Mr Delaney, 28, was a casual delivery driver with Coles but the company ceased its delivery service last week to ensure there was enough stock in stores. He was working hours eight to ten hours a day, five or six days a week, but those hours have been cut completely. He may have an opportunity to work three hours a week stocking shelves.

He has moved out of his rental property and back in with his father, and said he is worried about his upcoming bills like his car insurance, phone, and other expenses.

But he said he has not been able to apply for the Centrelink benefits he is entitled to in the face of unprecedented demand on the service.

He first tried the MyGov website, which he kept refreshing while it took him back to the previous page on his application form, for about four hours.

Next he called Centrelink on the phone, but was unable to get through due to a problem with his pin.

He went in person to the Launceston office to attempt to reset his pin, waited for an hour and a half and had to leave. He went back and waited for another hour to speak to a staff member.

The staff member, he says, told him, "What's the point in resetting your pin when the website's down?" and did not assist him.

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Mr Delaney said he tried every possible avenue and still hasn't been able to apply for the benefits the government said were available to those who lost their jobs during the Covid-19 crisis.

"I'm not sure what I can do, but I'll just keeping trying with Centrelink," he said. "I've just got to keep trying, I've got no other option."

"All of the other drivers are in the same boat, I don't know what they're doing. If I didn't have a place to stay ... there's people who are worse off than me."

"There was a real mix of people [in the Centrelink line]: older people, younger people, middle aged, all types. Think about the elderly making their way into town, who don't know how to use a computer, waiting for hours and then being told to go home.

"They should really tell people to not come in unless they fix the system. What's the point in lining up for hours?"

It's estimated about 22,000 Tasmanians will lose their jobs due to restrictions but in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Liberal Bass MHR Bridget Archer said her office was assisting people who were having trouble with Centrelink: "If anyone is encountering challenges or issues after first contacting Centrelink, please contact my office on 6334 7033 or email me on Bridget.archer.mp@aph.gov.au as my office is ready and available to assist."