For most Centrelink CRN holders, name changes must be done in person. Attend any Service Australia location with the following proof documents:
- Proof of name change (a certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages. More on this below)
- Government issued photo ID. This can be in either name
- Optional: Your Centrelink CRN number.
Other ways to change names with Centrelink
A small number of customers, as per the circumstances below, can usually change names over the phone. Call your nominated Centrelink line, depending on the support payment you are receiving. Phone numbers are listed below.
- you’re changing your legal married name back to your former birth or maiden name, that you’ve provided to Centrelink before
- you’re requesting simple corrections such as a spelling error or your name has been recorded in an incorrect order
- you’re affected by a declared natural disaster and are unable to attend a service centre in person
If you have a CRN but are not claiming benefits
Even if you’re not drawing any Centrelink benefits now, if you have a Centrelink CRN it’s important to update your name around the same time as Medicare, the ATO and any other modules you have linked to myGov. That’s because myGov pulls your name from the first linked module, so if Medicare was the first linked module, then myGov will update your new name within a few weeks of Medicare receiving your name change request. You only have a short amount of time for any other linked modules to be updated into the same name or else they will unlink. You won’t be able to link them again until after your name change has been processed. Future you will also thank you for having made the effort to update your Centrelink profile in your new name when you next go to make a claim.
What about ATO, Medicare and other records?
Just because your name is updated with Centrelink does not mean any other records change. Medicare, state driver’s licence, passport, ATO, superannuation and all other records remain as is. Companies have strict privacy policies and will not share your personal details with other organisations. This means each account needs you to directly notify them of any changes and follow the procedure they have in place. This could be visiting a branch, sending in a letter or form, uploading proof online, calling or emailing. When you contact each company they will also let you know what proof they need and if it should be a copy or certified copy.
Changing names with all other companies
If you’ve changed names from marriage, legally or you are reverting to your former name, then chances are you have another 15 to 30 more places to notify. Save yourself a full day of researching, waiting on hold and figuring out what to send where with our ready to send forms, letters and emails! Just check off the organisations you need to update and get a personalised pack of forms, letters and emails. Sign and send!
Do you have a change in circumstances?
A change of name often coincides with a change of circumstances or living arrangements so your Centrelink payments may be impacted. When you visit Centrelink to request your name change be sure to explain any change in circumstances. This may prevent an over or underpayment.
Can you make a Centrelink claim in your former name?
Perhaps you don’t have the time to line up at Centrelink to request your name is changed? Or you may have changed names in a number of places except for Centrelink. Can you still make a claim? Yes, if your name change involves adding or removing your spouse’s surname you can make a Centrelink claim in either name. That’s because a married name is an assumed name, meaning your birth name and your married name are both yours to use for the rest of your life, regardless of your personal situation. You can make a claim with Centrelink using the name that Centrelink currently has on file. Be sure your bank details are current, and this can be easily changed online through the Centrelink Plus app. You can then update your name once wait times are reduced.
If you have legally changed names you have renounced the right to be known by your former name so you should follow the steps to have your name updated with Centrelink as soon as possible. Speak with Centrelink for more information.
What proof does Centrelink need?
Centrelink requires a document issued by an Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages authority (BDM). Certificates issued abroad are not accepted. The proof you need to present depends on your reason for changing names:
- Marriage:Â An Australian marriage certificate, issued by BDM. If you were married abroad you cannot order an Australian marriage certificate and should therefore apply for a legal name change with BDM
- Removing spouse’s surname. This is typically from divorce or separation, however you can remove your spouse’s surname for any reason. Provide your BDM marriage certificate AND either your birth certificate OR divorce order. If Centrelink has previously had you enrolled by your former name you do not need to attend a Centrelink office in person. Just call your Centrelink line and identify yourself.
- All other name changes: You will need to show a BDM document with your new legal name. If you were born in Australia, apply to BDM in the state where you were born for an amended birth certificate. If you were born overseas apply in the state where you currently reside for a legal name change certificate.
Centrelink contact details
Most applicants will need to visit a Service Australia location. If you are making a small change or reverting to a name previously on file with Centrelink call your department:
- 136 150 Families
- 132 850 Employment services
- 132 717 Disability and carers
- 1800 136 380 Indigenous
- 133 633 Apprenticeships
- 132 316 Farmer assistance
