In short

Age Pension recipients can deal with Centrelink through their myGov online account, the 24-hour phone self service, the Older Australians line on 132 300, or an appointment at a service centre. Services Australia recommends claiming online, and says to call the Older Australians line if you can't use self service.

If you receive the Age Pension, or are about to claim it, you will have to deal with Centrelink at some point: to claim, report a change, check a payment, or ask a question. Services Australia offers several ways to do that, and the best one depends on what you need. This guide sets out the main options, based on Services Australia's Contact us page (last updated 16 January 2026), its Age Pension pages (July 2026) and its Centrelink phone self service page, read on 20 October 2026. It does not repeat hold times or other figures that change; check the Services Australia website for current details.

Start with self service

Services Australia's Contact us page says: "Save time by using self service through myGov and your online account." It says you can manage most of your Medicare, Centrelink and Child Support information online or by phone self service. For an Age Pension recipient that usually means:

  • reporting changes in your circumstances through your Centrelink online account; see our article on Age Pension and myGov online services
  • checking payment details and letters
  • updating contact and bank details.

Phone self service, 24 hours a day

Services Australia says the Centrelink phone self service "offers a range of options for you to access and update your information over the phone" and can be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The page was last updated in 2021, so check it for the current list of options. Its Age Pension page says that if you don't have access to a self service option you should call the Centrelink Older Australians line.

The Older Australians line: 132 300

The Older Australians line is the number to call to speak with someone about the Age Pension. The number is 132 300. Services Australia's Phone us page says you can call for information about payments and services for Medicare, Centrelink or Child Support. Opening hours are listed on that page, and speaking to an officer has different hours from phone self service, so check the Phone us page for the current times before you call.

Claiming and the other options

For a new Age Pension claim, Services Australia recommends claiming online. If you can't claim online, its page lists these options: print and complete the forms, call the Older Australians line, or make an appointment to visit a service centre. If you live outside Australia, it points to the international social security agreements.

Booking an appointment

Services Australia's Contact us page says you can find a service centre, agent or access point that can help with payment and service information for Medicare, Centrelink and Child Support, and its Age Pension claim page links to booking an appointment. If your matter is complicated, an in-person appointment can be better than a call, and you can bring documents with you.

In writing, and for complaints

The Contact us page also lists ways to send or request information in writing and to submit a complaint, compliment or suggestion. If you disagree with a decision, our article on the Centrelink review process explains the next steps.

Getting help with the call

Before you call

  1. Have your Customer Reference Number or the letter you received ready.
  2. Note what you want to ask or report, and the dates.
  3. After the call, make a note of the date, time and what was said, particularly for anything affecting payments.
  4. If you can use your online account, the same change can often be recorded there with a receipt.

Sources

Key takeaways

  • Services Australia says to use self service through myGov and your online account first, as most Centrelink information can be managed there.
  • The Centrelink phone self service can be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • The Older Australians line, 132 300, is the number for speaking with someone about the Age Pension; check Services Australia for opening hours.
  • If you can't claim the Age Pension online, you can print the forms, call the Older Australians line or book a service centre appointment.
  • Consider a formal nominee arrangement, not sharing your login, if someone else helps with your Centrelink business.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Centrelink Older Australians line number?

132 300. Services Australia directs Age Pension recipients without self service access to call the Older Australians line; check its Phone us page for current hours.

Can I claim the Age Pension without using the internet?

Yes. Services Australia says if you can't claim online you can print and complete the forms, call the Older Australians line, or make an appointment to visit a service centre.

Is there a 24-hour Centrelink phone service?

The Centrelink phone self service can be used 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for accessing and updating your information, according to Services Australia.

Can someone else call Centrelink for me?

A formal nominee arrangement is the safe route. See our article on Centrelink nominee and agent arrangements.

A note on advice. This article is general information only and doesn't account for your personal circumstances. Everyone's situation is different — before acting, it's worth talking it through with a licensed adviser who knows your full picture.