Aussies are urged to ensure their bank details are up to date as unclaimed Medicare benefits have totalled $234 million. In the words of Megan Thee Stallion, it’s time to get into “that cash shit” before Chrissy.
The Department of Social Services recently revealed that almost a million Aussies could be missing out on money that is rightfully theirs as the government records $234 million in unclaimed Medicare benefits. While this could include a little cheeky refund from visiting your doctor, and benefit amounts vary per person, the average that is owed is $240. Sounds like enough cashola to buy yourself a little treat or two.
As Christmas, the new year and cozzie livs are catching up with Aussies, Minister of Government Services Bill Shorten is urging folks to make sure their bank details are up to date on the myGov website and/or app so they can have a piece of the million dollar pie.
“We know Australians are doing it tough, and I want to reunite people with millions in unpaid Medicare benefits before the holidays,” Shorten said.
“It’s quick and easy. To claim, check your banking details are recorded and correct with Medicare and once your details are updated, any unpaid benefits will automatically be paid within 3 days.”
According to a media release from the Department of Social Services, young Aussies aged 18 to 24 are missing out the most, as it recorded more than 200,000 people of that age bracket are eligible for a refund.
It also revealed that NSW was the state with the largest amount — $72.6 million in unclaimed benefits — of eligible residents, followed by Victoria.
Around 690,000 Aussies with active myGov accounts will soon receive a notification alerting them to the unclaimed money. However, according to the government, approximately 300,000 people who are owed money do not have an account at all and are urged to make one ASAP with the correct bank details.
Other ways to update your bank details to get that bag include:
Service Centre
Aussies can change and update their accounts by visiting one of the many service centres across the country.
You can use the website’s service centre locator to make your claim ASAP.
Medicare Call
If you don’t have the time to make it to a service centre or check your details online, you can call the Medicare program at 132 011, which is conveniently open 7 days a week 24 hours a day, as per its website.
If you think you need to update your bank details, be sure to log into the MyGov app to make those changes. If you’re unsure, folks can click right here to learn more.
