What Is myGov?
myGov is the Australian Government's secure online portal that gives you access to a wide range of government services from a single login. Once you have a myGov account, you can link services such as Centrelink, Medicare, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), My Health Record, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and more — all in one place.
Setting up your account takes less than 10 minutes if you have your details ready. This guide walks you through every step.
What You'll Need Before You Start
- A valid email address you have regular access to
- A mobile phone number (for security codes)
- At least two identity documents for verification (e.g., Medicare card, Australian passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate)
Step 1: Go to the myGov Website
Visit my.gov.au in your web browser. Always type the address directly or use a trusted bookmark — avoid clicking links in emails claiming to be from myGov, as phishing scams do exist. Look for the padlock icon and the official my.gov.au domain in your browser's address bar.
Step 2: Create Your Account
- Click "Create a myGov account" on the homepage.
- Enter your email address and create a strong password (at least 8 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols).
- You'll receive a confirmation email — click the link inside to verify your address.
- Set up a secret question and answer as an additional security measure.
Step 3: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
myGov requires a second verification step every time you sign in. You can choose from:
- SMS code — a one-time code sent to your mobile number
- myGov Code Generator app — a time-based code from the official app
- Third-party authenticator app — such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator
Using an authenticator app is generally more secure than SMS, but either option is acceptable for most users.
Step 4: Link Your Government Services
After signing in, you can link the government agencies you use. From your myGov dashboard, click "Link a service" and follow the prompts. Each service requires you to verify your identity using details it already holds — for example, your Medicare card number for Medicare, or your Tax File Number for the ATO.
Most Commonly Linked Services
| Service | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| Centrelink | Manage payments, report income, submit claims |
| Medicare | View claims, update bank details, check safety net |
| ATO | Lodge tax returns, view income statements, manage super |
| My Health Record | Access medical history, test results, prescriptions |
| NDIS | Manage your NDIS plan and payments |
Keeping Your Account Secure
myGov holds access to sensitive personal and financial information. Follow these best practices:
- Never share your myGov password or security codes with anyone — government agencies will never ask for these.
- Sign out completely when you're done, especially on shared or public devices.
- Regularly check your linked services and remove any you no longer use.
- Report suspicious activity via the Services Australia website.
Need Help?
If you get stuck, the myGov Help section on the site has detailed FAQs. You can also call Services Australia on 132 307 for assistance during business hours.