, they have no job and arnt looking for one is this considered as a serious crime for instance fraud?

[braverain527]

I will preface this answer by saying I'm NOT a Centrelink official or have any training in this field, just personal experience.

Centrelink cannot tell you how to spend your money–unless you're getting food staps, of course. If you have enough money left over from food, rent and utilities (which on most payments is difficult), you can spend it on whatever you want.

If your friend has been completely honest about his income, his savings and is complying with what Centrelink has decided he should do, then there is no crime involved. However, if he is being less than truthful about income and savings and he is not complying with the plan they have set for him, then he is guilty of social security fraud.

Just spending your money on silly things is just that: silly. But he may be saving every penny and going without to fulfill his interest. Or he may be lying about how much money he actually has. It's not your problem, either way.

[Scott]

Hi there!

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.

There’s information on our website about what Centrelink fraud involves and how you can report it: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/fraud

It’s in your friend’s best interest to make sure their income and assets details are up-to-date with Centrelink. This will ensure they receive what they’re entitled to.

Hope this helps!

[dakky]

They can use the money any way they like. Which sucks for the kids whose parents spend it on drugs and alcohol instead of food and clothing, etc.