Language, Literacy And Numeracy Program

These programs can help you improve your speaking, reading, writing or basic maths skills.

What is language, literacy and numeracy training?

Eligible customers can get help through the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program (LLNP). This aims to help customers improve their chances of getting and keeping a job, as well as making their everyday lives easier.

Centrelink will refer eligible customers to a contracted service provider for an initial assessment to determine their needs and suitability for assistance under the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program. A wide range of organisations have been contracted to provide assessment and training services, including private training providers and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions. Customers who have carer responsibilities, or some other difficulty in attending training, can get help assistance in their own home through distance education. Language, Literacy and Numeracy Training is conducted in a relaxed and friendly environment by qualified instructors.

Who can access language, literacy and numeracy training?

Language, Literacy and Numeracy training is available to eligible customers who would like to improve their language, literacy and numeracy skills. To be eligible, you must be:

• of working age (15–64 years), and
• registered with Centrelink as unemployed and looking for work, and not a full-time student.

You must also be one of the following:

• aged 15 to 20 years and not in receipt of income support but registered as a job seeker with Centrelink
• holding a temporary humanitarian visa subclasses 786 and have applied for and been granted Special Benefit on or after 1 January 2003 (Note: visa conditions apply)
• a migrant who is subject to the 2 year waiting period (visa conditions may apply)
• a holder of temporary or provisional visa subclasses 309, 310, 820, 826 and 850
• a citizen and permanent resident whose first language is not English, regardless of whether you are getting income support (Note: visa conditions apply)
• a customer receiving:
  • Newstart Allowance
  • Youth Allowance
  • Community Development Employment Project
  • Disability Support Pension
  • Parenting Payment
  • Widow Allowance
  • Partner Allowance

Some customers who undertake Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) approved Language, Literacy and Numeracy training may be eligible to receive a supplement of $20.80 per fortnight, to help meet the incidental costs associated with this training.

More information

• Read the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program factsheet
• Contact your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre