Welfare Rights Centre NSW

Welfare Rights Centre NSW Our work transforms lives. Welfare Rights Centre is a community legal centre in NSW that specialises in social security and family assistance law.

We provide free legal advice and assistance to people who have a problem with Centrelink. The Welfare Rights Centre is a community legal centre. We specialise in social security law and its administration by Centrelink. All of our services are free. The Welfare Rights Centre provides legal advice on social security matters to residents of NSW. We have two telephone advice shifts per week from 9:30

am–1:00pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. You can call us on the following numbers:

Phone: (02) 9211 5300
Free call (outside Sydney): 1800 226 028

If you cannot call us during the advice shifts and would like to request a call, please complete the form on our website. Alternatively, if you are contacting the WRC about your Disability Support Pension claim and have an Authorised Review Officer’s (ARO) decision, please contact us on https://welfarerightscentre.org.au/our-work/legal-assistance/

If you live outside NSW, please contact your local centre. You can find your local centre through the National Social Security Rights Network: http://www.nssrn.org.au/

Improving access to Centrelink for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remains a key advocacy priority for WRC....
27/05/2026

Improving access to Centrelink for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remains a key advocacy priority for WRC.

Through our dedicated First Nations Access Program, and with a First Nations Access Officer working across both community engagement and legal casework, we provide culturally safe support, information and resources to First Nations clients navigating the social security system.

Our work is strengthened by close partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and guided by the CLCNSW Aboriginal Advisory Group.

Over the past year, we have piloted an outreach service with an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation in a remote community and delivered training to health and wellbeing teams to better support clients seeking access to Disability Support Pension.

We have also attended the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal on Aboriginal Tenants listing days to assist First Nations tenants whose housing matters are affected by Centrelink issues, including incorrect income assessments and problems with Rent Assistance.

Importantly, this work is not only about providing direct support.

As our relationships with communities deepen, so too does our understanding of the practical barriers, systemic gaps and everyday challenges First Nations people face when trying to access Centrelink.

These lived experiences inform WRC’s advocacy for long-term systemic change and a social security system that is more accessible, responsive and fair.

To support our First Nations Access program you can donate here: https://buff.ly/CD1lVUI

Visit our First Nations Hub: https://buff.ly/gBzKjYl

This National Reconciliation Week, we are All In for taking action to make change. Reconciliation is not a passive activ...
26/05/2026

This National Reconciliation Week, we are All In for taking action to make change. Reconciliation is not a passive activity and requires us all to advocate and commit to reconciliation every single day.
At Welfare Rights Centre, we recognise that sovereignty was never ceded. We stand in solidarity with First Nations peoples and reaffirm our commitment to truth-telling, justice and treaty.

Today, 26 May, marks National SORRY Day.We acknowledge the Stolen Generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander c...
25/05/2026

Today, 26 May, marks National SORRY Day.

We acknowledge the Stolen Generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families.

This year is the 29th anniversary of the Bringing Them Home Report, but as of last year only 6% of the report recommendations have been clearly implemented. We recognise that the injustice is not over and a commitment to further action is needed.

We stand in solidarity with First Nations peoples and call on Centrelink to facilitate full and equitable access to its programs.

High rates of initial Disability Support Pension claim rejections — combined with decision delays that can stretch for s...
25/05/2026

High rates of initial Disability Support Pension claim rejections — combined with decision delays that can stretch for six months or more — show why specialist legal support is so important.

Without the right advice, many people with disability are left for months without adequate income, forced to choose between essentials like housing, food and medication.

By providing tailored guidance and advocacy, WRC helps people navigate the DSP process, challenge incorrect decisions and access the support they are entitled to.

For this client, securing DSP has meant being able to afford daily medication and focus on their health and wellbeing.

For help making a DSP claim see our online fact sheet https://buff.ly/qTKZHjU

Your Year to Volunteer! What a wonderful week we've had celebrating volunteers, with morning and afternoon teas each day...
22/05/2026

Your Year to Volunteer!
What a wonderful week we've had celebrating volunteers, with morning and afternoon teas each day. It's been a great way to connect and share our experiences as both volunteers and staff, while getting to know more about each other.
One volunteer told us that coming to Welfare Rights Centre was the "highlight of his week".
Every week 20 volunteers join us to support people with Centrelink problems. We rely on their generosity, and in return provide the opportunity to learn new skills, build professional networks and begin to engage in the practice of law.
Thank you again to all the volunteers who have supported us over the past 40 years. 1000's of volunteers! Big thanks to Amelia, our Admin officer for coordinating all the lovely treats we've enjoyed this week!

Our Disability Support Pension (DSP) Clinic provides expert assistance to people living with illness, injury or disabili...
21/05/2026

Our Disability Support Pension (DSP) Clinic provides expert assistance to people living with illness, injury or disability who are seeking income support. Many clients approach us after having their DSP claims rejected – often without clear explanation – leaving them financially vulnerable and, in some cases, dependent on the JobSeeker Payment under challenging mutual obligations.

In the past year, 69 clients accessed our DSP Clinic. We supported them by:
• Reviewing medical documents and providing detailed letters of advice.
• Gathering and preparing medical evidence for applications and appeals.
• Advising healthcare professionals on Centrelink’s evidentiary requirements.
• Advocating on clients’ behalf to Centrelink and representing them at the Administrative Review Tribunal.

Our help ensures that clients can transition from unsuitable payments to the DSP. This support not only reduces financial strain but also helps clients focus on their health, wellbeing, and independence. Thanks to our pro bono relationship with Hall & Wilcox we are able to continue to provide this support.

This online workshop is for community workers supporting migrants, refugees, and women and families at risk of or experi...
20/05/2026

This online workshop is for community workers supporting migrants, refugees, and women and families at risk of or experiencing family and domestic violence or at risk of homelessness who need assistance navigating Centrelink.

Join us to build your knowledge and confidence in identifying Centrelink issues, understanding payment entitlements, and supporting clients facing social security problems.

23 June 2026, 2:00 - 4:00pm AEST
Register: https://buff.ly/4RFAP43

Behind every strong organisation is a group of people helping to steer it with care, experience and vision.WRC is fortun...
19/05/2026

Behind every strong organisation is a group of people helping to steer it with care, experience and vision.

WRC is fortunate to be guided by an extraordinary volunteer Board whose members give their time, expertise and commitment to ensure our organisation remains sustainable, strategic and responsive to the communities we serve.

Darren Dick PSM, Wendy Field, Andrew Howell, Yvonne Weldon, Thom Calma, Renee Martin, Emily Shen, Claire Thurstans, Maxine Sharkey and Rita Martin each play an important role in shaping our future — providing governance oversight, managing risk, building strategic partnerships and helping WRC continue to grow from strength to strength.

Many of our Board members also share a long and meaningful connection with WRC, bringing not only professional knowledge but a deep belief in the importance of social security justice.

We are deeply grateful for their leadership and service.

Learn more about our Board here https://buff.ly/BLmsYlj

A new study on Robodebt, welfare convictions, and mental health is looking for participants.If you were part of the Robo...
19/05/2026

A new study on Robodebt, welfare convictions, and mental health is looking for participants.
If you were part of the Robodebt class action or if you were convicted of a welfare offence between 2001 and 2011, the project researchers would like to hear from you.

Participation is completely voluntary.

The research study: Mental Health Outcomes of Victims of Welfare Miscarriages of Justice, is run by the University of Sydney, with researchers from Macquarie University and the University of Canterbury, and has full ethics approval (University of Sydney HREC 2025/HE001088).

Who can take part
You may be eligible if you are an Australian citizen who was either:
• Part of the Robodebt class action and received a payment from it, or
• Convicted of a welfare offence between 2001 and 2011 — for example, convicted in connection with not declaring income to Centrelink
You do not need to know the legal details of your own experience. If either of those applies to you, then you may be eligible.
What it involves
Three short online surveys, about 35 minutes in total:
1. A 5-minute survey to check you’re eligible
2. A 30-minute survey about your experience and your wellbeing
3. A 2-minute survey to provide an email for your $15 e-gift card
Your answers in the main survey are anonymous. Your name and email are collected only in the first and last surveys and are deleted at the end of the project and are never connected to your survey responses.

Mental health, legal, and financial support information appears on every page in case it’s useful.

How to take part
Follow this link: https://buff.ly/EhVLWWm

Address

102/55 Holt Street
Surry Hills, NSW
2010

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 12:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 12:30pm

Telephone

(02) 9211 5300

Website

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