Anyone know what the go is with Centrelinks phonelines??

[Ilithyia]

I've been trying for weeks to get throught to centrelink to update my address (which I managed to do through online services) and change my circumstances but I can't get through!

My partner has been unemployed since Jan and its not looking good! At the moment we are surviving on my FTB.

Anyone know what's happening?

[Lulu]

The entire country is trying to find out when they get their Rudd money. I gave up trying to report DD income 3 weeks ago.....

[Madissun]

Oh great! I hope i can get through to report mine on wednesday!

What happens if i cant???

[Lulu]

do it online?

Yanno, I wonder if it would be worth the effort for Clink to publish the payment details in the paper, it might cut some of the traffic...

[briggsy's girl]

Oh great! I hope i can get through to report mine on wednesday!

What happens if i cant???

register for self service!

the phone lines are being slaughtered - you have your normal enquiries, your KRudd money, your youth and student return to study queue. you have at least one, possibly more call centres taken away from general enquiries to handle the bushfire payment enquiries

on top of that, there are many who HAVE been impacted by the fires and floods that are applying for payments.

if you can't make your changes via telephone or internet self service, FAO are open 8am-8pm - try to make your call as early as you possibly can in the morning, or later at night (most people think the lines close at 5)

at the moment it's going to be damn hard to get through to the call centres - there simply aren't enough staff to take the call volume as there was no way anyone could have anticipated the need for staff to handle the bushfire enquiries. all new claims for payment (newstart etc) take AT LEAST half an hour to process all that needs to be done. it's not ideal, but i can assure you it's ALL hands on deck - including supervisors jumping on the phones to take enquiry calls when the queues get out of hand.

i know another BB member managed to get through after about 6pm on Friday night for an enquiry, so maybe the later the call the easier it will be to get through...

[Ilithyia]

Thanks girls.

So BG, I am assuming you work for c'link is that right?

Can you answer a question for me?

For DP to apply for Newstart, does he have to ring and speak to a CSO before going into an office?

[Beautitude]

Definately try after 6pm. Before I went on mat leave I worked in the call centre on extended hours and it was alot easier to get through at that time. The call centre is open till 8pm local time. Just be aware that if you are reporting income your payment may be delayed if you report later in the evening.

[briggsy's girl]

definitely call first

the bulk of the application process is done over the phone - and if you DO go to the office, they'll point you to a phone and tell you to call anyway as they aren't able to do the application process in the office

call FAO after 6pm or basically at 8am and get it all done ASAP - if you then get all the details they ask to the local office within 2 weeks, you'll be paid from today (or whatever date you make first contact)

[Ilithyia]

definitely call first

the bulk of the application process is done over the phone - and if you DO go to the office, they'll point you to a phone and tell you to call anyway as they aren't able to do the application process in the office

call FAO after 6pm or basically at 8am and get it all done ASAP - if you then get all the details they ask to the local office within 2 weeks, you'll be paid from today (or whatever date you make first contact)

Thanks hun!

Seems we might not need it anyways. DP just got a job to start tomorrow!

Bring on easier times....

[Madissun]

register for self service!

done!

[Yael]

And i know in the geelong office they are manning the bushfire information lines.. CSA staff are doing weekends to give the centrelink people a break.

[~StarBright~]

Even the online services have been struggling the last few days- it took me till today to be able to declare DH's income- my report day was thursday but every time i tried it was unavailable.

I understand why though, and i am cranky (coz i dont get paid til wed now instead of today) but i guess its a small sacrifice compared to all the people who need far more assistance than me.

[briggsy's girl]

i think online services is taking a fair hit because so many people are struggling to get through on the phones.

plus there are some forms that are able to be handled over the net for the bushfires and things.

if i were talking to anyone that is puter savvy that has just given birth, i'd suggest online application for baby bonus as well - i just know how flat out it is at work and i'm not even there!