myGov is Australia's secure online portal for accessing Centrelink, Medicare, the ATO, and more in one place. Use this free checklist to prepare, create, secure, and link your myGov account step by step.
Tick each step as you complete it. Your progress is saved in your browser and never sent to a server. Print or download the list at any time using the buttons below.
Disclaimer: PublicAccess.au is an independent information website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by MyGov, Services Australia, the Australian Taxation Office, or any Australian Government agency. This checklist provides general information only.
myGov is a secure online platform operated by Services Australia that allows eligible Australians to access a range of government services through a single account and login. Instead of maintaining separate usernames and passwords for Centrelink, Medicare, the Australian Taxation Office, and other agencies, you connect them all through one myGov account.
Once set up, myGov lets you submit claims, check payment statuses, view tax returns, manage health records, and receive government correspondence — all in one place. It is designed around identity verification, which means each linked service confirms who you are before granting access to sensitive personal information.
For a full overview of myGov features and common questions, see our myGov guide.
The following government services can be linked to myGov. Availability depends on whether you are eligible for and enrolled in each service — not every service will be relevant to every person.
Submit claims, check payment dates, report income, and manage your Centrelink account without calling or visiting a service centre.
Check Medicare claims history, update details, manage your Medicare card, and view benefits through the Medicare Online portal.
Lodge tax returns, view income statements, check PAYG summaries, and manage super through ATO Online services.
View and manage child support assessments, payment records, and correspondence if you pay or receive child support.
Access your digital health record, including medications, immunisation history, and shared health summaries from healthcare providers.
Access NDIS participant information, plan details, and supports if you are a registered NDIS participant.
The five steps below cover creating your account, securing it, and linking the key government services most Australians need.
Visit my.gov.au and select "Create an account." You'll need an active email address and access to a mobile phone for verification. Choose an email address you check regularly — it becomes your myGov username and the address where official correspondence is sent.
Account security is critical — myGov holds access to sensitive personal, financial, and health information. After creating your account, take these steps to protect it:
To link Medicare to your myGov account, navigate to Services → Link a service → Medicare inside your myGov account. You will be prompted to enter details from your Medicare card to verify your identity with Medicare.
To link Centrelink, you need your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN). If you've dealt with Centrelink before, your CRN appears on previous correspondence. If you don't have one, you'll need to create a Centrelink record first by visiting a service centre or calling Centrelink with proof of identity.
Linking the ATO gives you access to ATO Online services, including lodging tax returns, viewing income statements from employers, checking PAYG payment summaries, and managing superannuation details. You'll need to verify your identity with the ATO during the linking process.
Even straightforward account setups can hit snags. Here are the most common issues and what generally resolves them.
If the verification email doesn't arrive, check your spam or junk folder first. If it still isn't there, request a new verification email from the myGov sign-in page. Ensure your email address was entered correctly during registration.
If you don't receive the SMS code, verify that the mobile number entered is active and receiving messages. Check for network coverage issues or try requesting the code again. Some prepaid numbers can have delays with receiving verification texts.
Use the "Forgot password" option on the myGov sign-in page. You'll need access to your registered email or mobile to receive a reset link or code. If you can't access either, contact the myGov helpdesk for identity-based recovery options.
When linking a service like Centrelink or the ATO, identity verification uses details that must exactly match what that agency holds. Discrepancies in name spelling, date of birth, or address can cause verification to fail. Check that your details are consistent across all documents.
If you can't link a service, it may be because you don't yet have a record with that agency. For Centrelink, you need a CRN before linking. For Medicare, you must already be enrolled. For the ATO, you need a TFN registered in your name.
If you can't sign in at all, try a different browser or clear your browser cache. If your account has been temporarily locked due to failed sign-in attempts, wait the lockout period before trying again. Contact the myGov helpdesk for persistent access issues.
Because myGov connects to sensitive government records including tax, healthcare, and payments data, account security deserves ongoing attention — not just at setup. Follow these practices to keep your account protected.
After setting up your myGov account, these tools can help you check eligibility and manage connected services.
myGov is a secure online portal operated by Services Australia that lets eligible Australians access multiple government services — including Centrelink, Medicare, and the Australian Taxation Office — through a single account and login at my.gov.au.
Yes. Creating a myGov account is completely free. There are no fees to register, link services, or access information through myGov. The government services linked through myGov operate under their own rules, but the portal itself costs nothing to use.
Yes. Centrelink can be linked through your myGov account under Services → Link a service → Centrelink. You will need your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) to complete the linking process. If you don't have a CRN, you need to establish a Centrelink record first.
Yes. Medicare can be linked through myGov by selecting Medicare in the Link a service section. You will need your Medicare card number and member reference number. The name and date of birth on your Medicare card must match your myGov account details.
Yes. The Australian Taxation Office is linkable through myGov and gives you access to ATO Online services for lodging tax returns, viewing income statements, and managing superannuation. Identity verification with the ATO is required during linking.
To create a myGov account itself, you only need a valid email address and an active mobile phone number. Linking individual services requires additional information specific to each service — for example, your Medicare card for Medicare, your CRN for Centrelink, and previous tax return details for the ATO.
If you can access your registered email or mobile, use the "Forgot password" option on the myGov sign-in page. If you can't access your registered contact details, contact the myGov helpdesk with proof of identity for manual recovery. Our myGov Account Recovery Guide on PublicAccess.au walks through the options.
Enable Sign In Code verification, use a strong unique password, keep your contact details current, never share your login credentials, and check your account activity periodically. myGov will never ask for your password by phone or email — any such request is a scam.
No. This checklist is produced independently by PublicAccess.au and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by myGov, Services Australia, or any Australian Government agency. It is an educational tool designed to help you prepare for the account creation process.
No. This checklist is a preparation and guidance tool only. You create your actual myGov account directly at my.gov.au — PublicAccess.au has no ability to create, access, or modify myGov accounts.
You can generally access myGov from overseas using a browser, but some functions may be restricted depending on your location or internet service. SMS verification codes sent to Australian mobile numbers may not work if your number is not set up for international roaming. For extended overseas stays, update your contact details before you leave.
The official myGov website is my.gov.au, operated by Services Australia. Services Australia also publishes support information at servicesaustralia.gov.au. These are the authoritative sources for current requirements, features, and help with your account.
For authoritative information, account creation, and support — always use official Australian Government sources:
This MyGov Account Setup Checklist helps you prepare for account creation, work through the linking process for key government services, improve your account security, and access the Australian Government services you need more efficiently. Use it as your starting point — and then head to my.gov.au to complete the actual account setup.
Final Disclaimer: PublicAccess.au provides independent informational content only and does not provide government services, account creation services, identity verification services, tax advice, legal advice, or official myGov support. Always verify requirements through official Australian Government resources.