For a lot of us, Christmas is synonymous with merrymaking and enjoying some of the finer things life has to offer. However, for those who are financially struggling, going through the festive season means dealing with even more financial stress than normal.

If you’re a customer of Services Australia, then you might want to keep reading to learn more about the new announcement made by General Manager Hank Jongen regarding the important changes that Centrelink and Medicare recipients need to be aware of over the holidays.


In his announcement, Mr Jongen informed Aussies that the Services Australia offices will be closed on public holidays, saying: "People need to understand that we will be closed on public holidays, which means that most of our phone lines and our offices will be closed from Monday, December 27 until Wednesday, December 29, and again on Monday, January 3."

“The other thing that will happen is people who were due to be paid on a public holiday may receive payment a day or two early. We do that to ensure people have the money over the Christmas period.”

For those of you who are worrying that you may not be able to contact these government agencies during the holidays, Mr Jongen assured customers that they can still reach out to Centrelink online.

The general manager explained: “Most people now have set up a Centrelink account through MyGov and you can actually report your earnings on the day they’re due on a 24/7 basis.“

It is also advised to use the automated phone self-service on 136 240 or to visit the Services Australia website to inquire about the dates you are likely to receive your payment.

Those who are seeking more information regarding the pandemic leave disaster payments can also visit the website.


Changes to the child care subsidy annual cap and the benefits of this program to families are also mentioned in the announcement, with Mr Jongen saying: “Up until now, the amount of child care subsidy that a family could receive was capped at around $10,600 per child, per annum."

“Which meant that if you received that subsidy, once you hit that threshold the payment stopped."

“The good news is that threshold, that cap, has been removed and while you’re eligible you can continue to receive the child care subsidy."

“The other great thing about this is that the change is backdated to July 1 this year, which means if you’re a family where you reach that cap earlier, and we stopped payment, firstly, payment will be resumed ... in addition, you will be back paid any of the money that you didn’t receive over the period that your payment cut out."

Mr Jongen also advised those who are seeking financial and mental support during the holiday break to refer to their website: serviceaustralia.gov.au