Tara Murray
Services Australia is reminding people that there will be changes to payments and services over the upcoming Christmas and New Year holiday period.
All service centres and most phone lines providing Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services will be closed on the public holidays from December 27 through to December 29, and January 3.
Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen said Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support customers can still access self-service options during this period.
“During the 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,” Mr Jongen said.
“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, lodge a Medicare claim, or report your employment income.”
Mr Jongen said it was also important to remember that reporting and payment dates may change if they normally fall on a public holiday.
He said you can report early to avoid any delays in payments.
“If you are working and receive employment income, you’ll need to tell us what you expect to be paid for the full assessment period. You must also do this for any other changes that may affect your payment.
“You can correct any mistakes to your estimate within 14 days, or when you next report.
“An easy way to check reporting dates is through the Centrelink online account, on the Services Australia website, or via phone self-service”
Details: servicesaustralia.gov.au/holidays
