Why Is the Express Plus Child Support App Retiring?

Services Australia announced on 18 September 2026 that the Express Plus Child Support mobile app would retire on 9 October 2026. The agency advised existing users to switch to the myGov app before that date so they could continue accessing Child Support services on a mobile device.

The dedicated application had allowed customers to check payment information, view assessment details, update income estimates, report direct payments and access correspondence. Following its retirement, Services Australia is directing customers to the myGov app and the Child Support online account.

The change is part of the way customers access government services digitally. It changes the application used to access an account, not the underlying Child Support arrangements. Existing assessments, payment responsibilities and case information remain subject to the applicable Child Support rules.

Customers should rely on Services Australia for current instructions about the transition, particularly if they previously saved the dedicated app on a phone or tablet.

What Should Former App Users Do Now?

If you previously used Express Plus Child Support, the recommended next step is to access your Child Support service through myGov. You can use the myGov mobile app or sign in through the myGov website using a supported browser.

If Child Support is already linked to your myGov account, you generally do not need to create a new Child Support case simply because the mobile app has retired. Sign in and confirm that you can access the correct account. If Child Support is not linked, follow the official linking process.

How to Access Child Support Through the myGov App

The myGov app provides access to linked Australian Government services. To use it for Child Support, make sure you have a myGov account and that your Child Support service is linked to it.

1. Download the official myGov app

   Use the official myGov website to find the app for your device. Download it from the recognised app store and check the publisher before installing.

2. Sign in to myGov

   Open the app and sign in using your existing myGov credentials. Complete any security verification requested by the service.

3. Check your linked services

   Look for Child Support in your linked services. If it appears, select it and follow the available instructions to open your account.

4. Link Child Support if necessary

   If Child Support is not linked, use the official linking instructions. You may need your Child Support Reference Number and answers to questions used to verify your identity and match your record.

5. Review your account

   Check payment information, notices, income estimates and outstanding tasks. Make sure you understand any upcoming reporting or payment deadlines.

Menu names and available features may vary depending on the device, account and service. Follow the current instructions displayed by myGov and Services Australia rather than relying on screenshots of the retired application.

How to Link Child Support to Your myGov Account

Customers who have not linked Child Support to myGov should use the official Services Australia guide. Linking is an identity and account-matching process, so the information you provide must match the details held by Child Support.

Information you may need

• An existing myGov account.
• Your Child Support Reference Number (CSRN).
• Answers to questions about information previously provided to Child Support.
• A suitable Digital ID if required by the linking process.
• Up-to-date personal details that match the information held by Services Australia.

Linking process

1. Sign in to myGov through the official website.
2. Select the option to link a service or view and link services.
3. Choose Child Support from the available services.
4. Follow the instructions for your Child Support Reference Number and identity verification.
5. Complete the requested questions and Digital ID steps, if applicable.
6. Confirm that Child Support has been linked and open the online account.

If your name in myGov does not match the name held by Child Support, you may need to contact Services Australia to correct the details before linking. If you cannot find your reference number, use the official contact options to get assistance rather than guessing the number.

What Can You Do Through Child Support Online Services?

Services Australia provides a range of online tasks for customers with an active Child Support case. The available features depend on your account and circumstances.

Some tasks require additional information or direct contact with Services Australia. Online access does not mean that every change takes effect immediately or that all case decisions are automated. Read any confirmation or follow-up message associated with a submitted update.

How to Check Child Support Payments After the App Retirement

Parents who rely on Child Support payments should check their online account after switching to myGov. The account can provide information about payment dates, amounts, past payments and other details available for their case.

1. Sign in to the myGov app or website.
2. Open your linked Child Support service.
3. Review the payment information displayed for your case.
4. Check any recent letters, notices or messages for updated information.
5. If a payment appears missing or incorrect, use the official contact options to ask Services Australia to review the situation.

The app retirement does not itself change the amount of Child Support payable under an assessment. Payment amounts and obligations continue to depend on the applicable assessment, collection arrangements and any decisions made by Child Support.

If you are required to make payments, remember that the retired mobile app was not the payment method itself. Services Australia states that customers can make payments through their Child Support online account via myGov. Check the current payment instructions for the methods available to you.

How to Update Your Income Estimate

Income information can affect a Child Support assessment. If your income has changed or you need to update an estimate, use the relevant online service and follow the instructions for your circumstances.

The Child Support online service provides options to update income for a current or previous financial year where applicable. Make sure the information you provide is accurate and that you understand whether you are updating an estimate or reporting another type of income change.

• Review the income information currently recorded for your case.
• Prepare accurate details for the period covered by your update.
• Submit the information using the official online process.
• Keep any confirmation and check for follow-up requests.

Do not delay a required update because the dedicated app has retired. Use the myGov app or browser-based online account, and contact Child Support if you cannot complete the task online.

What If the myGov App Does Not Work?

Some users may encounter login problems, account-linking errors, identity verification issues or temporary service interruptions. The app retirement does not mean that your only option is to stop using online services.

Troubleshooting steps

1. Check your login details: use the official myGov sign-in page if you are unsure whether the problem is with the app or your account.
2. Reset your credentials if necessary: use the official account recovery process if you have forgotten your username or password.
3. Confirm Child Support is linked: a myGov account alone does not guarantee that your Child Support record is connected.
4. Review your personal details: mismatched information can prevent the service from linking to the correct record.
5. Try the browser-based account: sign in through myGov on a supported browser if the app is not working.
6. Contact Services Australia: ask for assistance if you remain unable to access your account or need to complete an urgent task.

Do not download an unofficial copy of the retired app or use third-party websites that promise access to your Child Support account. Use the official myGov and Services Australia channels.

How to Protect Your Child Support Information

Child Support accounts contain personal, financial and family information. Use secure access methods when switching to myGov and take care when using a shared device, particularly when managing sensitive family arrangements.

• Download the myGov app from the official myGov website or a recognised app store.
• Never share your myGov password, PIN, authentication code or Digital ID credentials with another person.
• Sign out when using a shared computer or device.
• Keep your device software updated and use a secure screen lock.
• Check that messages requesting information are genuine before opening links or uploading documents.
• Use official contact information if you suspect someone has accessed your account.

Services Australia provides privacy and account-security information through its official website. If you suspect unauthorised access, take action promptly through the official myGov and Services Australia support channels.

Does the App Retirement Change Child Support Payments or Assessments?

No. The retirement is a change to the digital application used to access Child Support services. It is not, by itself, a change to the legal rules for Child Support assessments, payment amounts, collection arrangements or parental responsibilities.

If your assessment is changing, you receive a new decision or your circumstances have changed, the applicable Child Support rules and official notices determine what you need to do. The app retirement should not be treated as a new assessment or a cancellation of an existing obligation.

Customers should continue to meet their obligations, report changes when required and monitor their official account for messages and deadlines. If you are unsure about the effect of a decision on your case, contact Services Australia directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Government Resources