Government handout secrets
- Reporter: Jonathan Creek
- Broadcast Date: July 13, 2010
A new book is getting in on the handout act, this time with legal tips on how to get free money from the government.
Author Grace Johnston said there are benefits for families and individuals that you may not be getting, even though you are entitled to them.
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"I'm incredibly surprised about what there is out there," she said.
For instance, the popular baby bonus payment is also available to those families who adopt a child under the age of 16.
If you need extra help with child care, your family may be entitled to 50 hours paid for every week, up from the normal period of 24 hours.
Despite trying to shut it down, the Federal Government could pay $4250 in Medicare benefits for dental services over two years, if you have a referral from your doctor.
"The book isn't here to help them rort the system, it's here to help them find something if they happen to be in need," Grace said.
If you are a divorced mature woman, living on your own and not working, you may be eligible to claim a Widow Allowance, even if you are not a widow.
Baby boomers caring for elderly parents permanently could receive an additional Carer Supplement of $600 per parent, per year.
Students do not miss out either. There is plenty of hidden money to help them through those lean years.
Since April this year, some students living away from home have been eligible to receive a $1300 Student Start Up Scholarship or a $4000 Relocation Scholarship.
If you suffer a temporary medical condition and you are a student or self employed, you could receive a sick leave allowance while ill, as long as you have a job to go back to.
The move to digital television means the Federal Government will even pay for a high definition set top box for households in some regional areas.
Related information
101 ways to get free $$$ from the Government by Grace Johnston is published by Wilkinson Publishing. ISBN: 9781921667657.
Centrelink statement
Centrelink said it uses a wide range of sophisticated profiling, data matching and intelligence systems to closely examine the circumstances of customers it suspects may be taking advantage of the system.
Customers declare that everything they tell Centrelink is true and correct, and if this is not the case, they will be penalised.
Last year, Centrelink completed more than 3.9 million entitlement reviews, identifying debts of over $500 million.
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions prosecuted over 3000 cases for welfare fraud.
Most people are honest and use Government services fairly, but anyone with information about someone suspected of misusing these services can call the Australian Government Services Fraud Tip-off line on 13 15 24 or report suspected fraud online at www.centrelink.gov.au.
Government handout secrets
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