The Department of Human Services has announced changes to face-to-face services for Belmont residents.
From Wednesday 1 February 2017 the department’s Service Centre in the Belmont Forum Shopping Centre will relocate to a pop-up outlet adjacent to the centre’s Woolworths supermarket.
Department of Human Services General Manager Hank Jongen said the Belmont Forum shopping centre did not extend the department’s existing lease arrangement, due to the precinct’s redevelopment, however the pop-up outlet would ensure continued access to the department’s services.
“We will offer a primarily digital service, where staff will assist residents to register for a myGov account and show them how to access a wide range of government services online, including Medicare, Centrelink, Child Support and the Australian Taxation Office, using one login and password,” Mr Jongen said.
“Four self-service terminals will be available in the pop-up location, where people can do much of their regular Centrelink and Medicare business through their online account.”
Mr Jongen said the offer of digital services also recognised a shift in the way customers were choosing to access departmental services.
“Across Australia, we’re seeing a decline in the number of people visiting our service centres, largely due to the move away from cash rebates for Medicare services several years ago, and the growing trend of doctors offering patients the ability to claim their rebate electronically at the surgery,” Mr Jongen said.
“Nationally, more than 96 percent of all Medicare claims are lodged at the point of service. It is the easiest way for people to claim, rather than having to travel to a service centre.
“People can also claim some of the most common Medicare items via the Medicare Express mobile app or using their myGov account online, wherever and whenever it suits them, and staff at the pop-up outlet can also help people to set up this service.”
Mr Jongen also said customers would be able to drop off Medicare rebate claim forms in a drop-box at the pop-up outlet.
Customers who require more personalised support are able to receive the full range of face-to-face services at the nearby Cannington Service Centre at 1296 Albany Hwy Cannington WA.
The services in Belmont will be open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.