Centrelink is chasing old debts that were calculated using a method that was later found to be unlawful, but it isn’t telling others about cash they can claim.
It’s touted as a major weapon against scammers, and comes as the application hits another major milestone.
Abby Brothers has been with her partner for 15 years - but if they move in together, she'll lose $1100 a fortnight.
Half of those set to benefit are pensioners.
The new assistance to help people get back in their home is in addition to more widely available $1000 payments and a range of other support measures.
The changes will kick in on New Year's Day, the federal government announced this month.
But one important payment will only increase by a few dollars.
Services Australia has confirmed a major change after Jennifer told her story to 9honey.
The changes will apply to JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Parenting Payment, Special Benefit, income assets thresholds for the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments.
More than five million people will benefit from the change including pensioners, renters and job seekers.