Volunteer Involving Organisations and Centrelink

Disclaimer: This article is general information only. If you are unsure, consult with Services Australia regarding your specific situation. 

Some Centrelink clients may be eligible to elect to volunteer to meet their Mutual Obligation Requirements. An individual’s eligibility to volunteer as part of their activity requirements will depend on that particular individual’s Mutual Obligation Requirements.   

Volunteering Involving Organisations (VIOs) who are not for profit organisations are able to apply for approval to take on Centrelink Volunteers for their volunteer programs.

To apply to be an Approved Voluntary Work Organisation, VIOs need to be Not-For-Profit (NFP), and either a Community Based Organisation or a Government Sector Agency.

VIO's will need to provide a completed SU461 form as well as supporting documentation to verify NFP status and show that they have public liability and personal accident insurances.

Completed forms and supporting documentation need to be taken to a service center for processing. Any enquiries about the status of your application should be referred to the service center the form was given to. Services Australia will contact the VIO to inform you of the outcome of your application.

Supporting Documentation

Evidence of Not-For-Profit Status:

• Articles of, or a certificate of incorporation
• A copy of your organisation’s constitution
• A copy of your registration or membership with the regional, state or national Volunteer Centre.

Evidence of Insurances:

• A certificate of currency or,
• A notice in writing from your provider.

For more information visit humanservices.gov.au

For more information on Mutual Obligation Requirements and who has mutual obligation requirements visit the Mutual Obligation Requirements page on the Department of Social Services website.