Documents to gather before you claim

Q: Where can I find the official rules for documents to gather before you claim?

The official source is Services Australia. All information on this page is checked against that source and dated October 2026.

Q: Is this guide up to date?

This guide was last checked in October 2026. Centrelink rates and rules change — always verify against the official source before making decisions.

Identity documents (everyone)

Australian birth certificate, passport, or citizenship certificate
Medicare card number
Tax file number (TFN) — you can provide this later but it speeds things up

Financial documents

Last two payslips or bank statements showing income
Bank account details for payment (BSB + account number)
Superannuation account balances (if of Age Pension age)
Details of any shares, managed investments or term deposits
Rental agreement and how much rent you pay (if claiming Rent Assistance)

Situation-specific documents

JobSeeker: Letter of redundancy or termination, separation certificate from your employer
Age Pension / DSP: Details of assets — property, vehicles, household contents estimate
DSP: Medical evidence from treating doctor or specialist (diagnosis, functional impact, treatment history)
Carer Payment: Care receiver's medical evidence, care diary if applicable
Parenting Payment: Child's birth certificate

Tip: scan and upload

Centrelink accepts scanned or photographed documents via the myGov app. You can upload documents to your claim as you go without visiting a service centre.

Questions about this guide

Where can I find the official rules for documents to gather before you claim?

The official source for this guide is Services Australia. All information on this page is checked against that source and dated October 2026.

Is this guide up to date?

This guide was last checked in October 2026. Centrelink rates and rules change — always verify against the official source before making decisions.

Can I use this guide to make a claim?

This guide will help you understand your entitlements and prepare your claim, but you must submit the actual claim through myGov or at a Centrelink service centre. We never ask for or store any personal information.