Centrelink recipients are being advised of potential changes to their payment schedule due to the proximity of Easter and Anzac Day holidays.
These public holidays, falling relatively close together this year, may impact when payments are made. Service closures during this period will affect the timing of both payments and reporting deadlines.
Centrelink Service Closures During Public Holidays
Centrelink has confirmed that its service centers, along with most call centers, will be closed for three days during the upcoming public holidays in April. As a result, recipients should anticipate shifts in their reporting and payment dates.
- Good Friday – April 18
- Easter Monday – April 21
- Anzac Day (Friday) – April 25
Services Australia has encouraged recipients to plan ahead to ensure their payments are processed in time. “We want to help you plan so you still get paid,” the agency stated.
Reporting Early for Payments
Centrelink advises that recipients may need to report their income earlier than usual in order to ensure timely payment. If your reporting dates are affected, you will be informed through your Centrelink online account.
“If your reporting period coincides with Easter or Anzac Day, you may need to report your income in advance,” Centrelink explained.
Key Payments Affected
- Austudy
- Farm Household Allowance
- JobSeeker Payment
- Special Benefit
- Status Resolution Support Services Payment
- Youth Allowance
These payments are all subject to changes in reporting and payment schedules.
How Centrelink Payments Will Be Affected
If your Centrelink account indicates that you must report income early, you will need to provide an estimate of your expected earnings for the reporting period. Additionally, you must report any other changes that might affect your payments.
By doing this, your payment will be processed prior to the holiday closures. However, if you report after the scheduled public holidays, your payment will be delayed until after these dates.
Grace Period for Corrections
If there are errors in your reported information, you will have 14 days to make necessary corrections. Alternatively, you can wait until your next reporting period to update the details.
Early Payments
For those who need to report income, Centrelink has made it clear that there may be early payments. “We won’t delay payments because of a public holiday, but we may pay you earlier than normal,” said Services Australia. Early payments will be made as close to your usual payment day as possible.
However, it’s important to budget carefully, as these early payments will need to cover the entire period until your next regular payment date.
Table of Important Dates
| Public Holiday | Date | Affected Payments and Reporting |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | April 18 | Report early to receive payment before holiday |
| Easter Monday | April 21 | Same as Good Friday: Early report required |
| Anzac Day | April 25 | Affects reporting and payment for all Centrelink services |
To avoid payment delays, Centrelink recipients should carefully monitor their reporting dates for the Easter and Anzac Day period.
Early reporting is recommended to ensure timely payment, and recipients should be prepared for potential changes. If unsure, it’s better to report early to guarantee that payments are made before service closures.
FAQs
What if I miss the early reporting deadline?
If you miss the deadline, your payment will be delayed until after the holiday period.
How do I know if I need to report early?
Centrelink will update your online account with the new reporting date. Be sure to check it regularly.
Can I report income after Anzac Day?
Yes, but payments will be processed after the holiday if you report after the specified dates.
Will I get paid earlier than normal?
Yes, Centrelink may issue your payment earlier than usual to ensure it arrives before the public holidays.