The general manager of Services Australia Hank Jongen sent us the following update on Centrelink changes as a reminder of what to look out for over the Christmas and New Year period.

Hello everyone,

With the festive season fast approaching, it’s important to know how the holidays may impact your ability to access payments and services from us.

All service centres and most phone lines providing Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services will be closed on the public holidays from Monday 27 December 2021 through to Wednesday 29 December 2021, and Monday 3 January 2022.

During this busy holiday period, the easiest and most convenient way to do your business with us is by using your online account through myGov, the Express Plus mobile apps, or phone self-service.

These services are available 24/7, even on public holidays. This means you can use myGov to apply for an advance payment, update your details, or report your employment income.

You can also continue to claim Medicare benefits at your doctor’s office or using self-service during the December and January holidays.

Christmas and New Year Reporting and Payment dates

If you’re getting a payment where you have to report your income, your reporting and payment dates may change over the Christmas and New Year period. 

The easiest way to check your reporting dates and report your income is by using your Centrelink online account through myGov. You can also use our Express Plus mobile apps and phone self-service.

If you are working and receive employment income, you may need to report early to avoid any delays in your payment. If that’s the case, you’ll need to include what you expect to be paid for your full reporting period.

You must also do this for any other changes that may affect your payment.

If you estimate your income for the period, and later realise you made a mistake, you can correct your report within 14 days, or when you next report.

If you report after your assessment period, we’ll pay you once you do this. You can still report to us, even when we’re closed. However, if you do this on a public holiday, it means you won’t get your payment until after the public holiday.

It’s important to know some people might get their payment earlier than usual. This is not an extra payment, it is your usual payment just paid early. This may mean you need to budget carefully until your next payment.

If you’re experiencing financial hardship, we encourage you to call us on your regular payment line when our offices re-open, so we can help.

For more information visit: servicesaustralia.gov.au/holidays

This time of year can be tough for many people, both emotionally and financially.

If you find you need some extra support over this time, we have social workers who can give free and confidential support, and refer you to other services in your local area. You can call on your regular payment line when our offices are open, and ask to speak to one.

I wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas after what has been a challenging year for many. I’ll see you in the New Year.

Hank