Advertise on podcast: Services Australia

There are over 3 million carers across Australia providing vital support to their loved ones and communities. The caring role can be very different from carer to carer. Some may not realise there's dedicated support available. In this episode of the Services Australia podcast episode, we'll talk about the range of payments available to carers and support services that may be able to help carers.

Information about Exemptions for Income Management and enhanced Income Management if you have children in your care all the time.

Information about Exemptions for Income Management and enhanced Income Management if you don’t have children in your care all the time.

Information about Exemptions for Income Management and enhanced Income Management if you have children in your care all the time.

Information about Exemptions for Income Management and enhanced Income Management if you don’t have children in your care all the time.

Making informed financial decisions can feel overwhelming, especially when you're facing a major life change or planning for the future. In this episode of the Services Australia podcast, we speak with Chris from the Financial Information Service (FIS) about the free and independent support available to help Australians better understand their finances and make informed choices. Find out: • what the Financial Information Service is and who can use it • how FIS can help with budgeting, saving and financial confidence • why superannuation is one of the most important financial topics to understand • key life events that may be a good time to seek financial information and support • the different ways you can access FIS, including phone appointments, webinars and video calls Plus, we discuss common financial questions Australians have about retirement, compensation payments, returning to work, caring responsibilities and understanding how financial decisions may affect government payments. Chris also shares why it's never too early—or too late—to start thinking about your financial future and becoming financially fit. More information at: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/financial-information-service https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/financial-information-service-webinars To speak with a Financial Information Service officer, call 132 300 and ask for the Financial Information Service. #ServicesAustralia #FinancialInformationService #MoneyMatters #FinancialWellbeing #Superannuation #RetirementPlanning #Budgeting #FinancialEducation #AustralianGovernment #ServicesAustraliaPodcast

Bringing home a new baby is exciting—but there’s also a lot to organise. In this episode of the Services Australia podcast, we explain how Parental Leave Pay can help eligible parents and carers take time off work to care for their newest family member. Hear practical advice on: • Who can get Parental Leave Pay and how much you may receive • The changes to the scheme, including more weeks of paid leave and superannuation • How both parents can access the payment • When to claim and why applying early can make things easier • Flexible ways to use Parental Leave Pay alongside employer-funded leave Plus, we bust some common myths, share practical tips to help you prepare before your baby arrives, and explain where to find more information about payments and services available for growing families. More information at: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au www.my.gov.au

Balancing your family payments is an important part of tax time—and knowing what to do can help you avoid delays and unexpected surprises. In this episode of the Services Australia podcast, we explain how balancing works for Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy, and what you need to do to make sure you’re paid the right amount. Hear practical advice on: • What balancing is and why it matters • How to confirm your income and when to lodge your tax return • What to do if you don’t need to lodge a tax return • The three possible balancing outcomes and what they mean • Simple ways to reduce the risk of a debt next year Plus, we share practical tips to help keep your family payments up to date throughout the year, explain how Child Care Subsidy withholding works, and show you where to track your balancing progress online. More information at: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/balancing www.my.gov.au www.ato.gov.au

Tax time is here—and it can get confusing fast. In this episode of the Services Australia podcast, we break down what tax time means if you receive payments like Family Tax Benefit, Child Support or Medicare. Hear practical advice on: • Whether you need to lodge a tax return • When to lodge (and why timing matters) • How payment balancing works • Common mistakes to avoid • How to protect yourself from scams Plus, simple steps you can take now—like checking your details and income estimates—to make tax time easier. Stay informed, stay safe, and lodge once, lodge right. More information at: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au www.my.gov.au www.ato.gov.au

If your bank details aren't up to date with Medicare, they won't be able to pay your benefit. You could also have unpaid Medicare benefits if you haven’t added a bank account since you turned 14. In this episode Kirsten and Chelsea tell you how you can check to see if you are one of the 1 million Australians who have unclaimed Medicare benefits and how to update your details so you don't miss out. More information at: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare https://my.gov.au/en/services/work/managing-the-cost-of-living/finding-lost-money#unpaid-medicare-benefits

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers part or the full cost of some basic dental services for children if you get certain payments from us. In this episode Kirsten and Chelsea discuss the benefits, eligibility and what you need to do to claim. For more information: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule

We hear so much about scams these days and especially ones that impersonate government agencies like Services Australia and myGov. In this episode Kirsten and Hank discuss the types of scams you need to look out for, what you can do to protect yourself and what Services Australia is doing to protect your information from scams

Child Care Subsidy is assistance to you with the cost of child care. To get Child Care Subsidy (CCS) you must: - care for a child 13 or younger who’s not attending secondary school, unless an exemption applies - use an approved child care service - be responsible for paying the child care fees - meet residence and immunisation requirements. Kirsten and Chelsea talk about everything you need to know, who can get it and how to claim. For more information go to: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy

Currently, around 600,000 people use Centrepay, a free bill paying service offered by Services Australia. It is for managing expenses like accommodation, utilities, and essential services. Centrepay is changing because community feedback indicated that it was necessary to better protect customers and to simplify the service, returning it to its primary purpose of bill payment. Kirsten and Hank have all the details in our latest podcast.

Whether you or someone you know is finishing Year 12, heading to uni, starting a trade or even jumping straight into work or you are still deciding what your next steps are then this is the episode for you. Kirsten and Justin discuss the support available, eligibility and give you some tips to help make the transition smoother. Go to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/leaving-secondary-school and https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/education for more.