The Centrelink Easypay system has undergone a major update in 2025, bringing significant changes to how Australians pay government fees and charges online. If you use credit or debit cards to make payments to Services Australia—whether for Centrelink-related fees, child support, Freedom of Information requests, or other government charges—you’ll notice new security steps and a slightly different process starting from September 6, 2025. This upgrade is designed to protect both the agency and its customers from rising online fraud and cyber threats, making your transactions safer and more secure.
Why the Centrelink Easypay Update Was Needed
The Government EasyPay system is used by millions of Australians to pay a wide range of government charges, including Centrelink fees, child support, tax instalments, and more. As online payment fraud continues to grow in Australia, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) mandated a nationwide upgrade to strengthen security across all government payment platforms. The changes are part of a broader effort to modernise digital services and protect users from increasingly sophisticated scams.
According to Services Australia, the update does not affect how Centrelink payments are delivered to recipients. Instead, it focuses on how payments are made to the agency. The goal is to make it harder for criminals to exploit online transactions while ensuring that legitimate users can continue to pay their bills securely and efficiently.
What’s Changed in the Centrelink Easypay System
Starting September 6, 2025, anyone using a credit or debit card to pay Centrelink or other government fees through the EasyPay system will encounter new security measures. These changes are similar to the extra verification steps you might experience when sending money to a new contact via your bank’s app. Here’s what you can expect:
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One-Time Verification Codes: When making your first payment after the update, you may be prompted to enter a one-time code sent to your mobile device or email. This code acts as an extra layer of authentication, confirming your identity and authorising the transaction.
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Additional Personal Information: In some cases, you may be asked to provide specific personal details that Services Australia has on record. This helps verify your identity, especially if the payment amount is significantly different from your usual charges.
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No Change to Accepted Card Types: The types of credit and debit cards accepted by the agency remain unchanged. You can still use Visa, Mastercard, and other major cards as before.
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Same Payment Methods: The update only affects how payments are made to Services Australia, not how Centrelink payments are received. Your regular Centrelink payments will continue to be deposited into your bank account as usual.
These changes are designed to make it harder for fraudsters to access your accounts or make unauthorised payments. By requiring extra verification steps, the system can better protect both the agency and its customers from online credit and debit card transaction fraud.
How to Pay Centrelink Fees After the Easypay Update
Paying Centrelink fees and other government charges after the Easypay update is still straightforward, but you’ll need to be prepared for the new security steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
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Access the Official Portal: Always use the official Services Australia website (servicesaustralia.gov.au) or the myGov platform to make payments. Avoid clicking on links in emails or text messages, as scammers often impersonate government bodies during periods of system change.
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Log In to Your Account: Sign in to your myGov account and link it to Centrelink if you haven’t already. This ensures you have access to all your payment options and transaction history.
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Select the Payment Option: Choose the type of payment you want to make (e.g., Centrelink fee, child support, FOI request). Enter the required details, such as the amount and reference number.
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Enter Payment Information: Provide your credit or debit card details as usual. If this is your first payment after the update, you may be prompted to enter a one-time code or additional personal information.
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Complete the Transaction: Follow the prompts to complete the payment. If you’re asked for a verification code, check your mobile device or email for the code and enter it when prompted.
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Review Your Payment History: After the transaction is complete, review your payment history in your myGov account to confirm the payment was successful.
By following these steps, you can ensure your payments are processed securely and efficiently. Remember to always use the official government portals and avoid sharing your personal information with anyone claiming to be from Centrelink or Services Australia.
Staying Safe from Scams During the Easypay Update
With online scams on the rise, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant when making government payments. The Centrelink Easypay update is a positive step toward protecting users, but scammers may try to exploit the changes to deceive individuals. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
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Use Official Websites Only: Always access the Government EasyPay system through the official Services Australia website or the myGov platform. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or text messages.
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Never Share Personal Information: Services Australia will never ask for your password, PIN, or other sensitive information via email or phone. If you receive a suspicious request, do not respond and report it to the agency.
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Check for Secure Connections: Look for “HTTPS” in the URL and a lock symbol in your browser’s address bar when making payments. This indicates that your connection is secure.
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Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank and Centrelink accounts for any unauthorised transactions. If you notice anything suspicious, contact Services Australia immediately.
By following these precautions, you can protect yourself from fraud and ensure your payments are processed securely.
What the Easypay Update Means for Centrelink Recipients
The Centrelink Easypay update is a significant step toward making government payments safer and more secure for all Australians. While the changes may require a few extra steps when making payments, they are designed to protect you from online fraud and cyber threats. The update does not affect how Centrelink payments are delivered to recipients, so you can continue to receive your benefits as usual.
For those who rely on Centrelink for financial support, the new security measures provide peace of mind and help ensure that your payments are protected. By staying informed and following the tips above, you can navigate the changes with confidence and continue to manage your finances securely.
FAQs About the Centrelink Easypay Update
1. What is the Centrelink Easypay update?
The Centrelink Easypay update is a security upgrade to the Government EasyPay system, which is used to pay Centrelink fees and other government charges online. The update introduces new verification steps to protect users from online fraud.
2. When did the Easypay update take effect?
The update took effect on September 6, 2025. Anyone making payments to Services Australia using a credit or debit card will now encounter new security measures.
3. Do I need to do anything differently to pay Centrelink fees?
Yes, you may be prompted to enter a one-time verification code or provide additional personal information when making your first payment after the update. The process is similar to sending money to a new contact via your bank’s app.
4. Will the update affect how I receive Centrelink payments?
No, the update only affects how payments are made to Services Australia. Your regular Centrelink payments will continue to be deposited into your bank account as usual.
5. How can I protect myself from scams during the Easypay update?
Always use the official Services Australia website or myGov platform to make payments. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or text messages, and never share your personal information with anyone claiming to be from Centrelink or Services Australia.
