Centrelink recipients are being reminded to promptly inform Services Australia of any changes that could affect their payments. Failure to do so may result in overpayments, which must be repaid.
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According to Services Australia community information officer Justin Bott, many recipients mistakenly believe that Centrelink can access their bank balances. This misconception leads some people to assume they don’t need to notify the agency about changes in their financial situation.
“We don’t have the ability to see these things. It’s up to you to let us know about changes that could affect your payment. You need to let us know of changes to your circumstances within 14 days,” Bott explained.
If changes are not reported, individuals may receive more money than they are entitled to, resulting in debt that must be repaid.
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What Changes Must Be Reported to Centrelink?
If you receive a Centrelink payment, plan to claim a payment, or owe money to Services Australia, you must report any relevant changes in your circumstances.
Bott emphasized the importance of checking official letters from Services Australia, whether online or in your mailbox, to understand specific reporting requirements.
Some key changes that must be reported include:
- Address and contact details – If you move house or change phone numbers.
- Travel plans – If you are going overseas for an extended period.
- Relationship status – Changes such as marriage, separation, or entering a de facto relationship.
- Employment status – If you start or stop working, or experience a change in income.
- Financial assets – If your bank balance increases by more than $2,000 or other assets rise by over $1,000.
Additionally, those receiving part payments should report any decrease in asset values, as this could impact their entitlements.
Bott reassured recipients that increases in share market values do not need to be reported, as these are automatically updated on March 20 and September 20. However, if the number of shares owned changes, this information must be reported.
How to Notify Centrelink About Changes
Bott highlighted that reporting changes is straightforward and can be done using Centrelink’s self-service options:
- Online – Via your Centrelink online account through myGov.
- Phone – Using Centrelink’s phone self-service options.
For more detailed information on required updates, recipients can visit the official Services Australia website.
By staying informed and proactively updating their details, Centrelink recipients can avoid financial pitfalls and ensure they receive the correct entitlements without unexpected debt repayments.
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