Centrelink closures and payment changes set to impact millions this Easter and Anzac Day
- Replies 1
Public holidays can bring unexpected disruptions, especially when it comes to essential services.
With two major holidays approaching, some Australians may find their usual payment schedules affected—potentially leading to financial strain if they’re unprepared.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes and how they could impact you.
Centrelink recipients were warned that upcoming public holidays could affect their payments, with closures potentially altering reporting and payment dates.
Centrelink announced that its service centres and most call centres would be shut for three days in April due to Easter and Anzac Day.
‘We want to help you plan so you still get paid,’ Services Australia stated.
The agency advised recipients to report their income early if required, ensuring payments were processed before the closures.
‘We may pay you early,’ it added.
The closures were set to occur on Good Friday (18 April), Easter Monday (21 April), and Anzac Day (25 April), disrupting regular Centrelink services.
As a result, reporting and payment dates for several benefits—including Austudy, Farm Household Allowance, JobSeeker Payment, Special Benefit, Status Resolution Support Services Payment, and Youth Allowance—were expected to change.
‘This means your reporting and payment dates may change and you’ll need to report early,’ Centrelink advised.
Recipients were encouraged to check their Centrelink online accounts for updated reporting dates during the affected period.
If an account indicated early reporting was necessary, recipients had to estimate their income for the new period and submit any relevant changes.
Those who reported income on the public holidays would receive their payments after those dates.
Mistakes in reporting could be corrected within 14 days, or adjustments could be made in the next reporting cycle.
People who did not need to report their income to receive payments might still get them before the public holidays.
‘We won’t delay payments because of a public holiday, but we may pay you earlier than normal,’ Services Australia confirmed.
‘When we make an early payment, we pay as close to and before your normal payment day.’
The agency reminded recipients to budget accordingly, as an early payment would need to last until the next scheduled payment.
With Centrelink payments potentially shifting due to the holidays, how will you plan ahead to manage your budget? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
With two major holidays approaching, some Australians may find their usual payment schedules affected—potentially leading to financial strain if they’re unprepared.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes and how they could impact you.
Centrelink recipients were warned that upcoming public holidays could affect their payments, with closures potentially altering reporting and payment dates.
Centrelink announced that its service centres and most call centres would be shut for three days in April due to Easter and Anzac Day.
‘We want to help you plan so you still get paid,’ Services Australia stated.
Public holidays may affect your Centrelink income. Image source: Darren England/AAP
The agency advised recipients to report their income early if required, ensuring payments were processed before the closures.
‘We may pay you early,’ it added.
The closures were set to occur on Good Friday (18 April), Easter Monday (21 April), and Anzac Day (25 April), disrupting regular Centrelink services.
As a result, reporting and payment dates for several benefits—including Austudy, Farm Household Allowance, JobSeeker Payment, Special Benefit, Status Resolution Support Services Payment, and Youth Allowance—were expected to change.
‘This means your reporting and payment dates may change and you’ll need to report early,’ Centrelink advised.
Recipients were encouraged to check their Centrelink online accounts for updated reporting dates during the affected period.
If an account indicated early reporting was necessary, recipients had to estimate their income for the new period and submit any relevant changes.
Those who reported income on the public holidays would receive their payments after those dates.
Mistakes in reporting could be corrected within 14 days, or adjustments could be made in the next reporting cycle.
People who did not need to report their income to receive payments might still get them before the public holidays.
‘We won’t delay payments because of a public holiday, but we may pay you earlier than normal,’ Services Australia confirmed.
‘When we make an early payment, we pay as close to and before your normal payment day.’
The agency reminded recipients to budget accordingly, as an early payment would need to last until the next scheduled payment.
With Centrelink payments potentially shifting due to the holidays, how will you plan ahead to manage your budget? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
.png){kind=icon}
