Planning your Centrelink payments during the 2024 holiday season? With adjusted reporting and payment schedules, closures, and tips for managing your benefits, this guide will help you navigate the busy holiday period with ease.
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Centrelink Holiday Closure Dates
Centrelink offices and phone lines will be closed on the following dates:
- Wednesday, 25 December 2024
- Thursday, 26 December 2024
- Friday, 27 December 2024
- Wednesday, 1 January 2025
Even during closures, you can manage some services online via myGov or the Express Plus Centrelink app.
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Adjusted Payment and Reporting Dates
Centrelink payment and reporting dates may change due to holiday closures. Early reporting could mean early payments, but you’ll need to estimate your income for the full assessment period. Mistakes can be corrected within 14 days or on your next reporting date.
Key Reporting and Payment Adjustments
For Those Who Need to Report
| Normal Reporting Date | New Reporting Date | Revised Payment Date | Next Payment Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, 20 December 2024 | Thursday, 19 December 2024 | Monday, 23 December 2024 | Tuesday, 7 January 2025 |
| Monday, 23 December 2024 | Friday, 20 December 2024 | Tuesday, 24 December 2024 | Wednesday, 8 January 2025 |
| Tuesday, 24 December 2024 | Friday, 20 December 2024 | Tuesday, 24 December 2024 | Thursday, 9 January 2025 |
| Wednesday, 25 December 2024 | Monday, 23 December 2024 | Friday, 27 December 2024 | Friday, 10 January 2025 |
| Thursday, 26 December 2024 | Monday, 23 December 2024 | Friday, 27 December 2024 | Monday, 13 January 2025 |
| Friday, 27 December 2024 | Tuesday, 24 December 2024 | Monday, 30 December 2024 | Tuesday, 14 January 2025 |
| Monday, 30 December 2024 | Tuesday, 24 December 2024 | Monday, 30 December 2024 | Wednesday, 15 January 2025 |
| Tuesday, 31 December 2024 | Monday, 30 December 2024 | Thursday, 2 January 2025 | Thursday, 16 January 2025 |
| Wednesday, 1 January 2025 | Tuesday, 31 December 2024 | Friday, 3 January 2025 | Friday, 17 January 2025 |
For Those Who Don’t Need to Report
| Normal Payment Date | Revised Payment Date | Next Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 24 December 2024 | Monday, 23 December 2024 | Tuesday, 7 January 2025 |
| Wednesday, 25 December 2024 | Tuesday, 24 December 2024 | Wednesday, 8 January 2025 |
| Thursday, 26 December 2024 | Tuesday, 24 December 2024 | Thursday, 9 January 2025 |
| Monday, 30 December 2024 | Friday, 27 December 2024 | Monday, 13 January 2025 |
| Tuesday, 31 December 2024 | Monday, 30 December 2024 | Tuesday, 14 January 2025 |
| Wednesday, 1 January 2025 | Monday, 30 December 2024 | Wednesday, 15 January 2025 |
How to Report and Manage Payments During the Holidays
Online and Mobile Options
You can still report income or make adjustments online, even when Centrelink offices are closed. Use the following tools:
- Centrelink Online Account via myGov: Report income, view reporting dates, and request documents.
- Express Plus Centrelink Mobile App: Access your account on the go.
If you report on a public holiday, your payment will be processed after the holiday.
Retirement Essentials Support During the Holidays
Retirement Essentials support services will have limited availability during the holiday period:
- Unavailable: Monday, 23 December 2024 – Friday, 3 January 2025.
- Available: Monday, 23 December and Tuesday, 24 December 2024. Services resume from Thursday, 2 January 2025.
Steven’s Insider Tips for Managing Centrelink Benefits Over the Holidays
Steven Sadler, Head of Retirement Essentials’ Customer Service Centre, offers these practical tips:
- Review Dates Carefully: Mark your revised reporting and payment dates to avoid missing out.
- Account for Delays: Expect longer processing times for applications during the holidays, which may extend from 4-5 weeks to 8 weeks or more.
- Call Early: If you need to contact Centrelink, call at 8:00 AM sharp to minimize hold times.
Documents You Might Need
- Recent bank statements (not older than 30 days).
- Latest superannuation statement (if still in accumulation phase).
- Income stream schedule (if super is in pension phase).
- Recent payslips (if employed).
Surprisingly, you don’t need to provide proof of personal assets like vehicles, boats, or home contents.
Plan Ahead and Relax Over the Holidays
By staying informed about your Centrelink reporting and payment schedules, you can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy a worry-free holiday season. Use this time to plan an exciting year ahead, and if you’re staying in, enjoy the festive downtime.
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