COVID-19 Centrelink Update

Hey Gig Power Team,

Here’s some info we’ve been made aware of just now.  Thought it may help.

We’re thinking of you during this tough time and here for you so please feel free to reach out if you need anything.  We’re currently working on ways we can directly support you in the weeks and months ahead. Stay tuned.

Please do not hesitate to call or pop into the office at any time.

Cheers,

Joe, Weasle and Rich

 

The government has this morning announced significant changes to registering for the JobSeeker payment.

Users with myGov accounts will now be able to register their intent to claim online without a pre-existing CRN or having Centrelink accounts already linked to their myGov account. I’ve included a screenshot below of what the home screen looks like now when users log on to myGov.

All claims will be backpaid to Monday, if that is when they were initially stood down, terminated or first experienced loss of income (such as sole traders).

Centrelink may still call anyone who has lodged an intent to claim online to ask for further details (such as identity checks) but the onus is no longer on the user once they have lodged online, and all payments will be backpaid.

Separation certificates are no longer required as evidence, but instead new JobSeekers will have to sign a declaration that they are currently stood down or experiencing loss of income.

No doubt Centrelink, or Services Australia, is undergoing an unprecedented surge of customers at the moment.
Getting a CRN 

  • If you don’t know your CRN you will need to call Centrelink or visit a service centre, you cannot apply online
  • If you don’t have a CRN you will need to call Centrelink or visit a service centre, you cannot apply online
  • You may have a CRN even if you don’t know that you do – for instance your parents may have claimed a benefit on your behalf when you were under 18. Do your best to investigate this or it could cause additional delays
  • If you don’t know your CRN or you are applying for one for the first time, you will need to undergo an identity check over the phone or at a service centre, you cannot do this online
  • Have your documents ready in front of you when you call or visit – the identity requirements are here
  • Once you get through to a Centrelink operator, the process of getting a CRN should only take four minutes if your documents are in order
  • Centrelink phone hours have been extended to 8am – 8pm. The phone number is 132 850. You can only get a CRN over the phone or in person, not online – this has caused a lot of confusion.
  • If you lodge an intent to claim, your payments will now be backdated to your lodgement date