New legislation now means that vulnerable Australians have the option of receiving their regular income support payments weekly, instead of fortnightly, to help them better manage their budgets.

Centrelink staff are able to offer the weekly payment option to customers identified as having difficulties budgeting their payments across the fortnight under the Social Security and Family Legislation Amendment (Weekly Payments) Bill 2010.

The changes will help people, particularly unpaid working carers and working carers on low incomes still receiving Centrelink benefits, who find it difficult to budget and often end the fortnight with no money left to pay the bills.

It gives them the option of weekly access to payments to buy basics like food, clothing and medicines.

Weekly payments can also help families and individuals struggling with their rent to keep a roof over their heads.

The changes were announced last month by Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Human Services.

For more information contact centrelink:
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/contact_us/index.htm