Big change hits Centrelink payments 6 September—are you prepared?
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Centrelink’s payment system was about to change—and recipients had been told to expect some noticeable differences.
From early September, the way debit and credit card payments were processed was set for an overhaul.
Services Australia warned people that extra steps could soon appear whenever they tried to pay.
The Reserve Bank of Australia confirmed that it would begin replacing the Government EasyPay system on 6 September.
Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen explained that the update was necessary to protect both customers and the agency.
'This change will strengthen security to help protect both the agency and our customers against online credit and debit card transaction fraud,' he said.
Recipients were told that the new system would sometimes ask for additional information before a payment could be completed.
It would work in the same way banks sent a one-time code when transferring money to a new person.
After the change, Centrelink users making card payments for the first time could be asked to provide a code or confirm personal details.
That security step could also apply when the amount being paid was significantly different from usual charges.
Jongen clarified that only inbound payments were affected by the update.
'There are no changes to how we make payments to customers, only changes to how payments are made to us,' he shared.
He also stressed that all major debit and credit cards would still be accepted.
Services Australia reminded people to be cautious about scams, which had become more advanced and widespread.
'When making payments to us, make sure you’re only dealing with our genuine websites,' the agency said.
'These are servicesaustralia.gov.au and my.gov.au. You should continue to use the links on these websites, your online account through myGov or your Express Plus app to access Government EasyPay.'
The system was not only used by Services Australia, but also by the Australian Taxation Office, the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Defence.
It processed a wide range of charges, including tax instalments, child support payments, and fees linked to Freedom of Information requests.
Staying on top of payment updates can make all the difference when dealing with government services.
The recent EasyPay changes are just one example of how systems are being adjusted behind the scenes.
Another shift happened not long ago that directly affected how debts could be repaid.
Read more: Centrelink quietly changed how you can repay your debt—and it starts in a few days!
As scams continued to rise across the country, would you feel confident knowing an extra layer of security was coming to your Centrelink payments?
From early September, the way debit and credit card payments were processed was set for an overhaul.
Services Australia warned people that extra steps could soon appear whenever they tried to pay.
The Reserve Bank of Australia confirmed that it would begin replacing the Government EasyPay system on 6 September.
Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen explained that the update was necessary to protect both customers and the agency.
'This change will strengthen security to help protect both the agency and our customers against online credit and debit card transaction fraud,' he said.
Centrelink payment system overhaul begins 6 September. Image source: Pexels/SHVETS production
Recipients were told that the new system would sometimes ask for additional information before a payment could be completed.
It would work in the same way banks sent a one-time code when transferring money to a new person.
After the change, Centrelink users making card payments for the first time could be asked to provide a code or confirm personal details.
That security step could also apply when the amount being paid was significantly different from usual charges.
Jongen clarified that only inbound payments were affected by the update.
'There are no changes to how we make payments to customers, only changes to how payments are made to us,' he shared.
He also stressed that all major debit and credit cards would still be accepted.
Services Australia reminded people to be cautious about scams, which had become more advanced and widespread.
'When making payments to us, make sure you’re only dealing with our genuine websites,' the agency said.
'These are servicesaustralia.gov.au and my.gov.au. You should continue to use the links on these websites, your online account through myGov or your Express Plus app to access Government EasyPay.'
The system was not only used by Services Australia, but also by the Australian Taxation Office, the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of Defence.
It processed a wide range of charges, including tax instalments, child support payments, and fees linked to Freedom of Information requests.
Staying on top of payment updates can make all the difference when dealing with government services.
The recent EasyPay changes are just one example of how systems are being adjusted behind the scenes.
Another shift happened not long ago that directly affected how debts could be repaid.
Read more: Centrelink quietly changed how you can repay your debt—and it starts in a few days!
As scams continued to rise across the country, would you feel confident knowing an extra layer of security was coming to your Centrelink payments?
