There will be some changes to payments and services over the December and January holiday period for Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support customers.

All service centres and most phone lines providing Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support services will be closed on Christmas Day 25 December to Tuesday 29 December and on New Year’s Day 1 January.

Some smaller sites – including Remote Service Centres, Agents and Access Points – may close from Thursday 24 December 2020 and re-open for business on Monday 4 January 2021. Closure dates will be advertised to local communities as they may vary between sites.

Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said self-service options would continue to be available during this period.

“Our Express Plus mobile apps, phone self-service lines and online accounts are the easiest way to do business with us,” Mr Jongen said.

“You can use myGov on public holidays to apply for an advance payment, update details, lodge Medicare claims and report your employment income.

“The dates you need to report to us may have changed for the Christmas and New Year public holidays.

“If you’re due to report, you can do this early and tell us what you expect to be paid for your assessment period.

“If you report after your assessment period, we’ll pay you after you report to us. If you make a mistake, you can correct your estimate within 14 days, or when you next report.

“I encourage people to check their reporting dates on our website, through their Centrelink online accounts or via phone self-service.

“There are no changes to Child Support arrangements, however payments made after 24 December may be delayed by public holidays.

“People can continue to claim Medicare benefits at their doctor’s office or using self-service. Critical services for Medicare providers such as organ donor and PBS authorities will remain available over this period.”

“People can still transfer funds to their BasicsCard over the public holidays or by using self-service or calling 1800 132 594 at any time. BasicsCard balances can also be checked at any time by calling 1800 057 111.

Find out more about holiday period reporting and payment dates at servicesaustralia.gov.au/holidays