How to Access MyGov Centrelink App Online? Nifty Has All The Answers You’ll Need

Andrew Bell

Last updated: May 5, 2020

• 14 minute read

14 minute read

COVID-19 Update:

We are happy to announce that we remain fully operational during this time. So, if you are looking to submit an application or get in touch, please feel free. Though, in response to the recent COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, Nifty would like to extend a helping hand to any customers struggling with an active account. 

Your financial well-being is important to us. Which is why, If you have an active Nifty loan and are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we strongly suggest you get in touch. Our team is familiar with the evolving complications of this virus and will be able to assist in arranging an alternative payment plan to help during this difficult time. 

If you wish to get in touch or if you have further questions, please email us on info@niftypersonalloans.com.au or call us on 1300 471 328.

Remember, we’re here to help.

JobKeeper and JobSeeker Benefits:

With the introduction and rapid adoption of these two benefits, we would like to offer a little disclosure in what we can and can’t accept as income.  

If you have experienced a loss in hours or have been stood-down from your employment and are now receiving JobKeeper payments, we will still be able to process your loan application. Though, if you are now receiving JobSeeker payments, we will not be able to assist you with a loan, unfortunately. 

This comes down to a number of factors, including both the nature and volatility of the payments. As such, we have come to the realisation that we are not currently in the position to assist clients who are receiving JobSeeker payments as their sole form of income. We’re truly sorry for any inconvenience. 

Living in the digital era

For a lot of us, the digital realm is not our forte. Well, whether we like it or not, everything is moving online. Our government is no different. Now, you’re able to access the Department of Human Services’ website, as well as services like Centrelink, all online. While this may seem overwhelming initially, Centrelink online could actually make your life a lot easier. For information about Centrelink loans, click here.

Don’t worry, Nifty is here to guide you through what you need to know about Centrelink online as well as creating a myGov account!

Centrelink Online

If you’re not technically gifted, the Centrelink website can be very difficult to navigate. In part, it can feel complicated complex at the best of times. However, accessing Centrelink online provides a heap of serious benefits.

For example, by accessing Centrelink’s services online, you no longer have to spend hours waiting in a branch. Don’t waste your time waiting for your number to be called out in a Centrelink waiting room. Accessing Centrelink online services in a few clicks is far more efficient as you can take care of the vast majority of your business online. 

What Is My Gov?

MyGov is a platform set up by the Australian Government to allow citizens to access a wide selection of government services, including Centrelink. By having most government services available through one portal, you’ll only have to remember one login and one password. 

You are able to link the following government services to your myGov account:

• Australian JobSearch;
• Australian Taxation Office;
• Centrelink;
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs;
• HouseVic Online Services;
• Medicare;
• My Aged Care;
• My Health Record;
• National Disability Insurance Scheme;
• National Redress Scheme;
• State Revenue Office Victoria.

In short, you will need to create a MyGov account to access most government services, including Centrelink online services.

How do I create a myGov account?

To log in to myGov Australia you will need to create a myGov account. It is straightforward and will allow you to easily access Centrelink in the future. So, if you haven’t created an account yet, here’s how:

Step one: create an account

To begin, head over to the myGov login page. Underneath the login forms, you will see an icon saying ‘create an account’. 

Step two: read and agree to the terms of use

Next, you will be taken to a copy of the terms of use. Be sure to read through these terms thoroughly, and if you agree, click ‘I agree’.

Step three: enter an email address

Enter in your active personal email address, then click ‘next’.

Additionally, each myGov account must have a unique email address. You cannot use the same email for two myGov accounts. Now, a code will be sent to your nominated email address. Once you have obtained this code, go back to myGov and enter it in. 

Step four: enter your mobile number

You’ll be asked now to enter your mobile number and click ‘next’. If you, however, do not have a mobile or do not have mobile reception, you are able to skip this step.

Step five: create your password

At this stage, you must enter a password. However, you can change your password anytime. Additionally, your password must be at least 7 characters long and include at least 1 number. Once you have successfully entered your password in twice, click ‘next’.

Step six: create secret questions

In the event of you forgetting your password or a suspected security breach, you will be asked to answer a series of questions that only you would know. Therefore, you are required to nominate these security questions now.

You are able to choose questions from the options provided, or create your own. Once you have entered in your answer, select ‘next’.

Step seven: your myGov account

By this stage, your myGov account will have been created. Here, you’ll be able to see your myGov username on screen. Additionally, It will also be emailed to you. Keep in mind, you can log into your myGov with both your myGov username or your email.

Step eight: linking services

Once you are signed in to your myGov account, you can now link services, like Centrelink. To do this, go to the ‘Account Settings’ tab, and follow the prompts.

How do I access my Centrelink online login?

To access Centrelink online services, you need to first link Centrelink to your myGov account using a linking code. Once you have done this, you will be able to access Centrelink services through your myGov account.

To do this, log in to your myGov account, by using either your email or your myGov login details, as well as your chosen password.

Centrelink online account

Now that you have access to Centrelink online services, you can take care of most of your businesses over the internet. So, to give you more of an idea of what you can do with Centrelink self-service, we’ll go over the major features available to you.

Centrelink online services

In short, myGov login in Australia for Centrelink services are the easiest way to do the following:

Claim a payment

Through Centrelink online accounts, you are able to claim a payment, apply for an advance payment, as well as keep track of your claims and request to transfer carer payments. Additionally, if you would rather someone else deal with Centrelink, you can authorise them to act on your behalf.

Update/advise your details

You are able to update your personal details, which includes your bank details, work status, and your status as a student. Additionally, you have the ability to report mutual obligation requirements, view or change appointments and complete your rent assistance review.

Send and request documents

You can easily access your Centrelink letters, and submit and request documents. Additionally, you can request replacement concession and health care cards, as well as view your payment and transaction history.

Report your employment income

Via Centrelink online, you are also able to report your income or confirm you’re meeting your requirements. Additionally, you are able to confirm your employment income as well as get reporting reminders.

MyGov App

The mobile app for myGov is called ‘myGov Access’. A free download of myGov Access is available from the App Store or Google Plus. MyGov Access is a secure sign-in option for myGov users.

When you first download and log into your myGov Access app, a one-time access code will be created on your mobile device. This is a more secure alternative to simply sending you a code via SMS.

Warning: When you set up a myGov Access account on your device, you will need to use that same device every time you sign in to myGov. If you delete the myGov Access app or lose your mobile device, you run the risk of being locked out of your myGov account.

However, if you want to change your device or delete the app, you will first need to go into your myGov account settings and change your sign-in options.

Set up the app: Centrelink app

For Centrelink services, in particular, you are able to use the Centrelink mobile app, Express Plus Centrelink. Just like the myGov Access, Express Plus Centrelink is available for free download from both the App Store or Google Plus.

Once you have downloaded Express Plus Centrelink, you can log in with your myGov login details.

Using Express Plus Centrelink

There are a few key features available through the Express Plus Centrelink app. So, you can use the app to do the following.

After you make a claim through your Centrelink online account, you are able to:

• Track your claim;
• View payments and transaction history;
• View and print your letters;
• Upload or request documents; and
• View your digital concessions and health care cards.

Keep in mind, however, that you cannot make a claim through the app. You will have to do this through Centrelink online services. 

Additionally, you are able to use Express Plus Centrelink to manage you:

• BasicsCard;
• Advance payments;
• Centrepay or tax deductions;
• Centrelink appointments; and
• Reporting reminders.

You can view and update your details on the app, which includes:

• Your employment income;
• Family income estimate and payment choices;
• Personal details including your bank details; and
• Your work status if you’re a student.

Finally, you are able to download all documents to your Vault (Centrelink Express App’s cloud), as well as share and print documents.

You can get more information regarding the Express Plus Centrelink app, as well as its capabilities here.

Centrelink Family Assistance

The easiest way to claim your Family Tax Benefit is online. However, to do this you will need a myGov account linked with Centrelink. To make your claim, follow the steps below:

• Sign in to myGov and go to Centrelink;
• Next, select Payment and Claims from the menu, then Claims, then finally, Make a Claim;
• Now, under Families, select Get Started;
• Select Apply for Family Assistance (including Paid Parental Leave);
• Now you will need to answer all the questions presented. Each screen, however, will have information to help you complete the claim. This will include how to submit your supporting documents;
• Finally, submit your claim.

Centrelink Christmas Payments

Over Christmas, or indeed, many other public holidays, your reporting and payment dates may change. Additionally, you may even be paid early. This is due to all services centres, as well as most phone lines being closed over the below national holidays:

• New Year’s Day;
• Australia Day;
• Easter;
• Anzac Day;
• Christmas Day; and
• Boxing Day.

You are still able to report your income over the above dates through your myGov account or relevant apps. If you, however, report your income on a public holiday, you will only receive your Centrelink payment after the public holiday.

Nifty’s top 6 reasons to use Centrelink online

We don’t know about you, but we are not huge fans of wasting time unnecessarily. So, below are our top-6 ways you can use Centrelink online to save you time:

1. Checking eligibility

You no longer have to wait hours in a Centrelink branch to check your eligibility, only to find out you’re ineligible. Now, you can use Centrelink’s Payment and Service Finder to help you easily find, estimate and compare payments and services you may be eligible for.

2. Track your payments

You are now able to track your upcoming payments via myGov or the Express Plus Centrelink app. You can, additionally, check how much money you will receive on your upcoming payments. In short, you can access all this information quickly and therefore forget about wasting time on the phone.

3. Claim Payments

If you have set up your Centrelink online account, claiming your payments is much quicker and simpler. For example, you’ll be able to claim Youth Allowance or Austudy online as well as claim up to 13-weeks before you start your course or apprenticeship.

4. Reporting Income

If you are, for example, working while you study, you will easily be able to report your earnings via Centrelink online or through either the myGov app or the Express Plus Centrelink app. Reporting your income correctly ensures Centrelink are able to pay you the right amount.

Additionally, you can use the employment diary in myGov or the timesheet in Express Plus Centrelink to keep a record of your fortnightly earnings. This makes it easy to not only keep track of your earnings but also report them on time to ensure your payment isn’t late.

5. Updating Details

If your circumstances change, you can easily update your details in your Centrelink account or through myGov. You will be able to update your details online if any of the following information changes:

• Your address;
• You leave the country to study to travel, even temporarily;
• Your employment status changes; or
• You change courses, study load or finish studying.

6. Get Information

You are able to access a wealth of information online. Centrelink has made life easy by providing step-by-step guides, as well as video demonstrations on how to access Centrelink services. Nifty also has the rundown on all the benefits of Centrelink and how to pay your Centrelink debt!