Good news is on the way for millions of Australians feeling the pressure of rising grocery bills, rent, and everyday expenses. The federal government has confirmed a new $497 one-off payment to help eligible Centrelink recipients keep up with the soaring cost of living.
This payment is designed as a much-needed boost for pensioners, jobseekers, students, and carers already receiving certain benefits. If you rely on Centrelink support, here’s everything you need to know – who qualifies, how to get it, and when the money will land in your bank account.
Who’s Eligible for the $497 Centrelink Payment?
You might be eligible for this $497 bonus if you’re already receiving certain Centrelink payments or concessions. The payment will automatically go to people on:
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Age Pension
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Disability Support Pension
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Carer Payment
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JobSeeker Payment
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Parenting Payment
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Youth Allowance
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Austudy or ABSTUDY
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Veterans’ Affairs payments
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Or if you have a Pensioner Concession Card
Essentially, if you’re already receiving income support or benefits from Centrelink and you were living in Australia on or before March 31, 2025, you’re likely in line for this support. It’s the government’s way of helping people who are doing it toughest right now.
Do I Need to Apply?
No forms, no applications – the $497 payment will be sent automatically into the bank account Centrelink has on file for you. That means as long as your personal details are current in myGov or Centrelink, you don’t need to do anything.
The payments are expected to start rolling out between April 15 and April 30, 2025, and should hit your account around the same time as your regular Centrelink payment.
Make Sure Your Info Is Up to Date
If you want to avoid any hiccups, now’s a good time to log in to your myGov account and double-check that your bank details and contact info are correct. If Centrelink can’t reach you or your payment bounces, it could delay the funds arriving.
Will This Affect My Other Payments?
The short answer: no. This $497 payment is a top-up, not a replacement or loan. It’s non-taxable and won’t reduce your usual Centrelink benefits. You’ll still get your regular pension, JobSeeker, or allowance as normal. This is just a little extra help to get you through.
Why This Payment Matters
Australians across the board have been feeling the pinch – rent is up, food prices have jumped, and energy bills keep climbing. This one-off cost of living payment is part of a broader package of relief measures, including increases to rent assistance and energy rebates for low-income households.
While it’s not a complete fix, the extra $497 could go a long way for many people – covering a fortnight’s rent, offsetting a power bill, or just giving you breathing room on the basics.
Other Support You Might Not Know About
Besides this payment, the government is also rolling out:
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More rent assistance for eligible tenants
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Energy bill relief in select states
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Education support bonuses for families with school-aged kids
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Higher income thresholds for those receiving benefits, allowing you to earn more before your payments are reduced
If you think you might be eligible for more support but aren’t sure, it’s worth chatting with Centrelink or checking your account through myGov.
Stay in the Loop
To make sure you don’t miss any new payments, bonuses, or changes, keep an eye on your myGov messages, and follow updates from Services Australia. Even if you’re not eligible for this particular payment, other assistance could be available to help ease the cost of living pressures.
