What Is Centrelink?
Centrelink is a division of Services Australia, responsible for delivering a wide range of government payments and support services to Australians. These include income support, family assistance, disability payments, aged care support, and help during times of crisis. Most Centrelink services are now accessible online through the myGov portal.
Common Centrelink Payments
Australia has an extensive social security system. Here are some of the most widely accessed payment types:
Income Support Payments
- JobSeeker Payment — financial assistance for people aged 22 to Age Pension age who are looking for work or temporarily unable to work
- Youth Allowance — support for young people aged 16–24 who are studying, training, or looking for work
- Austudy — income support for full-time students and Australian apprentices aged 25 and over
Family Payments
- Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A and B — assistance for families raising children
- Parenting Payment — support for primary carers of young children
- Child Care Subsidy (CCS) — financial assistance toward approved childcare costs
Disability and Carer Support
- Disability Support Pension (DSP) — for people with a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition
- Carer Payment — for those providing constant care to a person with a disability or severe medical condition
- Carer Allowance — a supplementary payment for carers providing daily care
Age Pension and Seniors
- Age Pension — regular income payments for eligible Australians who have reached Age Pension age and meet the means test
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card — discounts on medication and some government services for self-funded retirees
How to Apply for Centrelink Payments Online
Step 1: Create or Log in to myGov
Visit my.gov.au, log in, and ensure your Centrelink account is linked. If you haven't linked Centrelink yet, you'll need your Customer Reference Number (CRN) or be able to verify your identity through the online process.
Step 2: Start a New Claim
From the myGov dashboard, select Centrelink. Go to Payments and Claims > Claims > Make a claim. Select the payment type that matches your circumstances and follow the guided application process.
Step 3: Provide Supporting Documents
Depending on the payment, you may need to upload documents such as proof of identity, bank account details, income statements, medical certificates (for DSP or Carer Payment), or rental agreements. These can be uploaded directly through the Centrelink online portal.
Step 4: Complete a Participation Plan if Required
Some payments such as JobSeeker come with mutual obligation requirements. You may be asked to complete an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) or register with an employment services provider.
Step 5: Await Assessment
After submitting, Centrelink will assess your claim. Processing times vary by payment type. You can track the progress of your claim through the myGov Centrelink portal.
Reporting Income to Centrelink
If you receive a payment with income reporting requirements (such as JobSeeker), you must report your earnings regularly — usually fortnightly. Failure to report accurately can result in overpayments that must be repaid. Report your income via:
- The myGov Centrelink online portal
- The Express Plus Centrelink mobile app
- The Centrelink reporting line (automated phone service)
Useful Tips
- Apply as soon as your circumstances change — most payments have a "waiting period" or "start date" rules that may affect backdating.
- Keep your contact details and bank account information up to date in myGov.
- If your claim is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision through Centrelink's internal review process or the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
- Centrelink has social workers available to assist people in crisis — ask about this service if you need additional support.