Centrelink Closures and Payment Adjustments for Millions During Christmas

 

Australians receiving Centrelink payments are being reminded of upcoming reporting and payment changes during the Christmas and New Year period. Centrelink branches and most call centres will be closed for the public holidays, which may affect a variety of payments, including Age Pension, JobSeeker, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment, and Youth Allowance.

Services Australia has advised that during these closures, individuals will need to complete their reporting online or via self-service phone options. As a result, reporting and payment dates may change, and some recipients will need to report earlier than usual.

“Your Centrelink online account will display your updated reporting date for the holiday period,” Services Australia said.

Centrelink Service Centre Closures: Centrelink service centres and most call centres will be closed on the following dates:

• Wednesday, December 25
• Thursday, December 26
• Friday, December 27
• Wednesday, January 1

While physical offices will be closed, Centrelink recipients can still report their income online.

Reporting for Centrelink Payments: If the dates you need to report have changed due to the public holidays, you must report on the updated date to ensure your payment is processed correctly.

“You can still report your income during closures, but if you do so on a public holiday, your payment will be processed after the holiday,” Services Australia said.

If you report early, ensure you include the expected income for that period, and report any changes that might affect your payment. Updated reporting dates are available on your online account or the Services Australia website.

What if I Don’t Need to Report? If you’re not required to report to receive your payment, your payment may be made earlier than usual. This is a standard payment issued ahead of time.

“When we make an early payment, it will be as close as possible to your usual payment day,” Services Australia explained. “Make sure to budget carefully as the payment will cover you until your next scheduled payment.”

For revised payment dates and further details, check your online account or the Services Australia website.