If you caring for someone who is unwell or who experiences periods where they are sick, and are interested in hearing about Centrelink's services then you are urged to come along to the luncheon session.

There is a Centrelink office in Bega, Cooma and Queanbeyan. You can call the Centrelink call centre with inquiries regarding payments for people who are ill, injured, have a disability or are carers, on 132717, from 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday.

The website is also a great place to get information regarding Centrelink's services - www.centrelink.gov.au. Payment types for carers include Carers Allowance and Carers Payment.

If there is a possibility that a customer of Centrelink who has an illness or disability may become unwell and have difficulty accessing Centrelink, then it can be a good idea to organise for a family member, friend or carer to be either an authorised nominee or permitted to enquire.

There are forms available at your local Centrelink office or you can ring the call centre and ask for them to be posted to you.

Centrepay is a free direct bill paying service offered to customers receiving payments from Centrelink. Centrelink customers can choose to have a regular amount deducted from their payment for rent, electricity, telephone, gas, court fines and other essential expenses.

It's an easy way to pay bills, instead of having large bills every month or quarter, bills are paid in manageable amounts from the fortnightly Centrelink payment, making it easier to budget.

For more information please phone SAHS Carers Support on 6298 9250.