A new study shows people often struggle financially when moving between Australia’s income and benefit support systems. 

The Comcare study finds that 53 per cent of people report not having enough income to cover essential living costs as they transition from one income support system to another according to the study.

The Cross-Sector Systems project, commissioned by the Collaborative Partnership to improve work participation, has identified the 10 major benefit and income support systems available to Australians whose temporary or permanent injury, illness or mental health condition impacts their ability to work.

The study was undertaken to understand the movement of people between systems and how work and health outcomes can be improved.

Based on the survey results of 790 participants, along with 10 in-depth interviews from a diverse group, the study shows that while Centrelink is the most commonly used system, 30 per cent of people engaged with two systems.

Participants consistently reported a lack of support when not receiving advice on what pathway to take and guidance during the application process. The administrative requirements to move into and remain within a system resulted in recurrent challenges of time and energy. 

Waiting to receive benefits was the most common reason for reporting no income.

The full report is accessible in PDF form, here.