Many of us find ourselves helping friends and family navigate Services Australia’s payments and services because English isn’t their preferred language. Services Australia can help by providing information in different languages.
We are proud to help migrant and refugee communities access government services. We’re also committed to providing simple and helpful options for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This is why we offer services and support to help people connect with us in their preferred language.
So, what’s available?
Translated information
Our website has information in over 80 different languages. People can read, listen to or watch videos about our payments and services in their preferred language. This includes information to support people at different life stages, like having a baby or raising children, looking for work or retirement and Age Pension.
The easiest way for people to access information in other languages is by heading to our website, servicesaustralia.gov.au and searching ‘languages’
Interpreter and translation services
We have free interpreter and translation services in over 200 languages and use qualified interpreters. This includes First Nations languages and Auslan interpreters for people with hearing loss.
If people need an interpreter, they can let us know when they call or visit our service centres, and we’ll arrange one for free.
Translated documents
If we need a document when someone claims a payment or service and it’s in a different language, we’ll have it translated for free. It’s as simple as letting our staff know that you need a document translated for your claim and we’ll request this on your behalf. That can include birth certificates, medical reports and foreign pension payment documents.
Multicultural Service Officers
Services Australia has specialist staff who provide an important link between our agency and multicultural Australians. They work with multicultural community groups, staff, and other government departments to help and support customers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Contact us
If people need to contact Services Australia about Centrelink payments and services, we have a multilingual phone service available. Call us on 131 202 to speak with someone in their language right away.
If people need to call Medicare or Child Support, they can let us know if they need an interpreter and we’ll arrange one for free.
Someone to act on your behalf
Another option for your friend or family member is to give someone permission to do business with Services Australia on their behalf. Customers can nominate another person or organisation.
Now, they may only want a little help or want someone to do everything on their behalf. Services Australia has an arrangement to suit their needs. They can authorise a person or an organisation to do as much or as little with us as they want.
Have you ever used or referred Services Australia’s services to someone with a different mother tongue? How did your or their experience go? Let us know in the comments below.
