Yahoo Finance These Centrelink facilities to close from June
Centrelink recipients who use the BasicsCard will no longer be able to access kiosks in parts of the Northern Territory from June.
Services Australia told Yahoo Finance the decision to remove the kiosks was made in response to the changing needs of the community.
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“Since the introduction of the BasicsCard kiosks, we’ve improved ways for customers to check their balance by allowing them to check it online and at ATMs,” a Services Australia spokesperson said.
“As customers take advantage of more convenient options, and with leases coming up for renewal, we have taken the opportunity to review our servicing options to ensure we continue to meet the changing needs of the community.”
Services Australia said BasicsCard kiosks will be closed and removed in:
Darwin - Casuarina Square
Darwin - Casuarina Village
Darwin - Karama Shopping Plaza
Darwin - Palmerston Shopping Centre
Katherine - Katherine Central Shopping Centre
Alice Springs - Yeperenye Shopping Centre
Kiosks in Coles and IGA supermarkets in Alice Springs will remain in place.
Services Australia said there would still be other means available for users to check their BasicsCard balances once the kiosks had been shut down.
These include:
Using the Express Plus Centrelink app on your mobile device
Calling the BasicsCard Balance Enquiry Line on 1800 057 111 on your phone or from a public telephone
Using a Westpac, Commonwealth, NAB or ANZ atm
Visiting Services Australia service centres
All the available options are free of charge.
What is a BasicsCard?
A BasicsCard is a reusable card that gives people access to their income-managed money through EFTPOS facilities at approved stores and businesses.
The BasicsCard can be used to buy food, clothes, health items and hygiene products.
Stores and businesses that are approved to accept it include some supermarkets, service stations, pharmacies, shoe shops and department stores.
Some services, such as transport, Australia Post and some medical centres, also accept the BasicsCard.
This means you may be able to buy bus or train credit, pay some bills or pay for a doctor appointment using the card.
It can't be used to buy any of the following:
Alcohol
Pornography
Tobacco and tobacco products
Gambling products
Gambling services
Home-brew kits and home-brew concentrates
Gift cards or vouchers that can be transferred for cash or credit
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