Yahoo Finance Centrelink closures and payment changes over Christmas
Centrelink offices will be closed over the Christmas and new year period.
Aussies on Centrelink and those who use Medicare and child support services are being reminded about upcoming closures over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Services Australia has warned that some recipients may be paid early and those who have to report to receive a payment will have to do so early.
Here’s what you need to know.
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When are Centrelink services closed?
Service centres and most phone lines will be closed over the Christmas holidays from Monday, December 25 to Wednesday, December 27, and for New Year’s Day on Monday, January 1.
Smaller service centres will close for the entire Christmas and new year holiday season from Friday, December 22 to Tuesday, January 2.
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Can I still use Centrelink online?
While physical offices will be shut, recipients can still use their Centrelink online account through myGov to do any of the following:
Report your income
View your reporting dates for the next 12 weeks
Change some of your appointments
Apply for an advance payment
Request a document
“You can still report your income to us, even when we’re closed. However, if you do this on a public holiday, we’ll pay you after the public holiday,” Services Australia said.
Do I have the report early?
The public holidays mean your reporting and payment dates may change and you will need to report early to get your payment.
“Centrelink customers can check reporting and payment dates with their online account through myGov, or through the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. Our digital and phone self-service options will be available 24/7,” Services Australia said.
If you report early, Services Australia said you would need to remember to include what you expected to be paid for the full reporting period.
Otherwise you may choose to report after your reporting period if you are unsure of your income or there are changes to your circumstances. You will be paid after you report to Services Australia.
What if I don’t have to report?
If you don’t have to report to get your payment, Services Australia may pay you early. This will be done as close to and before your normal payment day.
“An early payment is your normal payment, just paid early. We won’t delay payments because of a public holiday, but we may pay you earlier than normal,” Services Australia said.
You can check your reporting and payment dates through your Centrelink online account or via the Services Australia’s website. You can find service centre closures here.
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