The Latest Breaking News from Department of Social Services

South Carolina Delays Its SNAP Soda and Candy Restrictions to November After a Court Blocked Five Other States

USDA asked South Carolina to push its SNAP candy and soda restrictions back to November 1 while courts and comment periods play out.

Medical Daily · Aug 29

FED:Officials turn to AI to speed up sexual assault claims

Department of Social Services officials says artificial intelligence is being used to speed up processing times for thousands of applications.

AAP · Jun 4

Officials turn to AI to speed up sexual assault claims

Department of Social Services officials says artificial intelligence is being used to speed up processing times for thousands of applications.

AAP · Jun 4

Child abuse survivor thought she was 'going mad' after dept 'gaslighting'

'If it happened in my office, people would be sacked on the spot'.

The Canberra Times · Aug 2, 2024

'There will rightly be criticism', DSS secretary told staff after robodebt hearings

Inside the Department of Social Services' reactions to the royal commission.

The Canberra Times · Jun 4, 2023

Drinking water at 1 in 4 California child-care centers tests dangerously high for lead

In test results that suggest thousands of California infants, toddlers and children continue to be exposed to brain-damaging lead, data released by the state Department of Social Services has revealed that 1 in 4 of the state's child-care centers has dangerously high levels of the metal in their drinking water.

Los Angeles Times · May 18, 2023

Did Treasurer Jim Chalmers keep his facts straight in this week's budget speech?

Treasurer Jim Chalmers used his budget speech this week to spruik the government's credentials and programs. But did he keep his facts straight?

ABC News · May 10, 2023

Top bureaucrat who oversaw Robodebt rollout says document to ministers was potentially misleading

Kathryn Campbell tells the Robodebt royal commission that a document put to Cabinet failed to mention the need for legislative change.

ABC News · Mar 7, 2023

Robodebt inquiry: evidence contradicts witness’s claim he didn’t know unlawful method was being used

Former Department of Human Services official tells inquiry he can’t explain emails and other documents he saw referring to use of income averaging

The Guardian - AU · Feb 24, 2023

Partner income tests are preventing some Australians with disabilities from getting married

Julie relies on the Disability Support Pension. She says if she takes the next step in her relationship with Simon, she will lose the pension, and therefore her independence.

ABC News · Feb 23, 2023