Post by Banker on Dec 3, 2011 17:50:01 GMT 7
Centrelink general manager Hank Jongen, is always a popular talkback guest on 774 ABC Melbourne'sHank-jongen Saturday morning program.
"He just sounds so kind and humane, not at all like an official" one caller said.
With Hilary and our listeners this morning Hank discussed many, varied subjects from overpayments to Christmas trading hours.
Other points of general interest Hank made include - Holiday reporting arrangements
It's important customers are aware they may have different payment dates and reporting requirements over the holiday period.
Centrelink recommends customers register for on-line services before the holiday period so they can report income, submit Medicare claims or update personal information from home; it's an easy process and can save people a bit of time and hassle during the silly season.
Information about Christmas and new Year arrangements and opening hours is available at www.humanservices.gov.au
Pension advances
In the wake of the payday loans/debts issue of the last few months, pensioners (and many other Centrelink customers) may not know that Centrelink can provide advance payments.
These are usually a lump sum paid from a customer's future entitlement and the amount is repaid fortnightly over about six months.
Depending on the circumstances, an advance payment would allow them to get a maximum amount of $1074.90 (for a single person) to pay for Christmas presents etc and not incur any debts; just a small reduction in their future payments until the advance is repaid.
Travelling overseas with PBS medicines
This is just a good reminder for anyone travelling with medication over the Christmas period that it is illegal to take PBS medicines overseas unless they are for personal use or the use of someone travelling with you.
It is recommended people organise their medicines before they go to avoid disruptions - this includes arranging a letter from your doctor if necessary.
blogs.abc.net.au/victoria/2011/12/christmas-at-centrelink.html
"He just sounds so kind and humane, not at all like an official" one caller said.
With Hilary and our listeners this morning Hank discussed many, varied subjects from overpayments to Christmas trading hours.
Other points of general interest Hank made include - Holiday reporting arrangements
It's important customers are aware they may have different payment dates and reporting requirements over the holiday period.
Centrelink recommends customers register for on-line services before the holiday period so they can report income, submit Medicare claims or update personal information from home; it's an easy process and can save people a bit of time and hassle during the silly season.
Information about Christmas and new Year arrangements and opening hours is available at www.humanservices.gov.au
Pension advances
In the wake of the payday loans/debts issue of the last few months, pensioners (and many other Centrelink customers) may not know that Centrelink can provide advance payments.
These are usually a lump sum paid from a customer's future entitlement and the amount is repaid fortnightly over about six months.
Depending on the circumstances, an advance payment would allow them to get a maximum amount of $1074.90 (for a single person) to pay for Christmas presents etc and not incur any debts; just a small reduction in their future payments until the advance is repaid.
Travelling overseas with PBS medicines
This is just a good reminder for anyone travelling with medication over the Christmas period that it is illegal to take PBS medicines overseas unless they are for personal use or the use of someone travelling with you.
It is recommended people organise their medicines before they go to avoid disruptions - this includes arranging a letter from your doctor if necessary.
blogs.abc.net.au/victoria/2011/12/christmas-at-centrelink.html