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Government > Centrelink > Paying bills the easy way

Paying bills the easy way

18th Oct 2011

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Sharyn has heard of a service provide by Centrelink which can help her spread the cost of large purchases, but she is unsure of the detail.

Q. Sharyn
Someone I know mentioned that there is some sort of time payment whereby Centerlink takes the money from your benefits, for example, if you wanted to purchase a new lounge or fridge. Is there such a system?

A. I believe the service you are referring to is called Centrepay. Large bills can take the wind out of your sails when they arrive unexpectedly in the post. Finding the money to pay such bills when you’re on a budget can be a struggle. Centrelink can help factor your bills into your budget.

Centrepay is a free service which deducts an agreed, regular amount from your Centrelink benefits and pays the money directly to your selected organisation. You can start, change or cancel your deductions at any time.

Paying small amounts regularly can help make expenses such as rent, utilities, home care services and ambulance costs affordable and ensure you keep your budget under control.

For more information, visit Centrelink.gov.au.





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hawthorne
19th Oct 2011
7:23am
I have most of my bills paid by Centrelink , they pay my rent, electricity,washing machine rental, and the other bills are direct debited from the bank. They are insurances, computer and phone,and other small bills that arrive, I pay when I get them. I find this is a brilliant way to keep to a budget, as what comes in my pension is mine for food, fuel etc. I have no stress about paying my bills at all. I find this is the best way.and it is so easy to do. WB
Cherry May
12th Nov 2011
11:25am
One of the best ideas ever, since I was paid the age pension. As hawthorne mentioned there is no stress re paying of accounts. Its great to get an account that says paid in full instead of the worry where to get monies to pay utilities etc. I also can bank monies for a few luxuries.
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