Most Centrelink payments are now claimed online through myGov — the Australian government's online services portal. This guide walks you through the entire process, from creating a myGov account to submitting your claim.
What is myGov?
myGov (my.gov.au) is the Australian government's online services portal. It allows you to access government services — including Centrelink, Medicare, the ATO, and more — from a single account. To claim Centrelink payments online, you need a myGov account with Centrelink linked.
Step 1: Create a myGov Account
If you don't already have a myGov account:
- Go to my.gov.au
- Click "Create a myGov account"
- Enter your email address and create a password
- Verify your email address by clicking the link sent to your inbox
- Set up your security questions
If you already have a myGov account, skip to Step 2.
Step 2: Link Centrelink to myGov
To access Centrelink through myGov, you need to link your Centrelink account:
- Log in to myGov
- Click "Link a service"
- Select "Centrelink"
- Choose how to verify your identity — you can use your Customer Reference Number (CRN) and answers to security questions, or use the myGov identity verification process
- If you don't have a CRN, you will need to visit a Services Australia service centre in person to prove your identity
Step 3: Make a Claim
Once Centrelink is linked to myGov:
- Log in to myGov and select "Centrelink"
- Click "Make a claim" (or "Payments and Claims" → "Make a claim")
- Select the payment you want to claim (e.g., "Age Pension", "JobSeeker Payment", "Disability Support Pension")
- Read the information about the payment and click "Start claim"
- Complete the online claim form — answer all questions honestly and accurately
What Documents Do You Need?
The documents you need depend on the payment you are claiming. Generally, you will need:
- Proof of identity: Australian passport, birth certificate, or Australian citizenship certificate
- Tax file number (TFN): Your TFN is required for most Centrelink payments
- Bank account details: BSB and account number for your payment to be deposited
- Income details: Recent payslips, tax returns, or business income statements
- Asset details: Bank statements, superannuation statements, property valuations
- Residency evidence: If you have lived overseas, evidence of your time in Australia
For specific payments, additional documents may be required:
- DSP: Medical evidence (SA479 form from your treating doctor)
- Carer Payment: Medical report from the care receiver's doctor (SA394 or SA397)
- Parenting Payment: Child's birth certificate
- Family Tax Benefit: Child's birth certificate and immunisation records
After You Submit Your Claim
After submitting your claim:
- Centrelink will review your claim and may contact you for more information
- You may need to attend an interview or assessment (in person or by phone)
- Centrelink will notify you of their decision through myGov
- If approved, your first payment will be deposited to your bank account on your payment date
- If rejected, you have the right to request a review
Processing Times
Processing times vary by payment:
- JobSeeker: Usually 1–2 weeks
- Age Pension: Usually 2–4 weeks
- Family Tax Benefit: Usually 2–4 weeks
- DSP: Usually 3–6 months (complex assessment required)
- Carer Payment: Usually 4–8 weeks
Claiming in Person
If you prefer to claim in person, or if you cannot access the internet, you can visit a Services Australia service centre. You can find your nearest service centre at servicesaustralia.gov.au/service-centres. Bring all required documents with you.
Getting Help
If you need help with your claim:
- Phone: Call Centrelink on 132 850 (general enquiries) or the relevant payment line
- Service centre: Visit in person for face-to-face assistance
- Community organisations: Many community organisations offer free help with Centrelink claims
- Financial counsellors: Free financial counselling is available through the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007)