Family Tax claimants hit by Centrelink glitch

A glitch in Centrelink’s online claim system is locking out those wishing to make lump sum claims for Family Tax Benefit payments.

Over the last few days Centrelink FTB claimants have been unable to complete the online form without being removed from the system, receiving an error message around three-quarters of the way through during a question regarding Medicare.

The glitch only affects those wishing to make lump sum claims.

It is understood the glitch occurred after the Department of Human Services issued a system release on the weekend.

A spokesperson for the department said the issue was isolated and was not impacting the majority of customers and online services.

He said the glitch was not linked to the integration of Medicare systems.

“[Online claims for other payments] have continued working as normal,” the spokesperson said.

The department is currently working on an updated system release and anticipates the issue will be fixed in the next few days. 

In the meantime customers can submit a paper claim for the Family Tax Benefit via post or by visiting their local Centrelink Service Centre, the spokesperson said.

Update 19/7/13 9:55am - DHS has advised the problem has been resolved.