Easy lodgement for Centrelink customers fighting fires

Acting Minister for Family and Community Services, Larry Anthony, today announced further arrangements for Centrelink customers involved in fighting bushfires across the Eastern States.

“The new arrangements mean that Centrelink customers who have volunteered to fight fires and provide other emergency services, and who are receiving Newstart or Youth Allowance, can now make their form lodgements over the phone”, Mr Anthony said.

Centrelink recognises that some of its customers are involved in fighting fires both locally and sometimes interstate, making it difficult for them to lodge their forms in person.

Mr Anthony said Centrelink will do all it can to help customers who are fighting to protect their communities.

“Often fire fighting volunteers are required to go interstate to join forces with other teams or the infrastructure in their local area is badly affected and they cannot personally come into a Centrelink office.”

“Centrelink wants to make sure it is continuing to pay customers their entitlements during this bushfire crisis, especially when they are putting the needs of others ahead of their own.”

The telephone lodgement arrangements will be reviewed as circumstances change.

Customers wishing to find out more should contact Centrelink on the Bushfire Assistance Line by telephoning 132468.