Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Centrelink, child support, and family homelessness
Other Titles:	Parity
Authors:	Evans, Gail Boots, Helen
Keywords:	Post-separation violence;Service provision;Welfare;Housing
Year:	2001
Publisher:	Council to Homeless Persons
Citation:	14 (7), August 2001
Notes:	This article discusses the reductions of parenting payments to single mothers derived from the links between the Child Support Agency and Centrelink and their inadequacies. The presence of domestic violence plays an important role in the granting of support. The case of a recently separated mother-of-four who was a victim of partner abuse is mentioned to highlight the problem. Her benefits were reduced because her former partner falsely stated that he had been economically supporting the whole family. She was questioned about his statement after a violent incident and expressed that whatever he stated was right. All the inquiries were made by telephone without further investigation. Centrelink advised her that she would have to repay the Child Support Agency. Even though the mother and social workers tried to explain the misunderstanding and challenge the decision, the parenting payment was reduced and the family became homeless. The complexity of the forms and procedures of both agencies are also mentioned as barriers for certain women.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/13725
ISSN:	1032-6170
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

Items in ANROWS library are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.