As the Easter long weekend and Anzac Day approach in April 2025, millions of Australians who rely on Centrelink payments will face temporary changes to their payment and reporting dates.
These changes are due to public holiday closures of Centrelink service centres and banking delays. It’s important for recipients to understand how these changes will affect their income to avoid any financial surprises.
Key Closure Dates
Centrelink offices and call centres will be closed on the following days:
- Good Friday – Friday, April 18, 2025
- Easter Monday – Monday, April 21, 2025
- Anzac Day – Friday, April 25, 2025
These closures will impact the normal schedule of income reporting and payments. Those due to report around these dates will either have to report early or receive payments early.
Adjusted Payment and Reporting Schedule
To help Australians prepare, here’s a breakdown of the revised schedule:
| Original Reporting Date | New Reporting Date | New Payment Date | Next Regular Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, April 15 | Monday, April 14 | Tuesday, April 15 | Wednesday, April 30 |
| Wednesday, April 16 | Tuesday, April 15 | Wednesday, April 16 | Thursday, May 1 |
| Thursday, April 17 | Tuesday, April 15 | Wednesday, April 16 | Friday, May 2 |
| Friday, April 18 | Wednesday, April 16 | Thursday, April 17 | Monday, May 5 |
| Monday, April 21 | Thursday, April 17 | Tuesday, April 22 | Tuesday, May 6 |
| Thursday, April 24 | Wednesday, April 23 | Thursday, April 24 | Friday, May 9 |
| Friday, April 25 | Thursday, April 24 | Monday, April 28 | Monday, May 12 |
Note: If your normal payment date falls on a public holiday, your payment may be made earlier, but the next one will follow the regular schedule.
Who Is Affected?
The payment adjustments affect a wide range of Centrelink recipients, including:
- JobSeeker Payment
- Age Pension
- Youth Allowance
- Parenting Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- Austudy
- Special Benefit
- Farm Household Allowance
- ABSTUDY
- Family Tax Benefit (FTB)
If you’re not required to report income, your Centrelink payment will automatically arrive early if it’s scheduled for a public holiday. However, if you must report, ensure it’s done by the updated reporting date or your payment may be delayed.
What You Should Do Now
Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Log in to your myGov or Express Plus Centrelink app to view your exact reporting and payment dates.
- Report income early if your schedule has changed.
- Plan your budget accordingly, especially if receiving payments earlier than usual.
- Contact Centrelink as soon as possible if you encounter reporting errors.
With the Easter weekend and Anzac Day fast approaching, it’s vital for Centrelink recipients to stay informed and take action now to avoid payment delays. The key is to report early, check your myGov account, and budget for any early payments. Being proactive ensures continued financial stability during the holidays and beyond.
FAQs
Will I receive less money if my payment is early?
No, your payment amount remains unchanged. However, because you’re paid earlier, you may have a longer gap before the next payment.
What happens if I forget to report on the new date?
If you miss the new reporting date, your payment may be delayed. You should report as soon as possible via your online account or app.
Do these changes apply to all Centrelink payments?
Yes, most income support and family payments are affected by the holiday changes, especially if your reporting or payment day falls on a public holiday.