Australia Day 2025 falls on Monday, January 27, and Centrelink service centres and most call centres will be closed. This public holiday will impact reporting and payment schedules for many Centrelink recipients.
To avoid delays, it is crucial to report income early and stay informed about any changes to your payment dates.
Centrelink Office Closures on Australia Day 2025
Centrelink service centres and most call centres will be closed on Monday, January 27, 2025, in observance of Australia Day. While physical locations are not operational, recipients can still access their Centrelink online accounts or use the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app for essential services such as:
- Reporting income
- Viewing updated reporting dates
- Managing appointments
- Applying for advance payments
These online tools ensure that recipients can manage their accounts even during the holiday closure.
Payment Schedule Adjustments
The Australia Day public holiday will affect the timing of payments for various benefits, including:
- Age Pension
- JobSeeker Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Parenting Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy
Key Changes
- Early Reporting Requirements: If your usual reporting date falls on Thursday, January 23; Friday, January 24; or Monday, January 27, you may need to report earlier than usual.
- Early Payments: Some recipients may receive their payments earlier than expected if they report their income before the holiday.
- Delayed Payments: If you report on the public holiday itself, your payment may be delayed until after the holiday ends.
To avoid disruptions, ensure you include your total expected income for the reporting period when reporting early. Any errors can be corrected within 14 days or during your next reporting cycle.
How to Stay Updated
To ensure timely payments:
- Check your Centrelink online account or the Express Plus Centrelink app for updated reporting dates.
- Follow updates from Services Australia regarding any changes to payment schedules.
- Plan ahead by reviewing your reporting and payment dates well in advance of the public holiday.
Recent Centrelink Payment Increases
As of January 1, 2025, many Centrelink payments have increased due to routine indexation to keep pace with inflation.
These include:
- Youth Allowance: Increased by up to $30.60 per fortnight.
- Austudy: Adjusted rates for single parents and students undertaking higher education.
- Carer Allowance: Raised to $159.30 per fortnight.
- Disability Support Pension: Increased by up to $30.10 per fortnight.
These adjustments provide additional financial support to recipients as living costs rise.
FAQs
When will Centrelink offices be closed in January 2025?
Centrelink offices and most call centres will be closed on Monday, January 27, for the Australia Day public holiday.
How can I report my income during the public holiday closure?
You can report your income through your Centrelink online account or the Express Plus Centrelink app.
Can I still access my account during the closure?
Yes, you can access your Centrelink online account or use the Express Plus Centrelink app to manage your services.