The announcement of two significant one-off payments from Centrelink, totaling $250 and $1,300 and commencing in October 2025, is a compassionate and crucial measure aimed at providing a lifeline to eligible Australians experiencing financial hardship. This initiative is a powerful acknowledgment of the pressures faced by individuals and families, moving beyond a simple policy to offer a tangible sense of relief and security.
By directly addressing the rising costs of living, these payments will help ensure that our most vulnerable community members have the means to meet their basic needs, reaffirming our collective commitment to supporting one another through challenging times and fostering a more caring and resilient society.
Centrelink Confirms $250 and $1,300 Payments
| Key Fact | Detail/Statistic |
|---|---|
| $250 Payment | Available to pensioners, jobseekers, carers, and other eligible Centrelink payment recipients. |
| $1,300 Payment | Targeted at families receiving Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A and low-income households. |
| Eligibility Criteria for $250 | Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Carer Payment, and more. |
| Eligibility Criteria for $1,300 | Families receiving FTB Part A and approved low-income households. |
The $250 and $1,300 Centrelink payments represent a significant effort to support Australians facing financial hardship. By automatically providing these funds to eligible recipients, the government aims to ease the financial burden for those in need. If you meet the criteria, you do not need to apply separately—just ensure your Centrelink details are up to date.
Centrelink’s $250 and $1,300 Payments – What You Need to Know
As part of the Australian government’s initiative to support households in need, Centrelink has confirmed that two payments will be issued in October 2025. These payments are designed to provide relief to people struggling with the increased cost of living, particularly vulnerable groups such as seniors, jobseekers, families, and carers.
$250 Payment
This payment is aimed at individuals who are already receiving an eligible Centrelink payment. It includes recipients of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, Carer Payment, and other similar government benefits. The $250 will be automatically deposited into their accounts without the need for a separate application.
$1,300 Payment
The $1,300 payment will be provided to families who qualify for Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A and those classified as low-income households. This payment is intended to provide further assistance to families who are experiencing financial strain due to increasing living costs.
Eligibility for the $250 and $1,300 Payments
To qualify for these payments, you must be receiving one of the following benefits or meet specific criteria outlined by Services Australia:
Eligibility for the $250 Payment
- Age Pension recipients
- Disability Support Pension (DSP) recipients
- Carer Payment recipients
- JobSeeker Payment recipients
- Youth Allowance (for jobseekers, students, and apprentices)
- Austudy recipients
- Parenting Payment recipients
- Pensioner Concession Card holders, among others.
If you fall under any of these categories, you will automatically receive the $250 payment.
Eligibility for the $1,300 Payment
- Families receiving Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A will receive the $1,300 payment.
- Low-income households, as defined by Services Australia, may also be eligible.
Both payments will be deposited directly into the bank account associated with your Centrelink account, with no separate application process required.
Claim the $250 and $1,300 Payments
The good news is that you do not need to apply for these payments if you already receive eligible Centrelink benefits. Payments will be automatically deposited into your linked bank account.
For those who are newly eligible:
- If your circumstances change—for instance, if you recently started receiving a Centrelink payment such as JobSeeker or Carer Payment—you should check your eligibility and ensure your details are up to date in your myGov account.
- Ensure your bank details are correct in the Centrelink system to avoid delays.
No Application Process Needed:
- For $250: If you are eligible, you will receive it automatically.
- For $1,300: Similarly, families receiving FTB Part A will see the payment appear in their accounts. If your family’s financial situation has changed recently, ensure your FTB Part A claim is up to date.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need assistance, you can contact Centrelink or visit their official website.
Important Details About the Payments
- Tax Status: Both the $250 and $1,300 payments are non-taxable. They will not affect your regular Centrelink payments or be counted as income for tax purposes.
- Payment Dates: The $250 payment will begin being deposited on October 1, 2025. The $1,300 payment will follow a few weeks later, with specific dates confirmed by Services Australia.
- Scam Alert: Always be cautious of fake emails or messages claiming to offer these payments. Only trust official communications from Services Australia.
Contact Information and Support
If you have questions about your eligibility or need help claiming your payment, you can contact Centrelink directly:
- Visit: Services Australia Website
- Call: 13 24 68 (for general inquiries)
- For myGov support: 13 23 07
If you’re having trouble with your online account, Centrelink offers online assistance, including dedicated support for updating your bank details or completing your FTB claims.
