Benefits still flow

THE Department of Human Services has special arrangements for payments and services over the Christmas and New Year period.
Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said all service centres delivering Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services and most phone lines will be closed on 25-28 December, and on New Year’s Day.
“Online services, Express Plus mobile apps and phone self-service will still be available over this time,” Mr Jongen said.
“If you’re due to receive a payment on a national public holiday you may be paid before this date.
“You will need to budget carefully so this payment lasts until your next payment is due. People may need to report their job search efforts or income earlier.
“You can check your reporting dates, update your details and report your earnings quickly and easily via our online services, Express Plus mobile apps or phone self-service.
“The best part about using self-service is that you can do it at a time and place that suits you – including outside of business hours – which is always helpful leading up to a busy holiday period.”
Mr Jongen reminded customers if they use self-service options to report on a public holiday, they won’t be paid until after the public holiday.
“When reporting, you must include estimates of gross earnings or other changes for your normal assessment period while your reporting date may be different, the assessment period remains the same,” Mr Jongen said.
“It’s also important to remember any child support payments made after 23 December will be delayed by thepublic holidays. The Child Support Information Service on 131 107 will still be available over this time.”
All essential 24/7 Medicare Provider Services for health professionals will remain open and available over the Christmas/New Year period.
To find out more about payments and services over the holiday period, visit humanservices.gov.au/holidays