Students in Isaacs no longer have to call or visit Centrelink to update or check their payments, thanks to a new app for iPhone and iPod touch.
Students in Isaacs no longer have to call or visit Centrelink to update or check their payments, thanks to a new app for iPhone and iPod touch.
Federal Member for Isaacs, Mark Dreyfus said the first app developed by the Department of Human Services would be of great benefit for up to 2,500 local students who currently receive Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY.
"While this new app might not be as addictive as hit app "Angry Birds," it will certainly make it easy for people to manage their Centrelink payment by allowing them to do more of their business on the go'," Mr Dreyfus said.
"The Express Plus Student App is simple, user-friendly and will save students time completing common transactions such as reporting employment income, updating course details and checking their account history."
"The changing nature of casual or part time work means it can often be difficult and time consuming for students to correctly calculate employment income."
"Using the app, students can record their employers ABN, hourly wage and hours worked. The app will then automatically calculate and report the correct earnings - reducing the chance of incurring a debt."
The app also helps prevent debt and keep payments accurate by sending Push Notifications to remind students when they have to report.
"It's great to have a new reporting channel available for students that's quick, easy to use and means they can avoid waiting on the phone or visiting an office," Mr Dreyfus said.
Students can download the Express Plus Students App from the app Store. Versions of the app for other platforms will be available soon.
How to get the app: step-by-step
Step 1 - Register for Centrelink Online Services by visiting https://www.centrelink.gov.au/wps/portal/clk_common/CROSS
and completing the registration process. You will get a unique Customer Access Number (CAN), which is needed to access the app.
Step 2 - Download the Express Plus student app from the App Store onto your iPhone.
Step 3 - Open the Express Plus app and enter your CAN and Centrelink OnlineServices password.
Step 4 - Confirm your identity by answering a personal security question, which you will have created during your online registration process.
Step 5 - Choose a four digit pin. From now on, you only have to enter this pin to access the app.
Step 6 - You're in! You can now use the Express Plus student app to report your income, view your payment history, get reminders and find your nearest Centrelink office.
