Parents struggling with ‘nightmare’ Centrelink delays

Many new parents are being left waiting for months to receive paid parental leave.

Molly told 3AW’s Jacqui Felgate her baby was born three months ago and she only received confirmation yesterday that she’ll receive her first payment at the end of next week.

“We were told by the 8th of July we would have payment and it didn’t come in,” she said.

Press PLAY below to hear parents sharing their concerning stories

Ebony, who followed Centrelink advice and filled out her paperwork months before her baby arrived, only to be told she had to do it again because her child was born in the new financial year, said dealing with Centrelink has been “a nightmare”.

Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen admitted there are lengthy delays due to an increase in claims as a result of eligibility changes, the complexity of paid parental leave, the new financial year and staff shortages.

“Right now is the busiest time of the year for us right across the board,” he told Jacqui Felgate. “We are understaffed.”

Press PLAY below to hear what’s causing the delays + tips for getting paid parental leave as quickly as possible

Image: Matt King/Getty Images