Australia’s growing band of “grey nomads” or travelling senior citizens can now track their age pensions, and other benefits, using a mobile app launched by the Department of Human Services.

This Express Plus Seniors App is available for free from an App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at iTunes app stores. An Android version can be accessed through Google Play.

This app enables end users to transact with government with a shorter turnaround time. This is especially useful when dealing with Centrelink – the Australian government’s peak benefits delivery agency.

This agency earlier recorded 1.7 million calls to its seniors phone line – with each call taking an average of seven minutes. Much of that business is now expected to take a minute or so using a mobile app.

More than 600,000 of Australia’s 2.2 million pensioners are already registered to use Centrelink’s online services. Government officials say a mobile app will make a difference to a large group of Australians that rely on benefits.

Increasingly, senior citizens are heading off to see Australia or travel overseas. This group of self-proclaimed “grey nomads” comprise tech-savvy baby boomers that use mobile communications to stay connected and manage their personal affairs.

Among its features, the latest mobile app enables citizens to subscribe to online letters, as well as store letters and documents in a secure information ‘vault’. They can capture and upload documents rather than having to post hard copies.

Pensioners will also be able to view and update personal details, claim an advance and request Centrelink statements.

Express Plus Seniors is the latest app developed by the Department of Human Services. This offering joins three other recently-released popular apps. These are Express Plus Families, Express Plus Students, and Express Plus Job Seekers. Combined, these services have been downloaded more than 200,000 times.