Hi, can someone please give me some advice about centrelink. My husband and I are having a.hard time because of his work, our relationship is suffering and I feel it's only a matter of days before he walks out on me and our 2 kids.. We are trying to work it out but at the moment I need to.focus on keepin me and the kids safe with a roof over our heads :-/ how can centrelink.help and what will I.have to.go through to get their help? I feel that we will get through this but I know he is.going to lose his.job or quit
2 Replies
There's parenting payment single or Newstart depending on the ages of the children (youngest needs to be less than 8 to get the higher payment). They normally ask for contact details of 2 people who know your situation to give statements to the effect that you have separated. Plus you can claim FTB A & B and rent assistance. As part of the claiming process you also need to claim child support (you will need to see a Centrelink social worker to claim an exemption). You can also claim while you're still living under the same roof but again you must see a social worker and the questions are quite invasive such as who sleeps where, if you eat meals together, when was the last time you were intimate, how the finances and household runs etc.
The one bit of advice I wish someone had told me when I separated was to go to a completely new bank and open a separate account in your name only for the purposes of claiming benefits. That way the other party won't have any access to the funds and it helps in establishing financial records in your own right.
I really recommend giving centrelink a call for these types of questions as you can get incorrect or different advice from here. They will know your individual situation and will be able to advice more accurately. Wishing you all the best! x