Starting June 2025, Centrelink will implement mandatory biometric verification for all new and existing beneficiaries across Australia. The move is part of a broader push by Services Australia to enhance the security of welfare payments, reduce identity fraud, and streamline user authentication through facial recognition and fingerprint scans.
If you receive Centrelink payments — whether it’s JobSeeker, Age Pension, Youth Allowance, or Parenting Payment — this new system will impact how you access your benefits. This article outlines what biometric verification means, how it will be implemented, who is affected, and what steps you must take to ensure uninterrupted payments.
Why Is Centrelink Introducing Biometric Verification?
Services Australia has confirmed that the decision to introduce biometric checks stems from a sharp increase in fraudulent claims and duplicate identities being used to access payments. Biometric verification offers a more secure and efficient method of confirming a person’s identity, especially in high-risk or high-volume programs like JobSeeker and Disability Support Pension.
Objectives Behind the Biometric Rollout:
Centrelink $2356 Technical Fault Leads to False Suspension Notices – Glitch Hits Multiple Accounts
- Eliminate identity fraud and overpayments
- Ensure that payments go to genuine, verified individuals
- Improve access control for online accounts
- Modernise welfare service delivery across Australia
- Replace outdated paper-based and manual verification processes
Who Will Be Affected by This New Requirement?
The rollout of biometric verification will affect all Centrelink recipients, both new applicants and those currently receiving payments. Special attention is being given to high-volume benefit programs and regions with past discrepancies in identity verification.
Groups Required to Verify Biometrics:
- New applicants for any Centrelink benefit after June 1, 2025
- Existing recipients during scheduled ID revalidation checks
- Pensioners and older Australians during annual entitlement reviews
- Youth Allowance and Austudy beneficiaries during enrolment audits
- Recipients flagged for compliance or fraud review
Exemptions:
- Individuals with medical conditions that prevent biometric input (requires documentation)
- Those living in remote communities with limited biometric access points (alternative methods provided)
- People under specific protection or privacy orders
State-Wise Rollout Plan for Centrelink Biometric Verification – Starting June 2025
| State/Territory | Start Date | Verification Centers Activated | Target Beneficiary Groups | Deadline to Complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | June 15, 2025 | 185 | Age Pensioners, JobSeeker, DSP | July 15, 2025 |
| Victoria (VIC) | June 17, 2025 | 160 | Parenting, Youth Allowance | July 17, 2025 |
| Queensland (QLD) | June 20, 2025 | 145 | Carer Payment, SRD Transition Cases | July 20, 2025 |
| Western Australia (WA) | June 22, 2025 | 98 | Indigenous Support, Remote Area Payees | July 22, 2025 |
| South Australia (SA) | June 24, 2025 | 87 | Disability Support, Family Tax Benefit | July 24, 2025 |
| Tasmania (TAS) | June 25, 2025 | 36 | Pensioners, Parenting | July 25, 2025 |
| ACT | June 25, 2025 | 22 | Crisis Support, Youth Allowance | July 25, 2025 |
| Northern Territory (NT) | June 27, 2025 | 29 | Indigenous Relief, DSP | July 27, 2025 |
How Will Biometric Verification Work?
The biometric verification process will be rolled out in phases, with digital and in-person options available. Beneficiaries will be able to complete verification using facial recognition through the myGov app or via fingerprint scans at Centrelink service centres.
| Verification Method | Description | Who Can Use It | Required Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facial Recognition (App) | Scan your face using the Express Plus Centrelink app | Smartphone users | Mobile camera, myGov login |
| Fingerprint Scan (In-Person) | Biometric scanner at Centrelink or partner locations | All beneficiaries | Government ID required |
| Assisted Digital Access | Staff-assisted setup at Centrelink offices | Seniors and disabled users | Physical presence |
| Remote Community Verification | Offline kits and mail-based alternatives | Regional and remote users | Paper form + ID copy |
Important: Biometric data will be encrypted and stored securely under strict privacy and data protection laws, as per the Australian Privacy Act 1988.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Centrelink has made it clear that failure to complete biometric verification will result in suspension of payments until the verification is successfully completed. All current recipients will receive a notification with a 30-day deadline to complete the process once their verification window opens.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
- Payment suspension after the deadline
- Loss of access to the myGov account linked to Centrelink
- Need to reapply for benefits in some cases
- Possible review of eligibility status
Timeline and Key Dates to Remember
The rollout will occur gradually between June and December 2025. Recipients will be grouped into verification waves based on their benefit type, location, and payment review cycle.
| Date | Event / Phase | Affected Group |
|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2025 | Biometric verification begins for new claims | All new Centrelink applicants |
| July 15 – Aug 30, 2025 | Facial scan rollout for Age Pensioners | Seniors aged 65+ |
| Sept – Oct 2025 | Fingerprint rollout at all Centrelink centres | JobSeeker and DSP recipients |
| Nov – Dec 2025 | Final phase, regional and remote areas | Remote community beneficiaries |
| December 31, 2025 | Deadline for 100% biometric compliance | All existing recipients |
How to Prepare for Biometric Verification
To avoid any disruption in your Centrelink payments, beneficiaries are encouraged to start preparing for biometric verification ahead of time. Here’s how:
- Update your myGov details (email, phone, address)
- Download the latest version of the Express Plus Centrelink app
- Ensure your ID is valid and matches your Centrelink records
- Book an appointment at your local Centrelink office if you require assistance
- Contact Centrelink early if you anticipate difficulties due to disability or remote location
Benefits of the New Biometric System
Despite initial concerns about privacy and accessibility, Services Australia says the biometric verification system offers several advantages to users and the government alike.
Key Benefits:
- Faster processing of new claims and changes
- Higher security and protection from identity theft
- Reduced need for physical paperwork
- Streamlined access to multiple government services via myGov
- Elimination of manual compliance errors
FQA for Biometric Verification
Q1. Is biometric verification safe?
Yes. Your data is encrypted and stored under strict legal protections. It cannot be accessed by third parties or used for unrelated purposes.
Q2. Do I need to go in person for verification?
Not necessarily. Most people can complete verification via the Centrelink app using facial recognition, unless otherwise instructed.
Q3. What if I fail the biometric check?
You will be given additional attempts or offered an in-person alternative to verify your identity.
Q4. Can I opt out due to privacy concerns?
No, biometric verification is mandatory unless you qualify for an approved exemption.
Q5. Will my payments stop immediately if I miss the deadline?
No. You’ll receive warnings and reminders before any action is taken. However, suspension will occur after the final deadline if no verification is completed.
Q6. Are children or dependents affected?
Currently, only the main beneficiary is required to complete biometric verification. Dependents are not affected.
Q7. How will remote users verify their identity?
Offline kits and community centre support will be provided for those in rural or Indigenous communities.
Q8. Can someone assist me with the verification process?
Yes. Authorized representatives, carers, or family members can help as long as they are listed on your Centrelink profile.
Centrelink’s shift to biometric verification in June 2025 marks a major transformation in the way welfare benefits are managed and secured in Australia. While the transition may feel overwhelming for some, it’s designed to protect beneficiaries and improve the reliability of the payment system. Prepare early, follow the steps, and reach out for help if needed — because ensuring your benefits continue uninterrupted starts with securing your identity.
