Services Australia customers are reminded of 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 Monday 27 December 2021 through to Wednesday, December 29 and Monday, January 3, 2022.
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.
“It’s also important to remember your reporting and payment dates may change if they normally fall on a public holiday over the Christmas and New Year period.
“If the date you normally report falls on a public holiday during this period, you can report early to avoid any delays in your 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.
“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.
“Keep in mind that any automatic payments we make won’t be delayed by the public holidays, but some people might get their payment earlier than usual. This means you may need to budget carefully until your next payment.”
Customers can also continue to claim Medicare benefits at their doctor’s office or using self-service during the December and January holidays.
Critical services for Medicare providers, such as PBS authorities and organ donor, remain available over this period.
BasicsCard customers can still transfer funds to their BasicsCard over the public holidays by using self-service or calling 1800 132 594 at any time. BasicsCard balances can also be checked at any time by calling 1800 057 111.
Smaller sites for rural and regional communities – including Remote Service Centres, Agents and Access Points – may also close from Friday, December 24 and re-open for business on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Closure dates will be advertised to local communities.
Details: servicesaustralia.gov.au/holidays
