Queues shorten as Centrelink urges applicants to go online

LENGTHY queues at Centrelink store fronts eased yesterday as clients followed government calls to access services online amid the coronavirus pandemic.

It comes after customers reported waiting more than an hour at sites in Geelong on Monday following unprecedented demand for welfare payments. But many newly unemployed people in desperate need of support were still unable to apply for welfare as Services Australia’s online sites crashed for the second day in a row.

Services Australia, which operates Centrelink sites, confirmed it was experiencing “intermittent issues online” as staff rushed to expand its online capacity.

“If you’re submitting a claim for Jobseeker Payment you can do this online 24/7 and we encourage you to keep trying,” a spokesman said.

“We’re asking the community to look after themselves.

“This means not coming into our offices unless there is a critical need to be there.”

The increased demand comes after the Australian Government announced more financial assistance for coronavirus-affected job seekers as thousands of people in the hospitality and retail industries found themselves without work or with heavily reduced hours.

Meanwhile, the National

Disability Insurance Agency has enacted the coronavirus emergency response plan and said it was taking necessary steps to prepare and support participants and providers.

A spokesman said access to essential supports for NDIS participants was a priority in the COVID-19 response.

Telephone meetings are being offered to all current and potential participants as a safer way to continue service delivery including for new plans and plan reviews.

“Should the impact of COVID-19 require the closure of any particular office this will be communicated via the NDIS website,” he said.

To reach the NDIS call 1800 800 110 from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday.