Benefits help for Mum + 3 children returning to UK

AnxiousMum

Think it's all mixed up just to quoting not being done right ONW

AnxiousMum

Hey DownunderDolphin

I did get in touch with my sister - forgot she got her social work degree a couple of years ago, but has many years experience with Centrelink prior to that. This is the information she has told me to pass on to you Hope it's helpful!

sounds quite complex and I'm not really up with Centrelink these days but they will need proof of the overseas assets/income. If her husband is not providing info to Centrelink another way she can do it might be to show Centrelink her last tax return showing what income/expenses are associated with the overseas property and a rates notice/evaluation notice to show them what the current market value is. She has to do this for the assets test. Re child support Centrelink will insist that she claim for it and she can lodge a calin with the Child Support agency. Usually to be eligible for beneffits you have to have 2 years permanent residence but since the event (separation) took place in Australia she may be eligible. There is a reciprocal agreement for family payment (Family Tax Benefit) so she should be getting that. I would tell her to make an appointment with the social worker at her local Cenrelink office and get them to help her sort it out.

Not alot of help there I know, but at least it's not purely black and white when it comes to the two year residency - PLUS one of your children is an australian citizen by birth