Celebrating 22 years in Legal Practice
Stay connected with Navado:

It may constitute a criminal offence to receive benefits from Centrelink where you are not entitled to receive the benefit. You may find yourself being charged for Centrelink fraud and may have little or no idea as to why this has occurred. Generally, there are two ways in which you can be charged for Centrelink fraud – knowingly or not knowingly.

If you are receiving Centrelink benefits, you will be required to provide regular reports to Centrelink to ensure that you are still entitled to receiving the benefits. Some people do not report correctly because they are simply not aware or incorrectly understand. Sometimes, in the case of separated couples, it may also be the case that an ex-partner may be continuing to reap benefits using information unknown to you. Even where you unknowingly falsely report your income and other assets, you may be liable to pay the amount back to Centrelink and be held to have committed a criminal offence. When charged with such a centrelink fraud offence, you should obtain legal advice immediately from a centrelink fraud lawyer.

The onus lies on you to report the correct information to Centrelink. It can be extremely difficult at times, due to the extent of the onus. For instance, if your ex-partner is using you (or an alleged relationship or lack of relationship with you) to continue to receive benefits from Centrelink and you have not spoken to your ex-partner for a number of years, it may be the case that you are simply not aware of the fact that you are in breach of your duty to Centrelink until you receive a notice informing you that you could be prosecuted for the offence.

Our Criminal Lawyers are highly experienced in Centrelink offences and can provide you with the advice you require.

When you receive a notice informing you that you are in breach of your duty to Centrelink, Centrelink will ask you to attend an interview. You are in no way obligated to attend the interview. Instead of obtaining legal advice before attending the interview, some people decide to go directly to the interview, hoping to explain the situation to Centrelink.  Usually, during the interview, you will be asked a number of questions which you will be underprepared for or will often be taken by surprise in relation to and accordingly, it is very likely that you will become confused or unsure as to what you initially wanted to discuss. Worse still is that the information you provide in the interview can be used against you if Centrelink decides to prosecute you for the offence.

If you are approached by Centrelink to attend an interview, you should obtain legal advice immediately from a centrelink fraud lawyer. Contact our firm today to book a consultation and be provided with the appropriate legal advice. The Criminal Solicitors at Navado Lawyers & Solicitors will ensure that your rights are protected and look after your case. Call us on (02) 9233 4048 or send an email to info@navado.com.au. 

Bookmark and Share

This webpage (and any material or wording appearing on this webpage) is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute any Legal Advice. It does not take into account your objectives, your instructions or all of the relevant facts and/or circumstances. Navado accepts no responsibility to any person who relies on the information provided on this website. We further refer you to our Disclaimer.

Sorry, but no Articles are available at this time.

Sorry, but no FAQs are available at this time.

If you require assistance with a Criminal matter, you should make an appointment to see one of our Lawyers in one of the following locations:

  • Sydney

Our Locations

  • Criminal Lawyer Sydney
  • Criminal Lawyer Parramatta
  • Criminal Lawyer North Sydney
  • Criminal Lawyer Rockdale
  • Criminal Lawyer Liverpool
  • Criminal Lawyer Gordon
  • Criminal Lawyer Baulkham Hills
  • Criminal Lawyer Campbelltown
  • Criminal Lawyer Bondi Junction
  • Criminal Lawyer Chatswood
  • Criminal Lawyer Miranda
  • Criminal Lawyer Bella Vista
  • Criminal Lawyer Erina
Quick enquiry
  • Request an appointment
Stay connected
Ask an expert