Polly wants to know what measures Centrelink has in place for visitors.
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Q. Polly
Does Centrelink have safety measures in place to care for older Australians who need to visit at this time? They don’t seem to have a phone number you can call to ask a simple question like that.
A. Service centres are still open during usual business hours, however Centrelink is not currently holding appointments at service centres.
If a service centre is closed temporarily, Services Australia will update it on the its website, which you should check before going in for an appointment.
If you have an appointment already booked, you will likely receive a call from Centrelink instead as the flow of customers into service centres are still being controlled.
Centrelink has introduced strict distancing measures and health information about COVID-19 and reminders about good hygiene are on display throughout all service centres.
Staff are now trained to ask visitors if you have recently returned from overseas of whether you have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus. Those clients who answer yes are asked to leave the service centre and use online or phone services instead.
Financial Information Service (FIS) interviews in service centres and FIS seminars remain suspended to protect the health of staff and customers but you can still phone in to speak to an FIS Officer.
Mobile service centre visits have also been suspended as a result of the pandemic.
Have you visited a Centrelink office since the pandemic? Were you satisfied with the safety precautions in place?
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https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/retirement/retirement-income/older-australians-facing-financial-ruin
Disclaimer: All content on YourLifeChoices website is of a general nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It has been prepared with due care but no guarantees are provided for ongoing accuracy or relevance. Before making a decision based on this information, you should consider its appropriateness in regard to your own circumstances. You should seek professional advice from a Centrelink Financial Information Services officer, financial planner, lawyer or tax agent in relation to any aspects that affect your financial and legal circumstances.
