Security, common errors and next steps for Carer Payment

Protect your Carer Payment and avoid 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 Carer Payment 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 Carer Payments

Outdated banking details: if you recently changed your bank account and did not update your BSB number and account number with Centrelink via myGov or by calling 132 717, your fortnightly direct deposit may be returned and take additional days to be reprocessed.

Missing a medical review: Centrelink periodically requires updated medical evidence to confirm the ongoing care needs of the person you are caring for. If you miss a medical review deadline, your Carer Payment may be suspended until the required documentation is submitted. Check your myGov inbox and letters regularly to stay ahead of any review requests.

Exceeding the temporary cessation of care (respite) days: as a Carer Payment recipient, you are allowed up to 63 days per calendar year of temporary cessation of care (including hospitalisation of the person you care for). If you exceed this limit without notifying Centrelink, your payment may be cancelled. Track your respite days carefully and report any changes to your caring arrangements.

Not reporting changes in your circumstances: if your income, assets, relationship status, living arrangements or the care needs of the person you look after change, you must report this to Centrelink promptly. Unreported changes can result in an overpayment debt deducted from future Carer Payments.

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

✅ Recommended next steps

Log in to your myGov account now and check your next two or three fortnightly Carer Payment dates. Add them to your calendar and plan your essential expenses — medical costs, prescriptions, groceries, utilities and any scheduled direct debits — around each date to maintain a balanced budget throughout the fortnight.

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

Check your myGov inbox for any outstanding tasks such as medical reviews, income reporting or requests for updated documents. Completing these promptly prevents payment suspensions and ensures your Carer Payment continues without interruption.

Share this guide with other carers in your family or support network. Keeping everyone informed about how the fortnightly cycle works, how to check official payment dates and how to avoid common errors supports better financial planning and reduces the risk of fraud.

For any queries, use only official channels: my.gov.au, the Centrelink line 132 717 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 132 717 immediately. Having clear documentation significantly speeds up any investigation and correction of your Carer Payment.