How to Book a Centrelink Appointment

Booking a Centrelink appointment can be frustrating — phone lines have notorious wait times and walk-ins can mean hours of waiting. This guide covers the four main ways to book: by phone, via the myGov messaging service, in person at a Service Centre, and the often-overlooked Centrelink Call-back service. Plus tips for getting through when wait times are bad.

Option 1 — Phone (most common)

• Call the relevant Centrelink line for your payment type (different lines have different wait times):
• 13 24 68 — Employment Services (JobSeeker, Youth Allowance)
• 13 23 00 — Families (FTB, Parenting Payment, child care)
• 13 23 17 — Older Australians (Age Pension)
• 13 27 17 — Disability and Carers
• 13 24 90 — Medicare
• Tell the operator what you need. They'll either resolve it by phone, or book an in-person appointment for you.

Option 2 — Via myGov

• Log in to myGov → Centrelink → 'Make an appointment' or 'Message' service.
• Send a message describing what you need. A Centrelink officer will reply within 7 working days and may offer an appointment if needed.
• Best for non-urgent matters — saves you from phone queues.

Option 3 — In person at a Service Centre

• Walk into any Centrelink Service Centre. Walk-in service is available but wait times can be 30 minutes to 2+ hours.
• Better: visit Tuesday–Thursday mid-afternoon (least busy).
• Avoid: first 2 days of any new fortnight (busiest) and Mondays.
• Bring all required documents — you may be able to resolve everything in one visit.

Option 4 — Centrelink Call-back service

• When phone wait times are extreme, an automated voice option may offer to call you back instead of making you wait on hold.
• Listen for it after the initial menu. Select the call-back option, leave your number, and Centrelink will call you back when an officer is free.
• Not always available, but a huge time-saver when offered.

Best times to call (for shortest wait)

• Best: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday between 8:00–9:00 am, or after 4:30 pm.
• Avoid: Mondays (especially morning), first 2 days of each new pay fortnight, lunchtime (12–2 pm).
• Worst: Last day before a public holiday.

Frequently asked questions

Why are Centrelink wait times so long?

Centrelink handles roughly 60 million calls per year. Peak times can have wait times of 1–2 hours. Using myGov messaging or off-peak phone times are the best alternatives.

Can I get a same-day appointment?

Sometimes — depends on Service Centre capacity. For urgent matters (crisis payments, hardship), explain the urgency on the phone or in person.

Do appointments cost anything?

No, all Centrelink services and appointments are free.