Starting September 6, 2025, Centrelink will roll out significant changes to its payment system designed to enhance security for Australians making payments. These changes are intended to address the growing risks of fraud in the digital age and keep your financial information safe while making payments for Centrelink debts, child support, and other services.
Whether you’re making a payment to Centrelink for a debt, for child support, or for any other service, you’ll need to navigate new security features that will require you to verify your identity in multiple ways. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the new changes, how they’ll impact your payments, and what you can do to prepare. This guide will make sure you feel confident and ready when the rules go live on September 6.
Centrelink Confirms Major Security Changes for Payments
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | September 6, 2025 |
| New Security Measures | One-time passcode, banking app approval, biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition) |
| Accepted Payment Methods | Visa and Mastercard remain the only accepted cards. |
| Payment Processing Times | Generally 24–48 hours; could take longer around weekends and public holidays. |
| Impact on Benefits | No effect on Centrelink benefits or pensions. |
| Steps to Prepare | Ensure your contact information is up to date and activate transaction alerts in your banking app. |
| Official Resources | Services Australia Website |
The Centrelink payment security changes, set to go into effect on September 6, 2025, are all about keeping your transactions safe. These changes will require you to take a few extra steps, like entering a one-time passcode, approving payments through your banking app, or using biometric authentication. Though it may feel like more work, these additional layers of security will help prevent fraud and ensure that your financial information stays protected.
The Need for New Security Measures
If you’ve ever made an online payment, you understand how convenient it is—but it comes with risks. The rise in online fraud and cybercrimes has made it clear that government systems need to do more to protect users from financial loss. Centrelink, which is responsible for handling a range of payments including child support, pensions, and other government benefits, is introducing new security measures to keep your transactions safe.
Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to steal personal data and money from unsuspecting individuals. To combat this, Centrelink is introducing new measures that require extra verification before a payment can be completed. These changes will enhance the security of payments and ensure that transactions are only made by authorized individuals.
What’s Changing with Centrelink Payments?
Starting September 6, there will be three primary security changes that you will need to know about. The aim is simple—protect your data and ensure your payments are safe.
1. One-Time Passcode (OTP)
When making a payment, Centrelink will send you a one-time passcode (OTP). You will receive this passcode either through SMS or email. You’ll need to enter this passcode to complete the payment, adding an extra layer of security. It’s like a secret key that only you will have access to, ensuring no one else can make payments on your behalf without your consent.
Example:
Let’s say you’re paying a Centrelink debt through EasyPay. After entering your payment details, Centrelink sends an OTP to your phone. You enter this passcode into the payment portal, confirming that it’s really you making the payment.
2. Banking App Approval
You’ll now need to approve the payment through your banking app. This step is similar to how you confirm payments using apps like PayPal or Apple Pay. It’s an added measure that checks if the transaction is legitimate. If you’re someone who uses mobile banking, you’ll likely be familiar with this process, and it will become a standard practice for Centrelink payments.
3. Biometric Authentication
Centrelink is also rolling out biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to verify that the person making the payment is truly you. This technology has become standard in many mobile devices and apps. If you’re someone who already uses your fingerprint to unlock your phone, you’re already used to this method of verification.
Before vs. After: What’s Changing with Your Payments?
| Aspect of Payment | Before September 6 | After September 6 |
| Payment System | Standard credit/debit card processing. | Upgraded system with enhanced security. |
| Verification | Standard card details and CVV. | May require new verification, like a one-time code. |
| First-Time Payment | Regular card payment process. | May require extra identity verification. |
| Security | Standard protocols. | Extra checks and authorisations, similar to banking. |
Why These Changes Matter
These changes are crucial to protecting your financial security. Fraud in online payment systems is a growing issue, and Centrelink’s new rules aim to ensure that no one but you can make payments on your behalf.
Example:
Imagine you’re traveling overseas, and a hacker gains access to your Centrelink account. Without these security measures in place, they could easily drain your funds. However, with multi-layered authentication like OTPs, banking app approvals, and biometric scans, the hacker would have a much harder time accessing your information and making fraudulent payments.
What You Need to Know About the New System
Accepted Cards
Centrelink will continue to accept Visa and Mastercard for EasyPay transactions. So, if you already use one of these cards, there’s no need to worry about switching your payment method. However, if you’ve been planning to use other cards, like American Express or Discover, they won’t be accepted for these payments.
Payment Processing Times
Centrelink will continue to process payments within 24–48 hours. However, you should be aware that payments made close to weekends or public holidays may take longer to process. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and make your payments early to avoid any delays, especially if your payment is time-sensitive.
How to Prepare for the Changes
Now that you know what’s coming, let’s discuss how you can prepare for the upcoming changes. By following these simple steps, you can ensure a smooth transition and avoid any disruptions to your Centrelink payments.
1. Update Your Contact Information
Centrelink will send you one-time passcodes via SMS or email. Make sure your contact information is up to date with them so you don’t miss any important security messages. Double-check that your phone number and email are correct in your Centrelink account.
2. Activate Transaction Alerts
Your banking app may allow you to set up transaction alerts that notify you whenever a payment is made. This is a great way to keep track of any suspicious activity and ensure that only authorized payments are being processed.
3. Familiarize Yourself with Biometric Authentication
Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, will likely be part of the new verification process. If you haven’t already, set up fingerprint or face ID on your phone or banking app. This simple step will help you avoid delays when verifying your identity.
4. Be Prepared for Extra Steps
These changes mean that your payment process will take a bit longer. Don’t rush through the process—take the extra time to ensure everything is correct and that you’ve completed all the necessary steps. The added time is a small price to pay for enhanced security.
FAQs
What if I don’t have access to my phone for the OTP?
If you can’t access your phone for the one-time passcode, make sure that your backup contact information is updated with Centrelink, such as your email. They may send the OTP to your email if needed.
Will I still be able to use my debit or credit card?
Yes, Visa and Mastercard are still the only accepted cards for Centrelink payments. Make sure your card is linked to your banking app to streamline approval and verification.
How do I set up biometric authentication?
You can set up fingerprint or facial recognition through your phone’s settings. This will then be available for use when you verify payments through Centrelink’s EasyPay system.
Are these security changes mandatory?
Yes, these changes are mandatory for all Centrelink users who wish to make payments through the EasyPay system.
