Services for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness

Centrelink has many procedures and services in place to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including a network of specialised staff, such as Social Workers, Centrelink Community Engagement Officers and Indigenous Service Officers.

Centrelink is sensitive to, and flexible about, the varying needs of people of all ages who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We can connect you with local community agencies offering help with finding accommodation and overcoming barriers that may be affecting your life. We can also help you access appropriate income support options, establish proof of identity and provide personal support.

If you are unable to produce standard forms of primary identification (such as a passport, driver's licence, Certificate of Australian Citizenship, and birth certificate), Centrelink can find alternative ways of establishing identity. This involves customers completing a form giving us permission to verify your identity by other means such as contacting schools, family members, hospitals, community agencies and landlords.

Our specialist staff also help you deal with personal and social barriers to finding and maintaining appropriate accommodation and other support services in your community.

Centrelink administers a number of programs and services offering personal support and assistance to young people who are homeless, or who are at risk of becoming homeless and their families.

More information

For information about housing and rental support, refer to Accommodation, renting and homeless issues.

To find our more, contact your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre.