Security, common errors and next steps

Protect your pension and avoid payment delays

Protect your personal information: never share your Customer Reference Number (CRN), myGov password, bank account number, BSB number or any personal information via text message, Facebook, email or unofficial websites. Be immediately suspicious of any unsolicited contact claiming to be from Centrelink or Services Australia and asking you to “confirm your banking details” or “verify your direct deposit information”.

Services Australia will never ask for your bank account details or myGov password via an unexpected phone call, SMS or email. If you receive such contact, report it to the Services Australia fraud tip-off line on 131 524.

⚠️ Common errors that delay Age Pension payments

Outdated banking details: if you recently changed your bank account and did not update your BSB number a account number with Centrelink via myGov or by calling 132 300, your fortnightly direct deposit may be returned and take additional days to be reprocessed.

Closing your old bank account too early: when updating your banking details with Centrelink, allow at least one full fortnightly payment cycle before closing your previous bank account. Do not cancel the old account until you have confirmed the first automatic payment has successfully reached your new account.

Not reporting changes in circumstances: if your income, assets, relationship status or living arrangements change, you must report this to Centrelink promptly. Unreported changes can affect your payment rate and may result in an overpayment debt that is deducted from future pension payments.

Not checking your balance before visiting an ATM: always verify your available balance through your bank’s mobile app or online banking before travelling to an ATM or branch. This avoids unnecessary trips if your direct deposit is still being processed by your bank.

✅ Recommended next steps

Log in to your myGov account now and check your next two or three fortnightly payment dates. Add them to your calendar and plan your essential expenses — groceries, utilities, rent or mortgage, and any scheduled direct debits — around each date to keep your monthly budget balanced throughout the fortnight.

If you receive the Age Pension Supplement, Energy Supplement or Rent Assistance as part of your fortnightly pension payment, review these amounts regularly in your myGov account to ensure they are correctly calculated based on your current circumstances.

Share this guide with other Age Pension recipients in your family or community. Keeping everyone informed about how the fortnightly cycle works and how to check official payment dates reduces the risk of fraud and supports better collective financial planning.

For any queries, use only official channels: my.gov.au, the Centrelink older Australians line 132 300 or the Express Plus Centrelink app. Never click on shortened links or respond to unverified messages requesting your bank account details or CRN.

If you notice any discrepancy in the amount credited to your bank account, take a screenshot of your bank statement and your myGov payment history and contact Centrelink on 132 300 immediately. Having clear documentation significantly speeds up any investigation and correction of your pension payment.