Category: Personal Finance

Struggling to access Centrelink online services? You’re not alone! The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has severely affected the financial situations of thousands of Australians. Many have lost their jobs or have found themselves working significantly less. With over 5 million monthly searches on Google for myGov alone, we figured a quick guide on how to use Centrelink online services was in order. 

There is a regular surge of people rushing to their screens to set up a MyGov and Centrelink account to reap benefits or check on when their next payments are due. The bad news is that a lot of us aren’t exactly professionals in the digital realm. With everything shifting online, including our government, knowing how to access services like Centrelink is incredibly important.

To help you out with all of the digital lingo, we’ve has put together a guide to using Centrelink’s online services and creating a myGov account, in case the online resources you’ve found have left you unsure of how to get started

Getting started with Centrelink online services

What is myGov?

Let’s begin with the basics. myGov is a platform set up by the Australian Government that allows citizens to access a wide range of government programs, including Centrelink online services. The best way to think of myGov is as a portal that unlocks access to all of your personal services with only  one login and one password. 

The services you can link to your myGov account include:

• Medicare
• Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
• Centrelink
• Australian JobSearch
• My Health Record
• My Aged Care
• Child Support
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• National Disability Insurance Scheme
• Victorian Housing Register Application

6 Steps To Create A myGov Account

If you haven’t already created a myGov account yet, follow these simple instructions to get started!

Step one: Create an account

Head over to the myGov login page and you’ll find an icon that says ‘create an account’ under the login form.

Step two: Enter an email address

Enter your active personal email address, which you will use to sign in to your myGov account each time. Once you’ve entered your email, you’ll be emailed a code that you will need to enter on the next screen.

Step three: Enter your mobile number 

Now, you’ll be asked to enter your mobile number and click ‘next’. However, if you do not have a mobile number, you are able to skip this step.

Step four: Create your password

We’re now at the password creation stage. Your password can be at least 7 characters long and include at least 1 number. Once you’ve entered your password in twice, click ‘next’ – you will also be able to change your password anytime. 

Step five: Create six questions

We all know the frustration of forgetting your password. In the event that this or a suspected security breach does happen, you will be asked to answer a series of security questions that only you would know. 

You will be able to select questions from the options provided, or create your own. Once you have entered in your answer, select ‘next’. 

Step six: Your myGov account has been created!

By this stage, your myGov account will have successfully been created. You should be able to see your myGov username on screen. Remember, you can log into your myGov account with both your myGov username or your email.

Step seven: Link your services

Once you’re all set and signed in to your account, you can now link services! This means you can link Centrelink. To do this, go to the ‘Account Settings’ tab, and follow the prompts from there. 

What can I use myGov Centrelink for?

One of the key features of myGov is that it enables you to access Centrelink online services and manage any payments. Here are some of the most commonplace things you can use Centrelink online for:

Claim a payment

Through Centrelink online accounts, you can claim a payment, apply for an advance payment, as well as keep track of your claims and requests to transfer carer payments. In addition to this, if you prefer to have someone else handle your Centrelink matters, you can authorise them to act on your behalf. 

Update your personal details

You are able to update your personal details, such as your bank details, work status, and your status as a student. Additionally, you have the ability to report mutual obligation requirements, view or change appointments and complete your rent assistance review. 

Send and request documents

Your myGov Centrelink account allows you to easily access your Centrelink letters and submit and request documents. You can also request replacement concession and healthcare cards, along with view your payment and transaction history. 

Report your employment income

You can also report your income and confirm to Centrelink whether you are meeting your requirements. You will also be able to receive reminders for your reporting dates.  

Setting up the apps: myGov and Centrelink 

myGov – myGovAccess

The myGov mobile app is named ‘myGovAccess’. It’s free to download from the App Store or Google Plus. When you first download and log into your myGov Access app, a one-time access code will be created on your mobile device. This is a more secure alternative to simply sending you a code via SMS. 

Centrelink – Express Plus Centrelink

To access your Centrelink online services, you can use the Centrelink mobile app, ‘Express Plus Centrelink’. Just like the myGov Access app, Express Plus Centrelink is available to download for free from both the App Store or Google Plus.

There are a few features available through the Express Plus Centrelink app that allow you to do the following:

 

• Track your claim
• View payments and transaction history
• View and print your letters
• Upload or request documents
• View your digital concessions and healthcare cards

 

Keep in mind, you cannot make a claim through the app. So, you will have to do this through Centrelink online services. 

 

You can view and update the following details on the app:

 

• Your employment income
• Family income estimate and payment choices
• Personal details including your bank details
• Your work status if you’re a student 

Lastly, you can download all documents to your Vault – Centrelink Express App’s cloud – along with share and print documents. 

You can find out more information on Express Plus Centrelink and its capabilities here. 

Am I eligible for Centrelink payments?

Gone are the days of waiting hours in a queue the length of the Nile at a Centrelink branch, only to be told you’re ineligible for a certain payment or service. Now, you can save time by using Centrelink’s Payment and Service Finder. This handy tool will find, estimate, and compare payments and services that you may be eligible for. You just have to answer a few basic questions and you’ll have the answers in minutes.  

What payments can I claim online? 

Centrelink offers a range of different payments. So, it can get confusing when you’re trying to figure out which ones are better suited to your personal needs and situation. To make things easier, here’s a list of all the payments currently available:

 

Group	Payment Type
Carers	Carer Payment Carer Allowance
Families	Child Care Subsidy Stillborn Baby Payment Dad and Partner Pay Family Tax Benefit Parental Leave Pay Parenting Payment Single Income Family Supplement
Job Seekers	JobSeeker Payment Youth Allowance
Older Australians	Age Pension Transfer to Age Pension Pension Loans Scheme
People with disabilities	Mobility Allowance JobSeeker Payment Essential Medical Equipment Disability Support Pension
Students and trainees	Youth Allowance Austudy ABSTUDY Pensioner Education Supplement
Rural and remote Australians	Farm Household Allowance
Concession and healthcare cards	Commonwealth Seniors Healthcare Card Ex-Carer Allowance (Child) Healthcare Card Foster Child Healthcare Card Low Income Healthcare Card

More helpful reads

We hope this guide to using Centrelink online services cleared up a few of her questions! We also cover a range of helpful topics on our blog, including everything from expensive car brands to bad credit loans. 

Pocket Cash is an online lender-finding service helping everyday Aussies to connect with lenders. For more information on what we do, check out our How it Works page. 
Last updated: 12 September 2020

Do you have children between the ages of 5-15? Then you might consider giving them pocket money. Giving your children pocket money is a great way to teach them about the basics of money. Kids and teens need to learn about the value of money to develop good spending habits. When your children are given pocket money, they have a choice of spending or saving it. They need to learn the consequences of their decisions – like spending their money on sweets instead of saving for a new cricket set – is part of the learning process. Also, teaching your kids about money from an early age enables them to be independent and confident in themselves, as well as being responsible.

When is it suitable to give your kids pocket money?

There is no specific time or age to start giving your kids pocket money. However, you could start giving pocket money as early as five years old. Teach your kids to understand that you need money to buy things you need and want. They also need to understand that money needs to be earned by work and that making money takes time and effort. If your kid can manage small chores and tasks, you can start giving them pocket money for the jobs they do. This will help them to understand what it takes to earn money, and that work and money go hand in hand.

Start by giving them small chores, like taking out the rubbish or cleaning their room. Encourage them to save the money they earn and set saving goals. When your children are earning their own money, they learn to think for themselves and make the right decisions. Besides, managing things on their own boosts their self-esteem, motivates them and gives them a sense of achievement.

Why should you teach your kids about money?

Teaching kids about money from an early age allows them to build good spending habits and learn the importance of saving. Setting saving goals together with your kids teaches them to work for something that will be extremely beneficial in the long term. A good starting point is to save 20% of their pocket money. The 20% could go into a different saving jar to make them understand the difference between a savings account and spending account. Setting goals and working to achieve them also applies in many other aspects of life. It teaches them a good mentality and facilitates growth and maturity.

Make your kids see that hard work pays off, literally. Start small and give your kids chores that suit their abilities and age. Learning about reward via effort is a fantastic mindset. In addition, you could withhold or reduce their pocket money if tasks or chores are not done. This teaches them that they’ll only get paid if they do their work properly and sticking to your agreement.

Give your kids options. They could either spend their money on something small and short term or save it for something they want even more (sweets or cricket set?). If they choose to spend it and then realise they have no money left, it teaches them that decision has consequences. Also, discuss the difference between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’, and encourage your kids to think about these before spending their money.

Managing money on their own can build good self-esteem and sense of achievement. Money management and independency is a part of preparing your kids for adulthood.

How much pocket money should your kids get?

How much pocket money you should give your kids is dependent on your family’s situation and finances. There’s no right or wrong amount of money you should give. The point is to teach them money management and principles. You could determine how much they should get by their age, the tasks they are doing and what the pocket money should cover. You could, for example, give them $1 per week per year of age as a starting point. This means, the older they get the more money they’ll have, and with more money comes more responsibilities. Starting at a young age makes you kids more capable of making good decisions and reinforces the importance to prioritise their money correctly. The older they get, the more money they need. A good foundation of financial education facilitates them to handle the money they receive in a sensible manner.

What should it cover?

Pocket money could cover various things. You and your children can figure out together what the money can and should be spent on. Some examples of what you can use the money for are:

• Transport – for example to and from school or other activities
• Lunch bought at school once or a few times a week
• Saturday sweets
• Savings for new shoes, games, toys or other things they might wish for
• Gifts – like birthday or Christmas presents for friends and family
• Fun outside school activities

Tips for teaching your kids about money

The foundation of money management and financial education is learnt within the family. However, it can be challenging in our increasingly cashless world. The good news is there is plenty parents can do to teach children the value of money.

Give your kids a visual idea of the value of money. Use a clear jar for your kids’ savings to show them how money can grow and disappear just as fast.

Talk about money and the importance of controlling, managing and saving money. Teach them that they can spend money on fun things, but most importantly, it should provide security if something happens. For example, if something gets broken, it’s important to replace it – and for that you need money.

Set an example! Your kids look up to you more than anyone else. Make sure you exhibit good spending habits and the importance of saving.

Teach them that everything has a cost. They might not know that everything they do and see has a price. Tell them about bills and taxes or perhaps how you manage your monthly payments and how much each thing costs. Be transparent about your own spending and expenses.

Tips to save for big things to come – like a car or a holiday.
Show opportunity costs. This is a way of saying “if you buy this, you can’t afford this”. It would teach them to make better decisions with their spending.

Learn by experience

Nothing teaches like experience, and they’ll learn as they go. Give them room for mistakes and give them choices and responsibility. Give your children an appropriate amount of pocket money and let them decide how to spend it. Poor decisions and regrets can teach them valuable lessons. Offer guidance, but don’t control their spending. If they lose money or waste it, think of it as a valuable learning experience for your kids!

The increased use of credit cards, internet banking, and online shopping, means children often don’t see money being exchanged for purchases. By using coins and cash, your kids can see money is a tangible asset rather than swiping away a ‘magic’ card.
It’s harder for kids to understand the value of money and where it comes from if they can’t visualise it.

How to visualise money in a digital world

We have gathered a few tips from the MoneySmart website.

• Explain what ATMs are and how they work – Take a trip to the ATM to explain where the money comes from. Children can help to push the buttons and withdraw money. Explain that the ATM holds the money you have saved and that you can check how much money is in your account.
• Visit the bank – Taking your kids to the bank and watching bank transactions helps them understand what cash is. Let them be involved as much as possible. You can also let your child hand money to the teller.
• Shopping lists and trips to the supermarket – Ask your kids to help you compile a shopping list and set a budget. When buying items, you can explain how items are priced and that you can get cheaper or more expensive versions of the same product.

​Too old for pocket money?

Unfortunately, adults don’t get pocket money, but when you need a financial boost, you can turn to Pocket Cash. Pocket Cash is a lender-finder. We can help you source loans between $2,100 and $10,000 with a repayment term of 12 to 24 months, subject to the loan amount.

Do you need a cash loan to get on top of your finances again? Our application process is easy, fast and 100% online. Apply now and let us do all the work. Don’t waste time sifting through lenders, we’ll match you with the best lender for your unique situation so you don’t have to!

Apply with Pocket Cash today and see yourself!

Bad credit cash loans guaranteed approval

When your credit rating is less than perfect, your credit trustworthiness is subject to questions. This can be a huge red flag for a lot of traditional lenders. If you’ve been googling ‘bad credit cash loans guaranteed approval’ you’ll most likely find there are so many lenders who claim to provide the best loan product. Customers often search this phrase if they’re unsure of their eligibility for personal loans because of a low credit score.

At Pocket Cash, we do not claim to find lenders offering guaranteed approval loans. However, we are committed to giving everyone who applies a fair go. That means we can find lenders who are happy to look past your credit score when assessing your application. Apply to borrow up to $10,000 today and get a fast outcome with Pocket Cash.

Pocket Cash: who are we?

Pocket Cash is a lender- finder with a difference. What’s a lender finder you ask? Well firstly, we’re not a lender, we do not provide personal loans. Instead, we provide reputable lenders suited to your personal circumstances and preferences.

Still confused? Let’s break it down. All you have to do is simply fill out an online application with Pocket Cash, and we’ll do our best to match you with a suitable lender. The best part about our service? Whether you’re approved for a loan or not, our service is completely free!

What are bad credit cash loans?

Bad credit cash loans are customized loan products for borrowers with a low or no credit rating. These loans enable people with low credit trustworthiness to get finance when they need it.

In Australia, credit scores usually range between 0 and 1200. Your score is a numerical representation of the information in your credit report. A credit score above 600 is considered a good score whilst a score below 500 can be considered to be below average or poor.

It’s traditionally thought, if a person has a bad credit score, then they’re unable to access personal finance. Although this might be true for conventional lenders like banks and credit unions, it isn’t necessarily true for online lenders. Pocket Cash can find lenders offering bad credit loans up to $10,000.

Bad credit loans are an option when:

• you are denied loans by lenders for not having a good credit rating;
• you have failed to pay credit card bills;
• you want a loan to repair your credit score while meeting your financial needs;
• you have no other loan option.

If you’re searching for bad credit cash loans with guaranteed approval, you should do the following:

• Check the eligibility;
• Evaluate offers from different lenders;
• Use lender finding services, such as Pocket Cash, to widen your reach;
• Pay attention to fees, terms and conditions in the contract;
• Make a lender feel that you can repay the loan;
• Get a co-signer or provide collateral.

Pocket Cash may not be able to ensure bad credit cash loans with guaranteed approval. But you stand a good chance to get a loan regardless of what is your credit history through our lender finding service.

Can you get bad credit cash loans with guaranteed approval?

Your lender will most likely conduct a credit check and check your bank statements. From this, they can assess your income, spending habits and relationship with money to determine if you can comfortably afford the repayments on a loan.

If you have less than perfect credit, the lender we match you with could provide you with bad credit loans. Tailor-made products focused on those without a good credit rating are an option when you have no other way to source financial support. Pocket Cash has many lenders with a previous record of offering loans to people with bad credit. If your situations fit the eligibility conditions, you could get a loan regardless of the credit history.

Who can apply?

As we mentioned, Pocket Cash can’t guarantee that we can find lenders offering bad credit cash loans guaranteed approval. However, we can find lenders offering loans to people with poor credit. If you’re wondering who can apply for our lender-finding service, we’ve got the answers you seek. To be eligible you need to be able to tick the following boxes of criteria:

• You must have an active mobile number and email address;
• You must be aged 18 or older;
• A regular income must have been deposited into your own personal bank account for the last three months;
• You must have internet banking set up.

What documents will I need to provide

At Pocket Cash, we only ask for documentation that is 100% necessary to pass onto the lender that we match you with. To maximise time, and to breeze through our online application, we recommend having the following details handy:

• Personal info (name, D.O.B etc.);
• Internet banking details;
• We will need to know the reason you are applying for a loan;
• Your MyGov details (if you receive Centrelink benefits);
• Employment details and employer contact info;

Can Pocket Cash find bad credit loans?

Pocket Cash is a lender finding service and going by its past record, it can help borrowers get bad credit loans. Among lenders associated with the lender-finder website, there are many who have been providing bad credit cash loans. There are many borrowers who had these loans despite having a less than perfect credit score. Pocket Cash, however, cannot assure you of bad credit cash loans with guaranteed approval, but it can improve your chances of having money in your account as quickly as possible.

So, if you are looking for bad credit cash loans, apply through Pocket Cash. You have a better chance to get safe and secure loans in the following way.

Does Pocket Cash guarantee approval on loans?

Pocket Cash is a reliable lender finder and has a good knowledge of how the Australian market functions. If you have an issue regarding the credit score, we try our best to make sure you are not disadvantaged when getting a personal loan. There are lenders who provide bad credit loans and we can help you connect with them and get a loan to meet your personal expenses.

Bad credit loans with guaranteed approval look tempting and attract many with a bad credit history. However, these loans could be risky if the lender is guaranteeing approval despite what your financial circumstances are. If anyone promises so without verifying an applicant, be careful in getting loans from such lenders.

Apply with Pocket Cash today and we can find responsible lenders offering bad credit loans.

How does it work?

It is easy to apply through Pocket Cash. The application process is 100% online and you can apply and find the most suitable lenders without having to sift through dozens of google search results. Just visit the Pocket Cash website, select the amount you’d like to borrow and click ‘Apply Now’. It leads to an online form. Spend a few minutes and provide the required information. Enter the loan amount, select repayment duration and frequency and submit your application. You may need to share your job, internet banking and MyGov details for validation of your income.

How much could I borrow?

You can apply for up to $10,000 with Pocket Cash’s lender-finding service. The amount of bad credit loan you can borrow is subject to a few different factors, including:

• How much cash assistance do you need?
• What is your present income?
• How much can you comfortably repay every month?
• Do you have any financial liability?

Your earning is key to your repayment capability, which is the most decisive factor in deciding how much cash you can get a loan.

Can I apply if I have bad credit?

Yes, you can apply for personal loans when you have a bad credit score. It is your income that matters more for the loan repayment than the credit history, especially when you request short-term loans. The income can be salary from job or Centrelink payments.

Why does my credit score matter so much?

The credit score provides a picture of your financial health. If it is above 600, your financial condition is good and you would likely repay the loan with minimal risk. If it is below 500, you may be deemed as a higher risk to some borrowers. This isn’t always the case with the lenders Pocket Cash partners with, however.

Your credit score is a numerical value reflecting your past financial history. Those with good credit scores are considered trustworthy borrowers. But a bad score raises questions on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan.

5 Ways to improve your credit score

If your credit score is less than perfect, you have a chance to improve it. Here are a few tips to improve your credit rating.

• Remember repayments are about 70% of your credit score and the regular loan repayment is the best way to boost your score. Pay your utility bill on time. Repay your debt as scheduled. If you have a pending debt, make sure to pay it back now.
• Be cautious while making a new loan request. Every time you make a loan application to a lender, it can lead to a hard credit check. This has the potential to bring down your credit score. So, avoid making multiple applications. It can be useful to use lender finders, such as Pocket Cas, and get the most suitable lender to seek a loan. Also, stop making loan requests at quick intervals.
• Improve the credit utilization ratio. Be strict to control the credit utilization ratio of your credit card to a maximum of 40%. The more debt you incur on your credit card frequently, the lower will be your credit rating. Check your credit card. Is there any card you are not using it anymore? Don’t close cards all of a sudden.
• Verify your credit report whenever you have access to it. File for the correction if you notice any inaccuracies.
• Try to avoid delinquency or bankruptcy, which is the biggest threat to your credit rating. Check your credit score regularly to notice the improvements.

Apply for bad credit loans with Pocket Cash now!

If you’re searching for ‘bad credit cash loans guaranteed approval, then Pocket Cash could help you out. Although, we cannot guarantee that we’ll match you with a lender that guarantees approval to all lenders, we will do our best to find you a suitable loan product.

Pocket Cash specializes in finding loan providers for those fearful of not getting cash loans due to bad credit rating. With reliable lenders and the right guidance, it can save you from treacherous lenders tempting you with bad credit cash loans guaranteed approval offers. Don’t be anxious if your past is going to hold your future to ransome preventing you from getting quick cash. With so many listed providers of bad credit loans, you could get the cash you need.

Unemployed? We may be able to help you find a lender.

Wondering how much pocket money you should give your kids and at what age? Pocket Cash has a handy guide for you!