How Centrelink payment dates could affect you this festive season
Centrelink reporting and payment dates will change over the festive period as their offices close on public holidays.
Services Australia has warned that many may be paid early and those who have to report to Centrelink to receive a payment, will have to report early.
If you're unsure of how the public holiday period will affect you, here is everything we know.
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Centrelink payment dates will be moved forward if affected by public holidays. Dylan Coker / The Sydney Morning Herald
Do public holidays affect Centrelink payments?
Yes, but everyone should either be paid on time or early if your normal payment date lands on a public holiday.
When are centres closed?
Centres will be close on the dates below.
- December 25
- December 26
- December 27
- January 1
Smaller service centres will be closed for the entire Christmas and New Year period from December 22 to January 2.
How do I report to get payment?
"If the dates you need to report to us have changed due to public holidays, you must report on your new reporting date, so we can pay you," Services Australia said on it's website.
"When you report early, you'll need to include what you expect to be paid for that reporting period.
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"You must also do this for any other changes that may affect your payment."
Reporting can be done after a reporting period if you are not sure of your income or there are changes to your circumstances.
The changes to reporting dates can be found here.
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What happens if you don't need to report?
"If you don't have to report to get your payment, we may pay you early. An early payment is your normal payment, just paid early," Services Australia said.
There should not be any delays in payments due to the public holidays if you do not need to report.
If an early payment is issued, the government warned people would need to budget until their next normal payment day.
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