Working out whether you're eligible for a social security payment is a complex task. However, you should understand some general principles about how Centrelink makes a decision about your correct entitlement. You may also be able to make choices about the best payment, given your individual circumstances.

There are over 30 social security payments, some of which are supposed to represent your main means of support, and others which are supplements that you can receive in addition to another social security payment or in addition to wages.

You may also be entitled to a concession card, which gives you cheaper rates for certain services (such as pharmaceutical, health, public transport, energy bills, council rates, etc.). You may be eligible for a concession card even if you only receive a small social security payment. This may be quite valuable depending on your individual circumstances. You don't have to receive a payment at all to get a health care card - you can be receiving a low income from another source, such as from employment.

Whether you receive a payment will usually depend on three things, your:

First of all, your correct entitlement will depend on whether you fit into any of the payment categories; for example, are you unemployed, retired, a student, parent, carer, have a disability or are ill, or are in financial hardship but do not fit into one of these categories.

Second, if you are applying for Newstart or Youth Allowance, Special Benefit (if you hold a Temporary Protection Visa), Parenting Payment or Austudy payment, you must usually also meet an activity test.

In general terms, to meet the activity test, you must be willing and capable of undertaking full-time, part-time, temporary and casual work (or training), take reasonable steps to obtain such work or training, and be willing to accept reasonable offers of this work or undertake training courses. There are reduced activity test requirements for some parents and some people with disabilities.

If you are enrolled in approved full-time education or training, you meet the activity test by participating in your course and by making satisfactory progress (there are some exemptions).

Third, for most payments, Centrelink will also require you (and possibly your partner and family as well) to satisfy income and assets tests. Depending on the amount of income or assets, your payment may be reduced, even to zero. You will find more detail about income and assets tests later on in this section.

Sometimes, you may be eligible for more than one payment. If this is the case, you may need to consider which payment:

However, there is at least one golden rule when it comes to choosing the right social security payment. Always test your eligibility by putting in an application form, and remember, it is your right to apply for any and every payment you think you may be eligible for, even if you cannot receive multiple payments. Your entitlement usually starts on the day you lodge an application, so don’t be persuaded not to lodge a claim.

To view a web page containing further information on the types of payments that are available from Centrelink go to the Centrelink website - www.centrelink.gov.au.