The partnership between FCVic and Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV), the Integrated Services Project (ISP), aims to improve client outcomes through financial counsellors and social security lawyers working together more effectively.
Disaster Recovery Payments
We have recently updated our Disaster Recovery Payment and Allowance factsheets and they are on our website in three parts: General information, Information for survivors of the 2021 floods and Information for survivors of the 2019-20 bushfires.
We’d love to pick your brain
We have noticed through our casework and anecdotally a number of clients, generally migrant women, who have been stung with large Centrelink debts relating to Family Day Care Educator work. We are investigating whether there is a systemic issue that needs further attention from the sector.
We would appreciate if you could let us know about your experiences relating to clients who have been FDC workers – even just a few thoughts would be fine. Please let us know about your experiences – you can write to me on [email protected].
CPD
If you have any requests for CPD sessions, you can contact us on [email protected].
SSRV postcards
We currently have postcards for the Integrated Services and DSP Help projects available as well as our Worker Help Line and General Advice Line. If any of these would be helpful to have around your office let us know and we can get some to you once the lockdown ends.
Advice lines
Financial counsellors are invited to call the SSRV Worker Help Line on 03 9481 0655 (0429 450 346 during COVID-19 remote servicing) for information and support in assisting clients with Centrelink matters and to make referrals to SSRV. The Worker Help Line operates 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.
Individuals can be referred the SSRV General Advice Line on 03 9481 0355 (0419 793 652 during COVID-19 remote servicing), which operates 9.30am to 12.30pm, Monday to Thursday.
These are the primary pathways for intake and assessment for further legal casework and representation services.