Australians relying on Centrelink payments should prepare for key changes to their payment and reporting schedules due to the upcoming Australia Day public holiday on Monday, January 27, 2025.

These adjustments are essential to ensure that recipients continue to receive their payments without delays during the holiday period.

Centrelink Office and Call Centre Closures

On January 27, 2025, all Centrelink service centres and most call centres will be closed in observance of Australia Day.

While physical locations will not be operational, recipients can still access their Centrelink online accounts or use the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app to manage their reporting and payment needs.

Payment Schedule Adjustments

The Australia Day public holiday will impact the timing of payments for various benefits, including:

  • Age Pension
  • JobSeeker
  • Disability Support Pension
  • Parenting Payment
  • Youth Allowance
  • Austudy

If your regular reporting date falls on Thursday, January 23; Friday, January 24; or Monday, January 27, you may need to report your income earlier than usual. Payments could also be processed earlier in some cases.

However, if you report on the public holiday itself, your payment may be delayed until after the holiday.

Reporting Requirements

To avoid disruptions, it is crucial to adhere to these guidelines:

  1. Early Reporting: If required to report early, ensure you include your total expected income for the entire reporting period. Any errors can be corrected within 14 days or during your next reporting cycle.
  2. Check Online Accounts: Updated reporting dates will be displayed in your Centrelink online account. Use this tool or the Express Plus Centrelink app for accurate information.
  3. Public Holiday Processing: Be aware that payments reported on a public holiday will not be processed until after the holiday ends.

Recent Centrelink Payment Increases

In addition to these adjustments, many Centrelink recipients have already seen increases in their payments as of January 1, 2025. These increases are part of the government’s routine indexation process aimed at helping payments keep pace with rising living costs.

Payments such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, and Carer Allowance were adjusted at the start of the year, while others like Age Pension and JobSeeker will see updates in March and September.

Plan Ahead

To ensure uninterrupted access to your benefits:

  • Review your reporting and payment dates well in advance.
  • Use online tools like myGov or the Express Plus Centrelink app for updates.
  • Report income accurately and on time to avoid delays.

By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate these changes smoothly and maintain financial stability during the holiday period.