Centrelink plays a critical role in supporting millions of Australians through hard times.

However, skyrocketing wait times and delays have left many struggling without the help they need.

The Centrelink Older Australians line is experiencing a significant increase in wait times, with seniors now waiting an average of 43 minutes to get through.

This is a shocking double the average wait time from the 2021/22 financial year.

But it's not just the Older Australians line that's suffering.

Centrelink average wait time has doubled in the past financial year. Image source: David Jackmanson on Flickr.

Across all Centrelink departments, wait times are ballooning, with the average wait time for disabilities, sickness and carers at 48.34 minutes, employment at 53.26 minutes, and families and parenting at 56.26 minutes.

These delays don't stop at the phone lines.

According to information provided by Services Australia during Senate Estimates in October 2023, the average time taken to approve the age pension has almost doubled from 33 days in 2021/22 to 61 days in the financial year to August 2023.

This has left some retirees in a financial bind, forcing them to dip into their savings and superannuation to make ends meet.

The average time to approve the disability support pension has also increased from 46 to 80 days, and the carer payment from 45 to 52 days.

These delays have resulted in only 74 per cent of customers reporting a satisfactory timely service.

Furthermore, the delays at Centrelink are more than just an inconvenience.

For many seniors, they can mean the difference between financial stability and hardship.

The age pension is a crucial source of income for many retirees, and delays in approval can leave them struggling to cover basic living expenses.

For those who are already living on a tight budget, these delays can be devastating. In some cases, they may even have to rely on family members or friends for financial support.

In response to the crisis at Services Australia, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has promised to invest $228 million of taxpayer's money to hire 3000 more public servants.

These new recruits will work in smart centres in capital cities and regional centres, including Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour in NSW, Toowoomba and Maryborough in Queensland, and Ballarat and LaTrobe Valley in Victoria.

Recruitment has already reportedly begun, with more than 800 people accepting jobs and starting the onboarding process.

'The new staff will be critical to reducing call wait times, speeding up claim payments and giving Australians back some time in their busy lives,' Mr Shorten said.

He blamed the previous government for allowing staff levels at Centrelink to drop so low.

However, Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher criticised the staffing announcement, calling it a sign of desperation from an underperforming Minister.

'Whether it be spiralling NDIS costs or the surging wait times at Services Australia, Bill Shorten has failed to get a grip on his own portfolios,' Mr Fletcher said.

The Future of Centrelink Services

While the government's promise to hire more staff is a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to address the issues at Centrelink. The agency processes millions of claims each year, and it will take time to train the new staff and integrate them into the system.

In the meantime, seniors and other Centrelink customers may continue to face long wait times and delays in their applications.

It's crucial for those affected to keep an eye on their Centrelink online accounts through myGov for any outstanding tasks and letters.

This is where Centrelink will let people know if they're waiting for further information, including supporting documents, to finalise their claim.

Despite the challenges, Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen has apologised to anyone waiting longer than they should be and asked customers to let Services Australia know if they are in hardship.

'Services Australia processes millions of claims a year, and we work hard to do these as quickly as possible,' he said.

'In the 2022-23 financial year, we processed 3.6 million Centrelink claims. As of October 31, these claims took an average of 34 days to process.'

Mr Jongen explained that processing timeframes may differ depending on the payment type and the complexity of the claim.

'The new staff we're training will help free up our experienced staff to assist with more complex claims, which includes Age Pension claims.'

Key Takeaways

• Seniors are experiencing lengthy waits for Centrelink services, with the average phone wait time doubling to over 43 minutes in the current financial year.
• The average time taken to approve the age pension has almost doubled from 33 days in the 2021/22 financial year to 61 days in August 2023.
• In response to this crisis, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has pledged $228 million to hire an additional 3000 public servants to work in smart centres across the country.
• According to Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen, processing times vary depending on the payment type and complexity of the claim. He also encouraged customers to monitor their Centrelink online accounts through myGov for updates.

What are your experiences with Centrelink? Share your stories in the comments below.

 

[Genders56]

Centrelink plays a critical role in supporting millions of Australians through hard times.

However, skyrocketing wait times and delays have left many struggling without the help they need.

The Centrelink Older Australians line is experiencing a significant increase in wait times, with seniors now waiting an average of 43 minutes to get through.

This is a shocking double the average wait time from the 2021/22 financial year.

But it's not just the Older Australians line that's suffering.

View attachment 37282

Centrelink average wait time has doubled in the past financial year. Image source: David Jackmanson on Flickr.

Across all Centrelink departments, wait times are ballooning, with the average wait time for disabilities, sickness and carers at 48.34 minutes, employment at 53.26 minutes, and families and parenting at 56.26 minutes.

These delays don't stop at the phone lines.

According to information provided by Services Australia during Senate Estimates in October 2023, the average time taken to approve the age pension has almost doubled from 33 days in 2021/22 to 61 days in the financial year to August 2023.

This has left some retirees in a financial bind, forcing them to dip into their savings and superannuation to make ends meet.

The average time to approve the disability support pension has also increased from 46 to 80 days, and the carer payment from 45 to 52 days.

These delays have resulted in only 74 per cent of customers reporting a satisfactory timely service.

Furthermore, the delays at Centrelink are more than just an inconvenience.

For many seniors, they can mean the difference between financial stability and hardship.

The age pension is a crucial source of income for many retirees, and delays in approval can leave them struggling to cover basic living expenses.

For those who are already living on a tight budget, these delays can be devastating. In some cases, they may even have to rely on family members or friends for financial support.

In response to the crisis at Services Australia, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has promised to invest $228 million of taxpayer's money to hire 3000 more public servants.

These new recruits will work in smart centres in capital cities and regional centres, including Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour in NSW, Toowoomba and Maryborough in Queensland, and Ballarat and LaTrobe Valley in Victoria.

Recruitment has already reportedly begun, with more than 800 people accepting jobs and starting the onboarding process.

'The new staff will be critical to reducing call wait times, speeding up claim payments and giving Australians back some time in their busy lives,' Mr Shorten said.

He blamed the previous government for allowing staff levels at Centrelink to drop so low.

However, Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher criticised the staffing announcement, calling it a sign of desperation from an underperforming Minister.

'Whether it be spiralling NDIS costs or the surging wait times at Services Australia, Bill Shorten has failed to get a grip on his own portfolios,' Mr Fletcher said.

The Future of Centrelink Services

While the government's promise to hire more staff is a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to address the issues at Centrelink. The agency processes millions of claims each year, and it will take time to train the new staff and integrate them into the system.

In the meantime, seniors and other Centrelink customers may continue to face long wait times and delays in their applications.

It's crucial for those affected to keep an eye on their Centrelink online accounts through myGov for any outstanding tasks and letters.

This is where Centrelink will let people know if they're waiting for further information, including supporting documents, to finalise their claim.

Despite the challenges, Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen has apologised to anyone waiting longer than they should be and asked customers to let Services Australia know if they are in hardship.

'Services Australia processes millions of claims a year, and we work hard to do these as quickly as possible,' he said.

'In the 2022-23 financial year, we processed 3.6 million Centrelink claims. As of October 31, these claims took an average of 34 days to process.'

Mr Jongen explained that processing timeframes may differ depending on the payment type and the complexity of the claim.

'The new staff we're training will help free up our experienced staff to assist with more complex claims, which includes Age Pension claims.'

Key Takeaways

• Seniors are experiencing lengthy waits for Centrelink services, with the average phone wait time doubling to over 43 minutes in the current financial year.
• The average time taken to approve the age pension has almost doubled from 33 days in the 2021/22 financial year to 61 days in August 2023.
• In response to this crisis, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has pledged $228 million to hire an additional 3000 public servants to work in smart centres across the country.
• According to Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen, processing times vary depending on the payment type and complexity of the claim. He also encouraged customers to monitor their Centrelink online accounts through myGov for updates.

What are your experiences with Centrelink? Share your stories in the comments below.

Absolute crap

 

[mylittletibbies]

Over the past 10+ years, I've visited Centrelink in various states & territories for various reasons. I now live in Bunbury. No-one has ever told me to go away and ring for an appointment.

Could you try another office? You don't have to keep going to the same one.

I actually do have to now as I have moved and am over 100kms from the nearest Centrelink office .

 

[Hyacyinth Bucket]

Centrelink plays a critical role in supporting millions of Australians through hard times.

However, skyrocketing wait times and delays have left many struggling without the help they need.

The Centrelink Older Australians line is experiencing a significant increase in wait times, with seniors now waiting an average of 43 minutes to get through.

This is a shocking double the average wait time from the 2021/22 financial year.

But it's not just the Older Australians line that's suffering.

View attachment 37282

Centrelink average wait time has doubled in the past financial year. Image source: David Jackmanson on Flickr.

Across all Centrelink departments, wait times are ballooning, with the average wait time for disabilities, sickness and carers at 48.34 minutes, employment at 53.26 minutes, and families and parenting at 56.26 minutes.

These delays don't stop at the phone lines.

According to information provided by Services Australia during Senate Estimates in October 2023, the average time taken to approve the age pension has almost doubled from 33 days in 2021/22 to 61 days in the financial year to August 2023.

This has left some retirees in a financial bind, forcing them to dip into their savings and superannuation to make ends meet.

The average time to approve the disability support pension has also increased from 46 to 80 days, and the carer payment from 45 to 52 days.

These delays have resulted in only 74 per cent of customers reporting a satisfactory timely service.

Furthermore, the delays at Centrelink are more than just an inconvenience.

For many seniors, they can mean the difference between financial stability and hardship.

The age pension is a crucial source of income for many retirees, and delays in approval can leave them struggling to cover basic living expenses.

For those who are already living on a tight budget, these delays can be devastating. In some cases, they may even have to rely on family members or friends for financial support.

In response to the crisis at Services Australia, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has promised to invest $228 million of taxpayer's money to hire 3000 more public servants.

These new recruits will work in smart centres in capital cities and regional centres, including Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour in NSW, Toowoomba and Maryborough in Queensland, and Ballarat and LaTrobe Valley in Victoria.

Recruitment has already reportedly begun, with more than 800 people accepting jobs and starting the onboarding process.

'The new staff will be critical to reducing call wait times, speeding up claim payments and giving Australians back some time in their busy lives,' Mr Shorten said.

He blamed the previous government for allowing staff levels at Centrelink to drop so low.

However, Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher criticised the staffing announcement, calling it a sign of desperation from an underperforming Minister.

'Whether it be spiralling NDIS costs or the surging wait times at Services Australia, Bill Shorten has failed to get a grip on his own portfolios,' Mr Fletcher said.

The Future of Centrelink Services

While the government's promise to hire more staff is a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to address the issues at Centrelink. The agency processes millions of claims each year, and it will take time to train the new staff and integrate them into the system.

In the meantime, seniors and other Centrelink customers may continue to face long wait times and delays in their applications.

It's crucial for those affected to keep an eye on their Centrelink online accounts through myGov for any outstanding tasks and letters.

This is where Centrelink will let people know if they're waiting for further information, including supporting documents, to finalise their claim.

Despite the challenges, Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen has apologised to anyone waiting longer than they should be and asked customers to let Services Australia know if they are in hardship.

'Services Australia processes millions of claims a year, and we work hard to do these as quickly as possible,' he said.

'In the 2022-23 financial year, we processed 3.6 million Centrelink claims. As of October 31, these claims took an average of 34 days to process.'

Mr Jongen explained that processing timeframes may differ depending on the payment type and the complexity of the claim.

'The new staff we're training will help free up our experienced staff to assist with more complex claims, which includes Age Pension claims.'

Key Takeaways

• Seniors are experiencing lengthy waits for Centrelink services, with the average phone wait time doubling to over 43 minutes in the current financial year.
• The average time taken to approve the age pension has almost doubled from 33 days in the 2021/22 financial year to 61 days in August 2023.
• In response to this crisis, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has pledged $228 million to hire an additional 3000 public servants to work in smart centres across the country.
• According to Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen, processing times vary depending on the payment type and complexity of the claim. He also encouraged customers to monitor their Centrelink online accounts through myGov for updates.

What are your experiences with Centrelink? Share your stories in the comments below.

 

[Hyacyinth Bucket]

Centrelink plays a critical role in supporting millions of Australians through hard times.

However, skyrocketing wait times and delays have left many struggling without the help they need.

The Centrelink Older Australians line is experiencing a significant increase in wait times, with seniors now waiting an average of 43 minutes to get through.

This is a shocking double the average wait time from the 2021/22 financial year.

But it's not just the Older Australians line that's suffering.

View attachment 37282

Centrelink average wait time has doubled in the past financial year. Image source: David Jackmanson on Flickr.

Across all Centrelink departments, wait times are ballooning, with the average wait time for disabilities, sickness and carers at 48.34 minutes, employment at 53.26 minutes, and families and parenting at 56.26 minutes.

These delays don't stop at the phone lines.

According to information provided by Services Australia during Senate Estimates in October 2023, the average time taken to approve the age pension has almost doubled from 33 days in 2021/22 to 61 days in the financial year to August 2023.

This has left some retirees in a financial bind, forcing them to dip into their savings and superannuation to make ends meet.

The average time to approve the disability support pension has also increased from 46 to 80 days, and the carer payment from 45 to 52 days.

These delays have resulted in only 74 per cent of customers reporting a satisfactory timely service.

Furthermore, the delays at Centrelink are more than just an inconvenience.

For many seniors, they can mean the difference between financial stability and hardship.

The age pension is a crucial source of income for many retirees, and delays in approval can leave them struggling to cover basic living expenses.

For those who are already living on a tight budget, these delays can be devastating. In some cases, they may even have to rely on family members or friends for financial support.

In response to the crisis at Services Australia, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has promised to invest $228 million of taxpayer's money to hire 3000 more public servants.

These new recruits will work in smart centres in capital cities and regional centres, including Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour in NSW, Toowoomba and Maryborough in Queensland, and Ballarat and LaTrobe Valley in Victoria.

Recruitment has already reportedly begun, with more than 800 people accepting jobs and starting the onboarding process.

'The new staff will be critical to reducing call wait times, speeding up claim payments and giving Australians back some time in their busy lives,' Mr Shorten said.

He blamed the previous government for allowing staff levels at Centrelink to drop so low.

However, Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher criticised the staffing announcement, calling it a sign of desperation from an underperforming Minister.

'Whether it be spiralling NDIS costs or the surging wait times at Services Australia, Bill Shorten has failed to get a grip on his own portfolios,' Mr Fletcher said.

The Future of Centrelink Services

While the government's promise to hire more staff is a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to address the issues at Centrelink. The agency processes millions of claims each year, and it will take time to train the new staff and integrate them into the system.

In the meantime, seniors and other Centrelink customers may continue to face long wait times and delays in their applications.

It's crucial for those affected to keep an eye on their Centrelink online accounts through myGov for any outstanding tasks and letters.

This is where Centrelink will let people know if they're waiting for further information, including supporting documents, to finalise their claim.

Despite the challenges, Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen has apologised to anyone waiting longer than they should be and asked customers to let Services Australia know if they are in hardship.

'Services Australia processes millions of claims a year, and we work hard to do these as quickly as possible,' he said.

'In the 2022-23 financial year, we processed 3.6 million Centrelink claims. As of October 31, these claims took an average of 34 days to process.'

Mr Jongen explained that processing timeframes may differ depending on the payment type and the complexity of the claim.

'The new staff we're training will help free up our experienced staff to assist with more complex claims, which includes Age Pension claims.'

Key Takeaways

• Seniors are experiencing lengthy waits for Centrelink services, with the average phone wait time doubling to over 43 minutes in the current financial year.
• The average time taken to approve the age pension has almost doubled from 33 days in the 2021/22 financial year to 61 days in August 2023.
• In response to this crisis, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has pledged $228 million to hire an additional 3000 public servants to work in smart centres across the country.
• According to Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen, processing times vary depending on the payment type and complexity of the claim. He also encouraged customers to monitor their Centrelink online accounts through myGov for updates.

What are your experiences with Centrelink? Share your stories in the comments below.

Last week my dad passed away, it’s been a nightmare. Doctors didn’t tell me he was dying just wouldn’t be going back to aged care unit he lived in. Next morning hospital phoned to tell me the news. I’m still waiting for aged care facility to tell me dad died that he had been laying on floor in his unit for how long nobody knows. Qld State Coroner is involved investigating the situation. Man other things have also happened I won’t mention. Iv organised the immediate things going down the list. But Centrelink I phoned I need to let them know to stop paying dads pension. It was a 2 hr wait, obviously I did not want to do or have time with so much organising to be done. I now know it’s 28 days to notify them won’t that be an interesting visit. Nothing is ever smooth sailing when Centrelink is involved. Too top this off I was told by aged care facility I had 24 hrs to move dads stuff out of unit. That I would be charged for every day it’s in room. I’m reporting the facility my 4th call was when I was given this info now I am expecting a bill for that addd onto monthly bill.

 

[petambrady]

Centrelink plays a critical role in supporting millions of Australians through hard times.

However, skyrocketing wait times and delays have left many struggling without the help they need.

The Centrelink Older Australians line is experiencing a significant increase in wait times, with seniors now waiting an average of 43 minutes to get through.

This is a shocking double the average wait time from the 2021/22 financial year.

But it's not just the Older Australians line that's suffering.

View attachment 37282

Centrelink average wait time has doubled in the past financial year. Image source: David Jackmanson on Flickr.

Across all Centrelink departments, wait times are ballooning, with the average wait time for disabilities, sickness and carers at 48.34 minutes, employment at 53.26 minutes, and families and parenting at 56.26 minutes.

These delays don't stop at the phone lines.

According to information provided by Services Australia during Senate Estimates in October 2023, the average time taken to approve the age pension has almost doubled from 33 days in 2021/22 to 61 days in the financial year to August 2023.

This has left some retirees in a financial bind, forcing them to dip into their savings and superannuation to make ends meet.

The average time to approve the disability support pension has also increased from 46 to 80 days, and the carer payment from 45 to 52 days.

These delays have resulted in only 74 per cent of customers reporting a satisfactory timely service.

Furthermore, the delays at Centrelink are more than just an inconvenience.

For many seniors, they can mean the difference between financial stability and hardship.

The age pension is a crucial source of income for many retirees, and delays in approval can leave them struggling to cover basic living expenses.

For those who are already living on a tight budget, these delays can be devastating. In some cases, they may even have to rely on family members or friends for financial support.

In response to the crisis at Services Australia, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has promised to invest $228 million of taxpayer's money to hire 3000 more public servants.

These new recruits will work in smart centres in capital cities and regional centres, including Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour in NSW, Toowoomba and Maryborough in Queensland, and Ballarat and LaTrobe Valley in Victoria.

Recruitment has already reportedly begun, with more than 800 people accepting jobs and starting the onboarding process.

'The new staff will be critical to reducing call wait times, speeding up claim payments and giving Australians back some time in their busy lives,' Mr Shorten said.

He blamed the previous government for allowing staff levels at Centrelink to drop so low.

However, Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher criticised the staffing announcement, calling it a sign of desperation from an underperforming Minister.

'Whether it be spiralling NDIS costs or the surging wait times at Services Australia, Bill Shorten has failed to get a grip on his own portfolios,' Mr Fletcher said.

The Future of Centrelink Services

While the government's promise to hire more staff is a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to address the issues at Centrelink. The agency processes millions of claims each year, and it will take time to train the new staff and integrate them into the system.

In the meantime, seniors and other Centrelink customers may continue to face long wait times and delays in their applications.

It's crucial for those affected to keep an eye on their Centrelink online accounts through myGov for any outstanding tasks and letters.

This is where Centrelink will let people know if they're waiting for further information, including supporting documents, to finalise their claim.

Despite the challenges, Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen has apologised to anyone waiting longer than they should be and asked customers to let Services Australia know if they are in hardship.

'Services Australia processes millions of claims a year, and we work hard to do these as quickly as possible,' he said.

'In the 2022-23 financial year, we processed 3.6 million Centrelink claims. As of October 31, these claims took an average of 34 days to process.'

Mr Jongen explained that processing timeframes may differ depending on the payment type and the complexity of the claim.

'The new staff we're training will help free up our experienced staff to assist with more complex claims, which includes Age Pension claims.'

Key Takeaways

• Seniors are experiencing lengthy waits for Centrelink services, with the average phone wait time doubling to over 43 minutes in the current financial year.
• The average time taken to approve the age pension has almost doubled from 33 days in the 2021/22 financial year to 61 days in August 2023.
• In response to this crisis, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has pledged $228 million to hire an additional 3000 public servants to work in smart centres across the country.
• According to Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen, processing times vary depending on the payment type and complexity of the claim. He also encouraged customers to monitor their Centrelink online accounts through myGov for updates.

What are your experiences with Centrelink? Share your stories in the comments below.

Not good enough ,staff are doing a pathetic job

 

[justice99]

I have read new rules that if the potential pensioner (claimant for aged pension) is going to live to overseas to cut the costs of living, then the Centrelink will refuse the claim for aged pension unless you prove that you are not going to live overseas again. Does somebody knows that is that about???

 

[justice99]

In the other countries the system is going smoothly in the age of modern technology but not in Australia. What a shame!

 

[norma_shell]

For whom exactly?

email address for CEO of Services Australia, then I can get some answers.

 

[Jest]

Centrelink plays a critical role in supporting millions of Australians through hard times.

However, skyrocketing wait times and delays have left many struggling without the help they need.

The Centrelink Older Australians line is experiencing a significant increase in wait times, with seniors now waiting an average of 43 minutes to get through.

This is a shocking double the average wait time from the 2021/22 financial year.

But it's not just the Older Australians line that's suffering.

View attachment 37282

Centrelink average wait time has doubled in the past financial year. Image source: David Jackmanson on Flickr.

Across all Centrelink departments, wait times are ballooning, with the average wait time for disabilities, sickness and carers at 48.34 minutes, employment at 53.26 minutes, and families and parenting at 56.26 minutes.

These delays don't stop at the phone lines.

According to information provided by Services Australia during Senate Estimates in October 2023, the average time taken to approve the age pension has almost doubled from 33 days in 2021/22 to 61 days in the financial year to August 2023.

This has left some retirees in a financial bind, forcing them to dip into their savings and superannuation to make ends meet.

The average time to approve the disability support pension has also increased from 46 to 80 days, and the carer payment from 45 to 52 days.

These delays have resulted in only 74 per cent of customers reporting a satisfactory timely service.

Furthermore, the delays at Centrelink are more than just an inconvenience.

For many seniors, they can mean the difference between financial stability and hardship.

The age pension is a crucial source of income for many retirees, and delays in approval can leave them struggling to cover basic living expenses.

For those who are already living on a tight budget, these delays can be devastating. In some cases, they may even have to rely on family members or friends for financial support.

In response to the crisis at Services Australia, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has promised to invest $228 million of taxpayer's money to hire 3000 more public servants.

These new recruits will work in smart centres in capital cities and regional centres, including Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour in NSW, Toowoomba and Maryborough in Queensland, and Ballarat and LaTrobe Valley in Victoria.

Recruitment has already reportedly begun, with more than 800 people accepting jobs and starting the onboarding process.

'The new staff will be critical to reducing call wait times, speeding up claim payments and giving Australians back some time in their busy lives,' Mr Shorten said.

He blamed the previous government for allowing staff levels at Centrelink to drop so low.

However, Shadow Minister for Government Services Paul Fletcher criticised the staffing announcement, calling it a sign of desperation from an underperforming Minister.

'Whether it be spiralling NDIS costs or the surging wait times at Services Australia, Bill Shorten has failed to get a grip on his own portfolios,' Mr Fletcher said.

The Future of Centrelink Services

While the government's promise to hire more staff is a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to address the issues at Centrelink. The agency processes millions of claims each year, and it will take time to train the new staff and integrate them into the system.

In the meantime, seniors and other Centrelink customers may continue to face long wait times and delays in their applications.

It's crucial for those affected to keep an eye on their Centrelink online accounts through myGov for any outstanding tasks and letters.

This is where Centrelink will let people know if they're waiting for further information, including supporting documents, to finalise their claim.

Despite the challenges, Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen has apologised to anyone waiting longer than they should be and asked customers to let Services Australia know if they are in hardship.

'Services Australia processes millions of claims a year, and we work hard to do these as quickly as possible,' he said.

'In the 2022-23 financial year, we processed 3.6 million Centrelink claims. As of October 31, these claims took an average of 34 days to process.'

Mr Jongen explained that processing timeframes may differ depending on the payment type and the complexity of the claim.

'The new staff we're training will help free up our experienced staff to assist with more complex claims, which includes Age Pension claims.'

Key Takeaways

• Seniors are experiencing lengthy waits for Centrelink services, with the average phone wait time doubling to over 43 minutes in the current financial year.
• The average time taken to approve the age pension has almost doubled from 33 days in the 2021/22 financial year to 61 days in August 2023.
• In response to this crisis, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has pledged $228 million to hire an additional 3000 public servants to work in smart centres across the country.
• According to Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen, processing times vary depending on the payment type and complexity of the claim. He also encouraged customers to monitor their Centrelink online accounts through myGov for updates.

What are your experiences with Centrelink? Share your stories in the comments below.

i am very grateful not to be on the bones of my a,,,,,

 

[mylittletibbies]

I have read new rules that if the potential pensioner (claimant for aged pension) is going to live to overseas to cut the costs of living, then the Centrelink will refuse the claim for aged pension unless you prove that you are not going to live overseas again. Does somebody knows that is that about???

Try googling something like Living overseas on the Aged Pension.
I was looking something up the other day when I stumbled across an article Sorry I can't recall the exact details, but you definitely can live overseas, but it had something to do with if you had lived in Australia between the ages of, I think, 16 and retirement.
Sorry that's a bit vague

 

[Ezzy]

I have been waiting over six months for approval of a disability support pension. Phoned a couple of times at one hour fifty two minutes wait time and on other occasions cut off after waiting over a hour. Plus you never get the same answer twice to a question. And one person tells you one thing and the next person a different answer. Talk about bashing your head against the wall. The whole system is a pathetic joke.

Doesn't say much for the training they get if you receive conflicting answers to the same question & the same department!!!