Payment and reporting dates over the Easter long weekend are set to shift for Centrelink customers.
The revised dates accommodate for branch closures affecting processing times and face-to-face appointments.
Centrelink branches across Australia will be closing for the Good Friday public holiday on March 29 and the Easter Monday public holiday on April 1.
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Call centres will also be closed on these dates, but online services and phone self-services will still be available.
This means you may need to report early — but may be paid early, too.
Your Centrelink online account will show your new reporting date for the Easter reporting period.
“When you report early, you’ll need to include what you expect to be paid for that reporting period,” Services Australia said.
“You must also do this for any other changes that may affect your payment.
“If you make a mistake, you can correct your report within 14 days, or when you next report.
“You can still report your income to us, even when we’re closed.
“However, if you do this on a public holiday, we’ll pay you after the public holiday.
“You can also choose to report after your reporting period if you’re unsure of your employment income (or) there are changes to your circumstances during your reporting period.
“You can report once you know your employment income or the changes to your circumstances.
“We’ll pay you after you report to us.”
If you do not need to report income to receive your Centrelink payment, your payment will come early.
“An early payment is your normal payment, just paid early,” Services Australia said.
Payment and reporting changes for allowances
For Centrelink customers receiving JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Farm Household, Austudy, Special Benefit, and Status Resolution Support Services payments the following date changes apply:
- Those who normally report income on Wednesday, March 27 can now report a day earlier on Tuesday, March 26. Those reporting on the Tuesday will receive payment on the Wednesday.
- Customers who normally report income on Thursday, March 28 can now report two days earlier on Tuesday, March 26. Those reporting on the Tuesday will receive payment on the Wednesday.
- Those who normally report income on Friday, March 29 can now report two days earlier on Wednesday, March 27. Those reporting on the Wednesday will receive payment on the Thursday.
- For customers who normally report income on Monday, April 1, you can now report four days earlier on Thursday, March 28. Those reporting on the Monday will receive payment on the Tuesday.
Payment and reporting changes for pensions
For Centrelink customers receiving a families payment, a Parenting Payment, Pensioner Education Supplement, Assistance for Isolated Child, Carer Payment, ABSTUDY, and the Age, Disability, or Double Orphan pension the following date changes apply:
- For customers who normally report income on Wednesday, March 27, you can now report a day earlier on Tuesday, March 26. Those reporting on the Tuesday will receive payment on the Thursday.
- Customers who normally report income on Thursday, March 28 can now report two days earlier on Tuesday, March 26. Those reporting on the Tuesday will receive payment on the Thursday.
- Those who normally report income on Friday, March 29 can now report two days earlier on Wednesday, March 27. Those reporting on the Wednesday will receive payment on the following Tuesday, April 2.
- For customers who normally report income on Monday, April 1, you can now report four days earlier on Thursday, March 28. Those reporting on the Thursday will receive payment on the following Wednesday, April 3.
