Centrelink and myGov: A Plain-English Guide for Seniors

Centrelink and myGov can feel confusing at first. But once you understand the basics, managing your payments and government services becomes much easier. This guide explains what each one does and how to use them safely.

What is Centrelink?

Centrelink is the part of Services Australia that handles government payments. For seniors, this includes:

• Age Pension
• Disability Support Pension
• Carer Payment and Carer Allowance
• Rent Assistance
• Pensioner Concession Card
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

What is myGov?

myGov is the website that connects you to government services in one place. Through myGov, you can access:

• Centrelink
• Medicare
• Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
• My Aged Care
• My Health Record

You only need one login to use them all.

How to set up myGov

1. Go to my.gov.au on a computer or smartphone
2. Click "Create account"
3. Enter your email address (one not used by anyone else)
4. Choose a strong password
5. Set up two-step sign in (this protects you from scammers)

If you find this difficult, ask family or visit a Services Australia centre. They will help you set it up for free.

How to link Centrelink to myGov

After your myGov account is ready:

1. Sign in to myGov
2. Click "Link a service"
3. Choose Centrelink
4. Enter your Customer Reference Number (CRN)

Don't have a CRN? Call Centrelink on 132 300 or visit a service centre.

What you can do online

Once linked, you can:

• Check payment dates and amounts
• Update your address and bank details
• Report income changes
• Apply for new payments
• Download letters and statements
• See your concession card

The Express Plus Centrelink app

If you have a smartphone, the Express Plus Centrelink app is often easier than the website. You can download it free from your app store. It uses the same myGov login.

Watch out for scams

Older Australians lost nearly $100 million to scams last year. Many scams pretend to be myGov, Medicare, or Centrelink. Remember:

• myGov will never send you a text message with a link
• Centrelink will never ask for your password
• Always type my.gov.au into your browser yourself
• If a message looks suspicious, delete it

If you've clicked a suspicious link, call the Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk on 1800 941 126 right away.

Prefer in person?

You don't have to do everything online. Every Services Australia centre has staff trained to help older Australians. You can also call:

• Older Australians line: 132 300
• myGov help desk: 132 307

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Final thought

myGov and Centrelink work together to make life easier once you understand them. Take it slowly. You don't need to figure everything out at once. And remember: real help is always free, whether online, by phone, or in person.