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Department of Social Services

Vision and mission

Department of Social Services mission is to improve the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities.

How DSS can help

Areas of responsibility include:

Information line

All locations can be contacted through the DSS national number, 1300 653 227 (Call rates from landline and mobile providers may vary. Please check with your current service provider).

Recommended links

Last reviewed: July 2021

Information from this partner

Found 11 results

Intercountry adoption | Department of Social Services

Intercountry adoption is the adoption of a child from overseas.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Early childhood | Department of Social Services

Information and support is available for raising children in their early years.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Community support | Department of Social Services

Find out about social security, ageing, financial wellbeing, online gambling harm, volunteering and community support.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Families and children | Department of Social Services

Find out about raising children, adoption and family relationships.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Disability and carers | Department of Social Services

Find out about support for people with disability and carers.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Help and support for disability | Department of Social Services

Help and support for disability

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Ending violence and abuse | Department of Social Services

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Older Australians | Department of Social Services

There are a range of supports available to help you when you retire.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Preventing youth homelessness | Department of Social Services

The Reconnect Program is the Australian Government’s long standing youth homelessness prevention program, currently in its 25th year of operation.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

Housing support | Department of Social Services

Grants and programs to support safe and affordable housing.

Read more on Department of Social Services website

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