Work and Development Orders: Am I Eligible?

You may be eligible for a Work and Development Order if you are experiencing hardship and you are homeless, in acute financial hardship, have a mental illness, have an intellectual disability or cognitive impairment, or have a serious addiction. You also need an approved sponsor, and House of Sadaqa is one.

The eligibility categories

Revenue NSW sets the criteria. You may qualify if you are experiencing hardship and fall into at least one of these groups:

• You are homeless or in insecure housing
• You are in acute financial or economic hardship
• You have a mental illness
• You have an intellectual disability or cognitive impairment
• You have a serious addiction to drugs, alcohol or another substance

“Acute financial hardship” is broader than many people assume. If you are on a low income or receiving Centrelink payments and paying the fine would mean going without essentials, it is worth applying rather than ruling yourself out.

What you also need

• An approved sponsor. A WDO cannot be arranged directly with Revenue NSW. An approved organisation, health practitioner or financial counsellor applies with you.
• Eligible debt. WDOs apply to fines and debts enforced by Revenue NSW.
• Willingness to take part. Participation is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time.

What reduces the debt

Depending on what a sponsor is approved to offer, activities can include unpaid supervised work, courses, counselling, medical or mental health treatment, drug and alcohol treatment, and mentoring for young people. Activities reduce your debt at set rates, up to a maximum of $1,000 per month.

Treatment counts. If you are already engaged with a health service or counsellor for an eligible condition, that existing treatment may reduce your fines without adding anything to your week.

Common misconceptions

• “My fines are too large.” There is no upper limit that disqualifies you.
• “I already have a licence suspension.” A WDO may still help, and clearing the debt is usually a step toward resolving the suspension.
• “I work, so I am not eligible.” Employment does not disqualify you. Acute financial hardship is assessed on your circumstances.
• “It will take forever.” At up to $1,000 a month, many debts clear faster than people expect.

Applying through House of Sadaqa

As an approved sponsor, we can offer supervised community work in our Revesby warehouse, such as sorting and packing donations, and support you through the paperwork. Register your interest on our WDO page. Our guide to clearing NSW fines with a WDO explains the wider scheme.

You can also speak with a financial counsellor free of charge on the National Debt Helpline, 1800 007 007, who can advise on eligibility and other options.

Frequently asked questions

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This article is general information only. Eligibility rules, approved activities and reduction rates are set by Revenue NSW and can change. Check current details with Revenue NSW or a financial counsellor before applying.