Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support to change over holiday season

On December 25, December 27 and January 1, all centres and most phone lines providing Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services will be closed.

Remote service centres, agent services, access points and other smaller sites will be closed from December 23 through to January 2.

Child support payments made after December 23 may also be delayed.

If people are required to report on one of the closure dates, they will be obliged to report early to receive their payment.

Department of Human Services general manager Hank Jongen said people should look to use self-service options over this period.

“The department’s Express Plus mobile apps, phone self service lines and online accounts through myGov, are the easiest way to do your business with us over the Christmas and New Year break.

“You will be able to check your reporting dates, update your details and report your earnings quickly and easily with these options.

“You can use your Centrelink online account through myGov to change some of your appointments, apply for an advance payment and request a document.”

Automatic payments may be sent through earlier than usual but will not be delayed.

During this period critical Medicare services such Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will be provided as normal.

Mr Jongen said there were various ways people can make sure of these dates.

“Reporting dates are on reporting statements and people can check them through their myGov and Centrelink online accounts or phone self-service.

“While reporting dates may be different, the assessment period remains the same. People still need to report estimates of earnings and other changes for their normal 14 day assessment period.”

BasicsCard balances can be checked any time by phoning 1800 057 111.

For more information including payment dates, head to humanservices.gov.au/holidays.