Whether you're in the process of applying for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) or enrolling your little one in childcare, chances are you've been asked to supply a Customer Reference Number (CRN). But what is a CRN number for childcare and how do I find my CRN number online?
We're here to help you navigate the steps for accessing your CRN as well as your child's CRN to get your childcare rebate.
What is a Customer Reference Number?
A Customer Reference Number (CRN) is a unique set of nine numbers ending with a letter that's assigned to an individual by Centrelink when they claim payments or services. This number is used to identify your Centrelink record. Your Centrelink Customer Reference Number is never deleted from the system, even if you stop receiving Centrelink payments or services.
Why do I need a CRN?
If you plan on applying for or accessing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) or any other form of childcare rebate provided by Centrelink, you'll need your own individual CRN as well as a CRN for the child you plan on claiming the CCS for.
When it comes to applying for the CCS, you'll need your CRN to:
- Enrol your child in an approved childcare service,
- Link your Centrelink online account to your myGov account record,
- Apply for payments and services, and
- Record or update your information.
How to get a CRN number for childcare
Your CRN is used to identify your Centrelink record so you'll need to have it on hand when applying for the CCS. If you've lost track of your CRN, here's how you can access it.
Accessing your own CRN
If you've ever proven your identity with Centrelink or received a Centrelink payment or service, you'll have a CRN on record. You'll be able to find a copy of your CRN listed on your Centrelink letters or your concession card if you ever received one.
If you're still struggling to track down your CRN, you can contact Centrelink online, over the phone or in person at a service centre to prove your identity.
If you're not sure whether you have a CRN or you've never been issued one, the quickest and easiest way to access your CRN is via your myGov account. If you don't have a myGov account, follow the steps on the myGov website to create an account. Once you have your account set up, here's how to prove your identity online and access your CRN:
- Sign in to your myGov account,
- Select the option to Link Centrelink from the Link a Service menu,
- Select No to Do you have or know your CRN, and click Next,
- Select Get Started on either Digital Identity or Centrelink identity verification.
In addition to having your own CRN on hand to apply for the CCS, you'll also need to have your child's CRN. It's worth noting that the CCS is paid per child, so if you're applying for more than one child you'll need an individual CRN for each child.
Accessing my child's CRN
If you've received a Centrelink payment or service, like the Parental Leave Pay or Family Tax Benefit, on behalf of your child before, then they'll already have been allocated a CRN by Centrelink.
To check your child's CRN, you'll want to log onto your Centrelink online account via myGov. Alternatively, open up the Express Plus Centrelink app and select the My Family option from the menu. If you've been issued a concession card, then your child's CRN will also be listed there. Alternatively, you can call the Centrelink Families Line and they should be able to provide you with it over the phone if you haven't had any luck tracking down your child's CRN.
If your child hasn't been assigned a CRN, they'll receive one when you apply for the CCS. Some childcare providers require a child's CRN during the enrollment process, so you might need to wait until you've been approved for the CCS to be able to finalise your enrollment. You can check with the childcare provider to see what their enrollment requirements are.
If you'd like to learn more about the CCS and the eligibility requirements you can read our article detailing what is the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) or explore our library of blogs dedicated to the cost of childcare.
