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SMS and email reminders frequently asked questions

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What is SMS?

SMS stands for Short Message Service. Centrelink SMS service sends a reminder text message to your mobile phone on the business day before you are required to attend an appointment. This service also sends reminders about important information such as when to lodge a document at a Centrelink Customer Service Centre and when to update your family income estimate.

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What type of SMS messages will I receive?

The SMS service includes:

  • appointment reminders
  • reminders to provide up to date information
  • reminders to provide documents
  • notification of online letters (if you subscribe to this service).

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Does updating my SMS number affect anything else?

Yes. If you update your SMS number using this service, you will be updating this number for any other Centrelink SMS messaging service.

If you update your SMS number, your mobile phone number does not change. To update your mobile phone number you will need to telephone us on your regular 13 number, visit your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre, or send a letter to any Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

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How do I get SMS?

If you are already registered for online services, please logon and go to the "Reminders & Letters Subscription service".

If you are not registered, you can logon to use Centrelink online services using the your Customer Access Number (CAN) and password. You will also need to read the terms and conditions very carefully and agree to these before you subscribe.

If you do not wish to subscribe to SMS online, telephone us on your regular 13 number to subscribe over the phone, or visit your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

You will not be able to receive SMS if you:

  • have a nominee
  • are living permanently outside Australia
  • are not in receipt of Centrelink payments because of a compensation preclusion period
  • have requested that only certain Centrelink staff have access to your records.

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Terms and conditions

These conditions apply to SMS and email reminders:

  • Centrelink may send you information messages appropriate to your circumstances
  • no Centrelink generated SMS or email will contain your name or contact details
  • you will not be required to respond via SMS or email to any Centrelink generated message
  • these services are voluntary and you are able to withdraw at any time
  • Centrelink will not include direct links to any website within an email from this service.

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