Changes to reporting requirements for job seekers
From 1 July 2010, the way job seekers report income and participation details to Centrelink will change.
The changes could affect you if you receive, or are planning to claim one of the following payments:
- Newstart Allowance
- Parenting Payments
- Youth Allowance
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The following changes will apply from 1 July 2010
If you are eligible, you will be able to report your participation and income details using Online Services and Phone Services. You won't be required to complete and lodge your Reporting Statement (Application for Payment) in person.
You will still be able to submit your Reporting Statement (Application for Payment) in person to Centrelink, if this suits your circumstances.
If you are eligible to use Online Services or Phone Services, Centrelink will send you a 12-weekly Reporting Statement that will outline your reporting dates. It is still compulsory for you to declare your income and activity test requirements, so ensure you keep this statement in a place where you will be reminded of when you need to report.
You will still be required to attend interviews and provide job participation evidence to Centrelink. This may include Personal Contact Interviews every 2, 4, 6 or 12 weeks, depending on your circumstances. You will be notified of when you are required to attend an interview.
You will need to provide evidence of your job search contacts at this interview and will be asked to bring this with you.
Information you need to provide to Centrelink
When using Online Services or Phone Services you are still required to undertake your income and participation requirements and report your:
- income from employment
- job search activities
- approved activities
- exemptions, and
- changes in circumstances.
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What these changes mean for job seekers
- No waiting in a queue to lodge a form.
- You can report from any location you can access a telephone or a computer with an active internet connection.
- You can receive your mail electronically, giving you instant access to letters and Reporting Statements.
How to register for self service
Online
Log on to Online Services using your Customer Access Number (CAN) and password.
If you do not already have a CAN and password you can:
- register for Online Services
- call us on 13 6240, or
- visit your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre.
Phone
To report using phone self service, you can call 13 3276 (13 'EARN') on your reporting day and use your Customer Access Number and PIN.
You will need to report by 5 pm on your reporting date to avoid any delays in your payment.
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