Easter holiday disruptions to Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support

OVER the Easter holidays there will be changes to Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support payments and services with all centres and most phone lines closing on Friday, April 2, and Monday, April 5.

Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen said self-service options would be still be made available during this time.

“Our Express Plus mobile apps, phone self-service lines and online accounts are the easiest way to do business with us,” Mr Jongen said.

“You can use myGov on public holidays to apply for an advance payment, update details, lodge Medicare claims and report your employment income.”

Critical services for Medicare providers such as organ donor and PBS authorities will remain open.

Medicare benefits will not be impacted at GP clinics or when using self-service.

Mr Jongen said the dates people are required to report may change as a result of the Easter public holidays.

“If you are due to report, you can do this early and tell us what you expect to be paid for your assessment period, ” he said.

“If you report after your assessment period, we’ll pay you after you report to us.

“Any mistakes can be corrected within 14 days, or when you next report.

“I encourage people to check their reporting dates on our website, through their Centrelink online accounts or via phone self-service.”

There will be no changes to Child Support arrangements but payments made after April 1 may be delayed due to financial institutions closing over the long weekend.

Find out more about holiday period reporting and payment dates at servicesaustralia.gov.au/holidays.