Challenging Centrelink decisions

11th Oct 2011

5 comments

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Terry doesn’t think the ruling he has received from Centrelink on his claim for payment is justified. He would like to know what course of action is available to him to challenge such a decision?

Q. Terry

I have received a recent refusal from Centrelink to pay my claim for the Age Pension. I am certain that I meet the eligibility criteria for at least a part Age Pension. How do I have this decision reviewed?

A. Terry, If you have received a decision from Centrelink which you feel has been given incorrectly, or not been investigated thoroughly, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed. If this fails to satisfy, then you can direct your complaint or concern to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. For details on how to submit your complaint to the ombudsman, visit Ombudsman.gov.au. http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/

robnlee
11th Oct 2011
4:53pm

People need to realise that ALL Government agencies are about limiting payouts. Centrelink is no exception - if they can reduce an individual's entitlement, claw back some funds, put more into Julia's pocket, they will do whatever.
I have proof that the Work Bonus is now being used to reduce individual's pension.
This is scandalous. People may not have worked for YEARS. Now, Centrelink are deeming the Work Bonus allocation is an asset, applying some form of arbitrary value, and using that to rip off the pension.
The Government should be ashamed.

Allieannie
11th Oct 2011
5:38pm

Hey Robnlee, This has nothing to do with 'put more into Julia's pocket'..this has to do with being sure that the people who NEED Centrelink payments receive what they require. There is nothing that says 'all people have a RIGHT to Centrelink payments'. It suppose to be a 'safety net' for the poorer and those who have no other means. Social security is just that. We all pay taxes, (now the GST is in place..) so just 'working for years' does not mean you have a right to Centrelink payments. Please be more compassionate to the needy.

gerberry1
11th Oct 2011
6:06pm

Hi Terry, contact the boss directly- hank@centrelink.gov.au - Hank is the BIG Boss there and I have contacted him in the past for a friend of mine, he got us in touch with the right person at Centrelink and resolved it well for us. Give it a try. He replies himself, he doesn't leave it to others to reply on his behalf. He will put you in touch with the right people to go through it all with you so you can see why or why not they have come to their conclusion
Betty

sceadugenga
11th Oct 2011
8:31pm

The appeal process at Centrelink is a bit more complex than Review....Ombudsman.
If the review (before the Administrative Review Officer) fails, which it usually does, then the next step is the Social Security Appeals Tribunal. (SSAT).
This is followed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), then the Ombudsman.
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/legal/review_appeal.htm

MAC22
12th Oct 2011
5:24pm

Terry and others, please be aware that you can appeal decisions made by Centrelink staff for up to three times, as each appeal goes to a different person to assess your case and the decision previously made. I have done this and was successful. MAC32

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