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.
Dermott Williams has completed important work concerning access to the Disability Support Pension & will join the ISP team. She, along with the rest of legal team at SSRV, continues to support this and the range of other services.
Regional Networks & CPD
Please do get in touch with any areas of interest, either in network meetings, or for specific CPD sessions. We’d like to be able to present at sessions with Centrelink topics that are important to you & your clients. Please contact Graeme Parsons directly ([email protected]), or through Georgia Robenstone (grobens[email protected]) at FCVic.
Restarting Centrelink Debt Activity
July 1st is fast approaching. Letters have been sent out by post or MyGov Inbox, but it’s worth asking whether clients have could have had payments on hold, in terms of pre-empting the shock in 3 months’ time.
Robodebt – Settlement Distribution Scheme
Payments under the Class Action settlement are not yet complete, but there is an update and a timeline looking towards the middle of the year for completion.
Keep in touch
SSRV is now producing a regular newsletter. If you aren’t receiving it already, you can subscribe by sending us a request with your name and preferred email address to [email protected].
If you have any requests for CPD sessions, you can contact us on [email protected].
Advice lines
Financial counsellors are invited to call the SSRV Worker Help Line on 03 9481 0655 (0429 450 346 during 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. We also accept referrals by email to [email protected].
Individuals can be referred to the SSRV Legal Assistance Line on 03 9481 0355 (0419 793 652 during remote servicing), which operates 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Thursday.