setting up myGov and Centrelink for new parents: step by step

step 1: create a myGov account

myGov is the Australian government's single sign-on. one account logs you into Centrelink, Medicare, the ATO, My Health Record and more. if you've used Medicare online before, you might already have one.

1. go to my.gov.au and click create account.
2. enter your email address (each account needs a unique email). confirm the code sent to your inbox.
3. add an Australian mobile number for two-factor authentication. this is mandatory.
4. set a strong password and 3 secret questions. write them down — you'll need the secret questions if you lose phone access.
5. enable the myGov code generator in the myGov app so you can sign in without waiting for SMS codes.

that's your base account. next you need to link services.

step 2: get a CRN and link Centrelink

a Customer Reference Number (CRN)is your unique Centrelink ID. everyone with a Centrelink file has one. if you've never had a payment before, you need to request one.

how to get a CRN

two options:

• call Services Australiaon 136 150 (families line). have your passport or driver licence ready. they'll do a phone identity check and mail you a letter with your CRN within 10 business days.
• visit a service centrein person with three ID documents (one primary like a passport, two secondary like a Medicare card and a bank statement). you'll walk out with a CRN the same day.

linking Centrelink to myGov

once you have your CRN:

1. sign in to myGov.
2. select services > link a service > Centrelink.
3. choose "I have a CRN and proof of identity".
4. enter your CRN and answer security questions — typically your most recent address, date of birth, and one other document detail.
5. if the system can't verify you online, you'll be asked to link using a "linking code". phone Services Australia, verify your identity over the phone, and they'll generate a one-time code you type into myGov.

while you're in the linking flow, also link Medicare and the ATO. you need all three active for the newborn claim bundle to work smoothly.

step 3: submit the newborn claim bundle

the "newborn claim" is Services Australia's single-form solution for new parents. one application covers Paid Parental Leave, Family Tax Benefit Part A, Family Tax Benefit Part B, Child Care Subsidy pre-registration, and adding your baby to your Medicare card.

you can start the claim up to 3 months before your due date. PPL will start paying from your nominated date (usually from birth or a few weeks later).

the newborn claim steps

1. sign in to myGov and open Centrelink.
2. select payments and claims > claims > make a claim > families.
3. choose "I'm expecting or have a new child". the system walks you through a single form that feeds all four payments.
4. enter your and your partner's income estimates for the current financial year. this is critical — it drives your CCS and FTB rates.
5. enter your work details and PPL start date. tick the boxes for which payments you want to be assessed for.
6. upload supporting documents: proof of pregnancy (an obstetric ultrasound report or letter from your GP/midwife is fine), and your partner's ID if claiming jointly.
7. submit. you'll get a receipt number and an estimated processing time of 4-6 weeks.

once your baby is born, go back into myGov and add proof of birth (hospital form or the birth registration statement). this finalises PPL and triggers payment.

step 4: install Express Plus and manage your claim

the Express Plus Centrelink app is faster than the website for day-to-day tasks. download it from the App Store or Google Play, sign in with your CRN and myGov password, and enable biometric login.

what to do in the app vs the website:

important: keep your income estimate up to date. if you under- or over-estimate, CCS and FTB are reconciled at the end of the financial year and you could get a debt. the app makes updating estimates a 2-minute job.

common gotchas

• wrong CRN on your partner's record:if your partner also needs a new CRN, don't share yours. each adult needs their own. joint claims reference both CRNs.
• identity mismatches:if your name on myGov doesn't match your Centrelink or Medicare records (common after marriage/divorce), linking will fail. update your name with each service before attempting to link.
• income estimate too low:CCS and FTB are paid in advance based on your estimate, then reconciled at tax time. too low = debt. it's safer to estimate on the high side and get a top-up.
• missing tax returns:if either you or your partner haven't lodged last year's tax return, your FTB supplement and CCS reconciliation are held up. lodge by 30 June.
• forgetting to add baby to Medicare: the newborn claim handles this, but only if you tick the Medicare box during the claim. if you miss it, do it manually via the Express Plus Medicare app.
• PPL start date confusion: your 26 weeks of PPL can be taken flexibly within the first 2 years, but at least 12 weeks must be taken continuously from the nominated start date. read the PPL sharing rules before nominating.

frequently asked questions