Centrelink Closures and Payment Changes for Aussies: What You Need to Know

Australia Day public holiday is approaching, where Aussies relying on Centrelink payments and pensions are reminded to remain on top of reporting requirements and shaping payments. As Centrelink service centres and most call centres are closed Monday, January 27, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure you are receiving your payments.

Several key payments, including the Age Pension, JobSeeker, Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance, and Austudy, will be affected by the closure on Australia Day. Customers are being asked to check their online Centrelink accounts to see if updated reporting dates have been added and to make any necessary adjustments so payments aren’t delayed.

Why the Changes?

People may need to report their income earlier than usual so payments don’t miss the day. This may even mean some being paid earlier than they expect.

To make sure no one is left without support over the holiday period, Services Australia is reminding recipients to check their Centrelink online accounts for any changes to their reporting dates for the Australia Day reporting period.

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When Will Centrelink Offices and Call Centres Close?

In observance of Australia Day, Centrelink’s service centers and most call centers will be closed on Monday, January 27, 2025. Although physical offices will not be open customers can still report their income through their Centrelink online accounts. But if you submit your income on a public holiday, your payment will process after the holiday has ended.

How to Report for Centrelink Payments

Reporting your income on the new date will ensure there are no delays in payment if you have to report to Centrelink on or near the Australia Day public holiday. For example, if you normally file your report each Thursday, January 23, or Friday, January 24, or Monday, January 27, you will need to change accordingly.

If there is no amount of income to be reported earlier as you are reporting soon, report all of the expected amount you may earn in the report period. If you get the report wrong but it is still correct, don’t worry; Services Australia lets you correct it, if within the 14 days or the next reporting period, that is.

You can stay up to date on any changes to your reporting dates by logging into your Centrelink online account or by checking the appropriate updates available on Services Australia.

What If You Don’t Need to Report?

If you don’t need to report to receive your payments, there’s a good chance you will receive your payment earlier than normal. Early payments will be processed by Services Australia for those whose usual payment dates are on Friday, January 24, or Monday, January 27.

Say, for example, you normally get your monthly payment on January 24; you may get it on January 23. Likewise, if it’s your usual payment day of January 27, you might see it as early as January 24.

If you make early payments, Services Australia makes sure that they’re as close to the original payment date as they can be, so you may still pay ahead of schedule. But Services Australia warns recipients to budget carefully so early payments will last until the next scheduled payment.

Payment Increases in 2025

Other than the reporting and payment date changes, Centrelink recipients have already had an increase in their payments from January 1, 2025. The government does this all the time to make sure payments keep up with rising costs of living.

Payments such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, Youth Disability Support Pension, and Carer Allowance were increased early in January. But not all payments, like Age Pension, JobSeeker, and Disability Support Pension, will rise until March and September.

Watch Out for Scams

With more payments and income support on the way, it’s important to consider potential scams. Aussies have been warned not to fall for fake websites offering them “one-time cash bonuses” or increased pension payments.

Most of these fraudulent websites tend to use clickbait headlines to bait in unsuspecting users to steal personal info. Services Australia’s general manager Hank Jongen says people should not hand over personal details, including myGov login details, to websites that falsely promise financial support.

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Conclusion

Centrelink recipients may wish to take this opportunity to check if there have been any changes to their reporting dates and payment schedules before the Australia Day holiday. If you have to report your income early, make sure you do not get bogged down in delays in receiving your payments.

Although the holiday closures mean some payment services will be closed in some remote areas over the break, Services Australia is committed to ensuring people receive payments on time, and by following their steps, you should be able to avoid any problems. With payment increases already going through and early payment options available, it is wise to keep abreast and know how to manage your Centrelink payments in 2025.

Finally, don’t forget to be alert to scammers and check all information against Services Australia directly to ensure your personal details are protected.

FAQs

Q. When will Centrelink offices be closed in January 2025?

A. Centrelink offices and most call centers will be closed on Monday, January 27, for the Australia Day public holiday.

Q. How can I report to Centrelink during the public holiday closure?

A. You can still report your income through your Centrelink online account, but if you report on the holiday, your payment will be processed afterward.