Lexi Webster
Centrelink provides a range of payments and services to support Australians in various situations. These include support for students, job seekers, parents, people with disabilities, farmers, seniors, and more. To apply for Centrelink payments, individuals must first create a MyGov account and link it to a Centrelink account. They will then need to provide relevant documentation to confirm their identity and eligibility for the specific payment they are applying for. Applications can be submitted online, in person, or through the Centrelink mobile app.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First-time application process | Set up a MyGov account and link it to Centrelink |
| Application requirements | Birth certificate or passport, marriage certificate, and other identity documents |
| Application method | Online or in-person |
| Eligibility | Depends on the type of payment; can be self-checked using the Payment and Service Finder tool on the Services Australia website |
| Supporting documentation | Submitted in-person or digitally via Centrelink account |
| Advance payments | Can be applied for using Centrelink online account |
| Payment types | Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Age Pension, Parenting Payment, Parental Leave Pay, Child Care Subsidy, Additional Child Care Subsidy, JobSeeker Payment, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Stillborn Baby Payment, Home Equity Access Scheme, Youth Disability Supplement, Child Disability Assistance Payment, Youth Allowance, Farm Household Allowance, Special Benefit, Utilities Allowance, Pensioner Concession Card |
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What You'll Learn
How to create a MyGov and Centrelink account
To apply for Centrelink payments in Australia, you need to set up a myGov account and link your Centrelink service to it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Creating a myGov account:
- Go to the myGov website and select 'Create account'.
- Select 'Continue with email'. Read the privacy notice and Terms of use. If you understand and agree, select 'Next'.
- Enter an email address and select 'Next'.
- Enter the code sent to your email, then select 'Next'.
- Enter your mobile number (optional) and select 'Next'. If you provide a non-Australian mobile number, you will need to update your sign-in option.
- Enter the code sent to your mobile phone and select 'Next'.
- Enter a password and then re-enter the password.
- Create three secret questions and answers. You can choose from the list or create your own.
Linking Centrelink to your myGov account:
- Sign in to your myGov account.
- Select 'View and link services'.
- Select 'Link' on the Centrelink tile.
- If you have a Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN), select 'Yes' when prompted. You can find your CRN on Centrelink letters, your concession card, or in your Centrelink online account. If you don't have a CRN, select 'No'.
- If you have a CRN, enter it along with your personal and payment details. If you don't have a CRN, you will need to prove your identity by providing a Medicare card and two acceptable identity documents.
- Once your Centrelink service is linked to your myGov account, you can access and manage your Centrelink payments and details online.
Note that you can also link other services, such as Medicare and Child Support, to your myGov account for easy access to a range of government services in one place.
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What supporting documents you need
To apply for Centrelink payments in Australia, you will need to submit certain supporting documents, depending on the type of payment you are applying for. Here is a detailed list of the supporting documents you may need:
- Identity documents: You will need to confirm your identity, usually by presenting original identity documents in person at a Centrelink office. This can include a birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate.
- Proof of income: You may need to provide payslips, tax returns, or bank statements to verify your income and financial situation. This is especially important if you are applying for payments such as JobSeeker, where your eligibility depends on your income level.
- Medical certificates: If you are applying for disability support or carer payments, you may need to provide medical certificates or reports from your treating healthcare professionals. These documents should outline your condition, the impact on your ability to work, and any ongoing care requirements.
- Child-related documents: For parenting payments or child-related allowances, you may need to provide birth certificates for your children, as well as details of any shared care arrangements.
- Study details: If you are applying for student payments, such as Austudy or ABSTUDY, you will need to provide evidence of your enrolment in an approved course. This can include a letter of offer, enrolment confirmation, or proof of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent for ABSTUDY.
- Other supporting documents: Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to provide additional documents such as rental agreements, evidence of household expenses, or details of any other income support you are receiving.
It is always a good idea to keep copies of all the documents you submit to Centrelink, as you may need them for future reference or in case of any disputes. You can apply for many Centrelink payments online via your MyGov and Centrelink accounts, but some applications may require an in-person appointment at a Centrelink office for identity verification.
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How to submit your application
To submit your application for Centrelink payments, you will need to create a MyGov account and link it to your Centrelink account. You can then sign in to your MyGov account and select Centrelink. From your homepage, select MENU, followed by Payments and claims, then Manage payments and Manage advance payments. Alternatively, you can select Manage advance payments in Favourite services if you have it saved.
You will then be directed to the Advance payments page, where you will be given a summary of your current and previous advance payments. Here, you can select the type of advance payment you want to apply for and read the eligibility requirements. You will be asked to enter how much money you have left over every fortnight after paying all your regular expenses, including food, rent, travel, electricity, phone, Centrelink repayments, and any other ongoing expenses and payments.
After entering the amount, select Continue to proceed, and then read the information about how much you can apply for. Enter the advance amount you want to apply for, keeping in mind that it must be within the advance amount payment range. Depending on the type of advance, you can choose to be paid in instalments. Select your preferred option and enter the date for your second instalment, then select Continue to proceed.
Finally, review and submit your advance payment application. You will be provided with a summary of the details you have provided, including your fortnightly repayment amount. Check that all the information is correct, and if so, read and agree to the declaration to submit your application. You will receive a receipt to confirm that your application has been processed, and it is recommended to make a note of the Receipt ID for your records.
It is also advisable to keep a copy of any documents submitted to Centrelink for future reference.
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How to check your eligibility
To check your eligibility for Centrelink payments in Australia, you can use their payment search and finder tool. This will ask you a series of questions and, based on your answers, will show you relevant payments and results.
Centrelink offers a range of benefits through health, social, and welfare payments and services. These include:
- Disability Support Pension (DSP): Financial support for those with a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working.
- Carer Payment: Income support for those who provide constant care to someone with a severe disability, illness, or elderly person.
- Age Pension: The main income support payment for people who have reached pension age.
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card: A concession card for cheaper healthcare and discounts for those who have reached pension age.
- Family Tax Benefit: A two-part payment to help with the cost of raising children, including birth, foster, or adopted children, as well as grandchildren.
- Parenting Payment: Income support for those who are the main carer of a young child, with a higher fortnightly payment for single parents.
- Parental Leave Pay: A payment for up to 18 weeks to care for a new child.
- Additional Child Care Subsidy: Extra help with childcare fees for eligible families.
- JobSeeker Payment: Financial assistance for those between 22 and pension age who are unemployed and looking for work, or those who are sick or injured and unable to work.
- Youth Allowance: Income support for job seekers aged 21 or younger, including those unable to work.
- Austudy: Financial support for those aged 25 or older who are studying or undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship.
- ABSTUDY: Payments for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students or apprentices.
You can claim most Centrelink payments online through your Centrelink online account, which should be linked to your myGov account. You can also use your online account to find, estimate, and compare payments, as well as update your information.
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Types of Centrelink payments
Centrelink offers a range of payments and services to support eligible individuals in Australia. The type of payment and the amount received depend on individual circumstances, such as income, assets, relationship status, and parental support. Here is an overview of the different types of Centrelink payments:
JobSeeker Payment
JobSeeker Payment provides financial assistance to individuals who are unemployed and actively seeking work or undertaking approved activities to find a job. It is designed for those between 22 and Age Pension age. Previously known as Newstart, it also supports individuals bereaved by the death of their spouse, child, or someone in their care.
Parenting Payment
Parenting Payment is the primary income support for individuals who are the main carers of a young child. It helps cover the costs associated with raising a child.
Parental Leave Pay
Parental Leave Pay provides financial support for up to 18 weeks to individuals who are caring for a new child.
Child Care Subsidy
The Child Care Subsidy assists families with the cost of approved childcare. The Additional Child Care Subsidy is also available for some families, offering extra help with childcare fees.
Disability Support Pension (DSP)
The DSP is a financial support scheme for individuals with permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric conditions that prevent them from working. To be eligible, individuals must meet specific residency and medical requirements.
Carer Payment
The Carer Payment provides income support to those who provide constant care to someone with a severe disability, a long-term illness, or an elderly person who requires substantial care.
Age Pension
The Age Pension is the main income support payment for individuals who have reached the eligible age. It assists those who cannot earn an income due to ongoing reasons.
Austudy and ABSTUDY
Austudy provides financial assistance to individuals aged 25 and older who are studying or undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship. ABSTUDY, on the other hand, offers a group of payments specifically for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students or apprentices.
Special Benefit
Special Benefit is a type of payment offered by Centrelink, which is typically dependent on factors such as whether the recipient is studying, is a parent, or has a partner, as well as their level of income and assets.
Advance Payments
Centrelink also offers the option of applying for advance payments. Individuals can apply for an advance payment using their Centrelink online account or the myGov app. They must select the type of advance payment, review eligibility requirements, and provide details of their regular expenses and leftover funds. The repayment amount is typically deducted from the individual's regular payments.
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Frequently asked questions
To apply for Centrelink payments in Australia, you must first set up a MyGov account and link it to Centrelink. Then, you will need to submit the requested supporting documentation either in-person or digitally via your Centrelink account.
There are several types of Centrelink payments, including:
- Disability Support Pension (DSP)
- Carer Payment
- Age Pension
- Parenting Payment
- Parental Leave Pay
- Child Care Subsidy
- JobSeeker Payment
- Austudy
- ABSTUDY
You can check your eligibility for Centrelink payments by using the Payment and Service Finder tool on the Services Australia website. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of payment.
