Need help with family payments in Australia? The Centrelink Families Line (13 61 50) is the phone number to call for everything from Family Tax Benefit and Child Care Subsidy to Parental Leave Pay and family concession cards.

Below we give the official number, the hours, exactly what the Families Line covers, and a short call script you can copy so you get help faster. We also show 7 proven tips to reduce wait time and alternatives if you can’t reach an agent. (Official Services Australia contact pages and family payment guides are linked in Sources.)

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Quick Answer: Families Line Contact Number & Hours (Updated 2025)

The Centrelink Families Line is your main contact number for help with family payments and services in Australia.
If you receive or want to apply for Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, Parental Leave Pay, or Parenting Payment, this is the right line to call.

📞 Contact Number: 13 61 50

🕐 Opening Hours (2025):

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (local time)
• Closed: Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays
• Best time to call: Early morning (8 am – 10 am) or mid-afternoon (2 pm – 4 pm) to avoid long wait times

🌍 Calling from overseas: +61 3 6222 3455
(Standard international call charges apply.)

💬 Services Covered:
You can call the Families Line to:

• Apply for or update Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A & B
• Ask about your Child Care Subsidy (CCS) eligibility or payment details
• Discuss Parental Leave Pay or Dad and Partner Pay claims
• Update your family or income information
• Report changes in circumstances such as a new job, new baby, or relationship changes
• Get help linking your Centrelink and myGov accounts
• Receive guidance on balancing or overpayment issues after tax time

💡 Tip:
Have your Customer Reference Number (CRN), Tax File Number (TFN), and child details ready when you call — it helps staff verify your account faster and reduces hold time.

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When to Call the Families Line (What It Covers)

You should call the Centrelink Families Line (13 61 50) if your enquiry relates to family payments, benefits, or updates managed by Services Australia.
This line specifically assists with:

• Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A & B – checking payment rates, confirming eligibility, updating income or child details
• Child Care Subsidy (CCS) – linking your Centrelink and myGov accounts, confirming approved hours, or reporting changes in care arrangements
• Parental Leave Pay and Dad and Partner Pay – checking claim progress or adjusting return-to-work dates
• Parenting Payment and Single Parent Support – updating income or relationship details
• Family Supplements or Lump-Sum Balancing – enquiries about overpayments or reconciliation at the end of the financial year
• Newborn, Adoption, or Custody Changes – making or updating claims
• General Help with online forms, identity verification, or submitting supporting documents for family payments

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (local time)
• Closed: Weekends and national public holidays
• Peak periods: Wait times are longer at the end of the financial year or during school holiday updates

Tip:
Prepare your CRN, myGov login, and income details before calling this helps the officer find your record quickly and saves time.

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Multilingual Help & Alternative Numbers

If English is not your first language or you need interpreter support, Services Australia provides multilingual helplines and interpreting services for all Families-related queries.

📞 Multilingual Phone Service: 131 202

• Available Monday to Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (local time)
• Speak to an operator in your preferred language who will connect you to a Centrelink officer

☎️ TTY (for hearing or speech impairment): 1800 810 586
📞 Relay Service: Call 1800 555 727 and ask for 13 61 50
🌍 From Overseas: +61 3 6222 3455 (standard international rates apply)

You can also visit your local Services Australia Service Centre if calling is difficult.
In person, you can request a free interpreter just ask at reception.

If you need online help in another language, visit:
👉 servicesaustralia.gov.au/your-language

Pro Tip:
Save both 13 61 50 and 131 202 in your phone contacts.
If you prefer to speak in your native language, call 131 202 first, tell the operator your preferred language (e.g., Arabic, Mandarin, Urdu), and ask to be transferred to the Families Line.

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Centrelink Families Line Contact Number

If you prefer to speak in another language, you can ask for an interpreter when you call. The same number supports many community languages.

How the Families Line can help you (by payment type)

The Centrelink Families Line is designed to help parents, carers, and families manage their payments and services more easily. Below are the main payment types it covers and how the line can support you.

Family Tax Benefit (FTB)

You can call the Families Line to:

• Check eligibility for FTB Part A and Part B.
• Start or follow up on an FTB claim.
• Update your income, relationship status, or child details.
• Ask about the FTB Part A supplement and how balancing or overpayments work.

Quick Tip: Have your Customer Reference Number (CRN), recent income details, and child information ready before you call.

Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

The Families Line helps you:

• Understand eligibility and how many subsidised hours you can access.
• Link your Centrelink record to your approved child care provider.
• Report changes in work hours, income, or care arrangements.
• Learn about Additional Child Care Subsidy and when it applies.

Quick Tip: Many CCS updates can be done in myGov, but call if you have linking issues or a complex query.

Parental Leave Pay, Parenting Payment, and More

You can contact the Families Line for:

• Parental Leave Pay — how to claim, check progress, and what proof is needed.
• Dad and Partner Pay — making or changing your claim.
• Parenting Payment — eligibility, income reporting, and updates.
• Balancing and overpayment issues — guidance on resolving or appealing decisions.

Quick Tip: Always lodge your Parental Leave Pay claim via myGov first, then call for clarification or assistance if needed.

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Centrelink Contact Numbers – Complete List (Updated October 2025)

Below are the verified and updated Services Australia (Centrelink) contact numbers for families, job seekers, and general inquiries.

Centrelink Families Line

136 150

Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–8:00 pm (local time)

Connect with the Families and Parents service area for Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, or other family-related payments.

Phone Self-Service

13 6240

24 hours, 7 days

Use automated services to check payments, update income, or hear recorded information anytime.

Job Seekers & Employment Services

13 2850

Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm

For job seekers or people reporting changes in employment or income.

Financial Information Service

13 2300

Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm

Free, confidential financial advice about retirement, income, or investments.

Feedback & Complaints

1800 132 468

Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm

Provide feedback or lodge a complaint about Centrelink or Services Australia services.

International Callers

+61 3 6222 3455

Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–8:00 pm (AEST)

For callers outside Australia seeking Centrelink assistance or payment information.

All numbers verified from Services Australia – October 2025.

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Best Time to Call

Calling Centrelink Families Line — Best times & tips (Updated October 2025)

Make your call count

Centrelink Families Line can be busy. Follow these practical tips to reduce wait time and use Services Australia’s 24/7 self-service where possible.

Best times to call

8:00 – 10:00 AM or after 6:00 PM — wait times are usually shorter.

Days to avoid

Avoid Mondays and the day after public holidays when call volume spikes.

Phone self-service

Available 24/7 — check payment dates, report income, or update some details without waiting for an operator.

What to have ready

Have your MyrGov/CRN, date of birth and details of the issue (payment type, dates) to speed up the call.

If lines are busy

Try calling at quieter times above, use online MyGov/Services Australia or the self-service phone options.

Interpreter & accessibility

Interpreter services are available — let the operator know your language or request accessibility support.

Verified Families Line (Services Australia)

136 150

(Families & Parents service area)

Call 136 150 Self-service (24/7)

Tip: If you prefer not to wait on the line, check MyGov or the Services Australia website for many updates and services that can be done online. Avoid calling on Mondays or the day after public holidays for faster response.

Numbers and guidance verified — October 2025. This information is a guide and wait times vary.

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Tips for Calling Centrelink Efficiently

Long wait times are common, especially during peak hours. Use the following practical tips to save time and improve your experience.

Problem	What You Can Do
Long wait times	Call early in the morning or after 6 pm. Use phone self-service (13 6240) or myGov for quick tasks.
Wrong menu option	Press “#” to return to the main menu and select again.
Line disconnects	Wait a few minutes before trying again. Avoid calling between 11 am and 2 pm when call volume is highest.
Can’t verify identity	Ensure your myGov and Centrelink details (name, DOB, address) match exactly.
Need proof of payments	Ask for a payment summary via post, or download it anytime from myGov → Centrelink → Documents.

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Before you call: Documents, myGov checklist & what to prepare

Make your call faster and smoother by preparing the following items:

• Customer Reference Number (CRN)
• myGov account linked to Centrelink
• Proof of identity (Medicare card, driver’s licence, or passport)
• Income details — recent payslips or income estimates
• Child details — name, date of birth, and childcare provider info
• Any reference or claim numbers from prior letters or emails

myGov checklist before calling

1. Log into your myGov account and open Centrelink.
2. Check your claim status, payment history, or outstanding tasks.
3. Upload any required documents online.
4. Write down any error messages or reference numbers for the agent.

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Sample call script (copyable)

Call Script for 13 61 50
“Hi, my name is [Your Name]. My Customer Reference Number is [CRN] and my date of birth is [dd/mm/yyyy].
I’m calling about [Family Tax Benefit / Child Care Subsidy / Parental Leave Pay / Parenting Payment].
My myGov account is [linked / not linked].
I have [documents you have ready, e.g., payslips, child’s birth certificate].
Could you please confirm the next steps or if you need any additional documents?”

H3: Questions to ask

• What is my payment status and next payment date?
• Are there any documents I still need to provide?
• Are there debts or overpayments showing on my record?
• Can I get a reference number for this call?
• Will I receive a confirmation email or SMS?
• What is the process and timeline if I want to review or appeal a decision?

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How to Contact the Centrelink Families Line (Step-by-Step)

1. Dial 136 150 from any phone to connect with the Centrelink Families Line.
2. Listen to the automated prompts and select the option that best matches your enquiry — such as Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, or Parental Leave Pay.
3. Enter your Customer Reference Number (CRN) when prompted to access your personal record securely.
4. If your issue is complex or specific to your account, choose the option to “Speak to a Service Officer.”
5. Stay on the line — wait times may vary depending on the day and time you call.
6. Take notes during the call, especially any reference numbers or follow-up dates provided. These details can help with future enquiries or updates.

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Language Assistance and Accessibility Services

The Centrelink Families Line offers interpreter assistance in multiple languages through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National). If you require support in a language other than English, inform the representative when your call is answered, and an interpreter will be arranged.

For individuals who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, Centrelink can be contacted via the National Relay Service (NRS), where you can request to be connected directly to the Families Line.

Additional Centrelink Contact Channels for Families

The Centrelink Families Line provides support across a range of family assistance programs. In addition to general enquiries, callers may wish to explore the following key services:

• Family Tax Benefit (FTB): Provides financial assistance to help with the cost of raising children.
• Parental Leave Pay: Offers income support to eligible parents taking time away from work to care for a newborn or recently adopted child.
• Child Care Subsidy: Assists families by reducing the out-of-pocket cost of approved child care services.
• Parenting Payment: Delivers income support to eligible single or partnered parents who are the primary carers of young children.

These payments and benefits may overlap, and staff on the Centrelink Families Line can provide guidance on eligibility, interaction between programs, and how to best manage multiple supports.

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If you can’t reach them alternatives (local service centre, online, myGov, advocacy groups)

If you can’t get through to the Families Line, there are several other ways to get help:

1. myGov Online Services
Log in to myGov to check claim status, upload documents, and update personal details without calling.

2. Visit a Local Service Centre
Visit your nearest Services Australia office for in-person help. You can request an interpreter at the counter if needed.

3. Multilingual or Interpreting Services

• 131 202: Centrelink multilingual line (weekdays).
• 131 450: 24/7 interpreting service (TIS National).

4. Relay and Disability Access

• TTY: 1800 810 586 (hearing/speech support).
• Relay: 1800 555 727 (speech-to-speech relay).

5. Advocacy and Support Groups
Community legal centres, multicultural resource centres, and family support services can help with claim reviews and appeals.

6. Formal Complaints
If you experience ongoing issues or poor service, use the official Centrelink complaints and feedback process available on the Services Australia website.

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Recent Updates in 2025

As of October 2025, the Families Line continues to operate under the same number and hours, but wait times have improved due to system upgrades and expanded self-service options.
Customers are now encouraged to use myGov for basic enquiries before calling. However, complex cases such as income estimate reviews or parental payment disputes are still best handled over the phone.

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Guidelines for Optimising Your Centrelink Families Line Experience

For the best experience when contacting the Centrelink Families Line, aim to call during mid-week mornings, when wait times are typically shorter. Whenever possible, use a landline to ensure better call clarity and connection quality. Keeping your Centrelink app open during the conversation can help you follow instructions and verify details more efficiently.

Always record any reference numbers or follow-up details provided by the officer, as these are important for tracking your enquiry. Lastly, maintain a polite and concise communication style , Centrelink staff manage hundreds of calls daily, and clear, respectful communication helps them assist you more quickly and effectively.

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Conclusion

The Centrelink Families Line remains an essential support service for millions of Australian families in 2025.
Whether you need help understanding your Family Tax Benefit, managing your Parental Leave Pay, or updating your family details, this line connects you directly to the team that can help.

For most routine matters, online tools are faster, but when you need personalized advice, the Families Line at 136 150 is the best way to get it.

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Centrelink Families Line: Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 2025)