April 12, 2017
Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services are gearing up for the public holidays – but the government agencies also face upcoming industrial action.
Department of Human Services general manager Hank Jongen said service centres and most phone lines would be closed on Good Friday, Easter Monday and Anzac Day.
“Automatic payments will not be delayed because of the holidays but some people may receive their payments earlier than usual,” he said.
“If you receive an early payment it’s important to remember that this is not an extra payment.
“Payments are made as close to your regular payment date as possible but you may need to budget carefully to ensure this payment lasts until your next payment is due.”
Mr Jongen said some reporting dates have changed for the Easter holidays. If people were due to report on a date when services will be closed, they may need to report early.
“If you are due to report, you must do so before your payment can be processed.
“Reporting dates can be checked on your reporting statement using myGov, the department’s online options, or phone self-service. We would have also sent you a reminder,” he said.
”Changes to reporting dates do not affect the assessment period, and earnings estimates will still need to be reported for your normal 14-day period.”
While all face-to-face and most telephone services will be closed on the public holidays, full access to self-service options will still be available.
“You can still use your myGov account, Express Plus mobile apps and phone self-service to complete your business with us during the holiday period,” Mr Jongen said.
“People will be able to quickly and easily check their reporting dates, update their details, report their earnings, and even lodge some Medicare claims this way.”
The revised holiday arrangements will also not impact Child Support arrangements or the majority of Medicare services.
“Medicare claims can continue to be lodged at your doctor’s office or using self-service,” Mr Jongen said.
“Critical services for Medicare providers such as organ donor and PBS authorities will remain available over Easter and Anzac Day.”
People can transfer funds to their BasicsCard throughout the holiday period by using self-service or calling 1800-132-594 between 8:00am-5:00pm. BasicsCard balances can be checked at any time by calling 1800-057-111.
Mr Jongen said the industrial action by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) from Thursday, April 13, to Wednesday, April 26, would not affect payments.
The CPSU is planning rolling strikes and other work bans, saying talks to resolve a three-year dispute over enterprise bargaining had broken down.
“The CPSU’s industrial action is designed to disrupt the face-to-face and telephone services we provide to the community,” Mr Jongen said.
“Our priority is ensuring that those most vulnerable or with urgent queries get the support they need.
“Other recent stoppages have had minimal disruption and services will continue during this latest action. We ask people for patience and apologise in advance if anyone experiences delays, but don’t forget our self-service options can help you beat any queues.
“The CPSU’s actions will not change the department’s position in relation to the new Enterprise Agreement.”
