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.

Leveraging DSP Help – Addressing Centrelink Debts

This month we’d like to introduce a new SSRV project! In March last year we finished up our DSP Help Project where we were using human-centred design and technology to help people make better applications and appeals for the Disability Support Pension. You may be familiar with the website already: dsphelp.org.au

This month we’ve kicked off a follow up. We’ll be using everything we learned from DSP Help to compliment the other major part of SSRV’s work, Centrelink debts and overpayments.

We’re currently in the initial and planning stages of the project. As we progress, we’ll have more information to circulate, particularly about consultation and how you can have input into the design process. If you already know you’d like to be involved – or just want to chat about the project generally – please reach out! You can call our general enquiries line below and ask for Veronica who will be leading the project or send us an email.

FCVic Training Session – Family violence and social security

In June this year we’ll be running another session through the FCVic training program. This session will be focussing on the intersection between family violence and social security, and the most common issues that come up when interacting with Centrelink for people have who experienced family and domestic violence. We’re happy to note that our Family Violence Project Lawyer Kristen Densley will be co presenting this session with Eloise.

Registrations are via the FCVic Training Calendar, and we hope to see you there!

Farewell and Good Luck

We would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the recent news that Sandy Ross and Georgia Robenstone will be leaving FCVic. Sandy and Georgia have both very generously contributed their time and expertise in guiding our Integrated Services Project forward, as well as being wonderful supporters of SSRV generally. It has been an absolute pleasure working with both, and the ISP Team/SSRV wishes them luck for the exciting opportunities they’re now pursuing.