What to Bring to Centrelink — Full Document Checklist

Showing up to a Centrelink appointment without the right documents means you'll likely need to come back. This guide gives you the complete document checklist organised by category: identity (always needed), residence proof, financial details, and payment-specific documents. Save this page and check off everything before you visit.

1. Identity documents (always required)

• Centrelink uses a points-based identity verification system. You need to provide documents totalling 100 points:
• Australian birth certificate — 70 points
• Australian passport (current or expired ≤2 years) — 70 points
• Australian citizenship certificate — 70 points
• Driver licence — 40 points
• Medicare card — 25 points
• Bank-issued ATM/debit card — 25 points
• Bring originals, not photocopies. For example: passport (70) + Medicare card (25) + bank card (25) = 120 points ✓

2. Customer Reference Number (CRN)

• If you've ever dealt with Centrelink before, you have a CRN.
• Find it on previous Centrelink letters, your myGov Centrelink page, or by calling 13 24 68.
• If you've never dealt with Centrelink, you'll get a CRN at your first appointment.

3. Residence and address proof

• Recent utility bill (electricity, gas, water — within last 3 months)
• Lease agreement or recent rent receipts
• Recent bank statement showing your address
• Council rates notice

4. Financial documents

• Tax File Number (TFN) — required for almost all payments. Find on your tax return or call ATO 13 28 61.
• Bank account details for direct deposit (BSB + account number)
• Recent bank statements (last 3 months)
• Superannuation account statement
• Investment account statements (if applicable)

5. Payment-specific documents

• JobSeeker: Employment Separation Certificate (from last employer), medical certificate (if illness exemption).
• Age Pension: Birth certificate, residence history, all financial statements.
• Disability Support Pension: Medical reports, specialist letters, treatment history.
• Family Tax Benefit: Children's birth certificates, custody documents (if separated).
• Parenting Payment: Birth certificate, custody arrangements.
• Carer Payment: Medical report on the person you care for, treating doctor's letter.

6. If you need translation or accessibility

• Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS): Free — call 131 450 before your appointment to arrange.
• Auslan interpreter: Request through your Centrelink contact 1–2 weeks before.
• Disability access: Most Service Centres have wheelchair access and hearing loops. Confirm before visit if specific needs.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to bring photocopies?

No — bring originals. Centrelink staff will sight them and return them. They may photocopy them on-site if needed.

What if I don't have 100 points of ID?

Centrelink can use alternative identity verification (referee statements, document evidence). Call ahead to discuss your situation if you're missing key documents.

Can I upload documents instead of bringing them?

Yes — many documents can be uploaded via myGov before or after your appointment. This saves time. Visit myGov → Centrelink → Documents and upload.