Under its wider response to assist vulnerable Australians through ongoing cost-of-living crises, the Australian Government has made possible an additional one-time Centrelink payment for 2025. The payment will come in addition to regular welfare and pension entitlements with the intention of providing within-the-moment relief to people on low income, the elderly, carers, and the disabled.
This announcement reflects the 2025-2026 Federal Budget response against rising costs of rent, food, health, and energy. To reduce immediate affordability concerns for people who rely on Centrelink payments, the government intends to bridge short-term financial gaps through the disbursement of a one-time lump sum.
Eligibility Criteria for The 2025 One-Off Payment
The one-off Centrelink payment will not be for everyone, because it will vary with the kind of benefit category and recipient-specific circumstances. The payment will be automatically processed for anyone who currently receives an eligible payment from Centrelink. Application is not necessary.
Qualified persons are those who receive:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension (DSP)
- Carer Payment
- JobSeeker Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Parenting Payment
- Austudy or Abstudy
- Veterans Pensions and War Widow/Widower’s Pensions
The income and asset tests that apply to the fundamental payment may influence the overall eligibility, meaning that those with significant income from private sources or with a very high household asset level might obtain less than the full amount of the one-off payment.
How Much Will You Get Paid?
A one-time payment will vary with Centrelink benefit levels, and most recipients expect to receive something ranging from $250 to $400. The highest amounts might go to the elderly and persons in the disability and carer categories, and job seekers and students will receive somewhat less.
Table: 2025 Centrelink One-Time Payment Breakdown
| Centrelink Payment Type | One-Time Amount (AUD) | Expected Payout Date |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | $400 | August 2025 |
| Disability Support Pension | $400 | August 2025 |
| Carer Payment | $400 | August 2025 |
| JobSeeker Payment | $300 | August 2025 |
| Youth Allowance | $250 | August 2025 |
| Parenting Payment | $300 | August 2025 |
| Austudy/Abstudy | $250 | August 2025 |
| Veterans/Widow Pensions | $400 | August 2025 |
The payments will be deposited directly into the bank account linked to the recipient’s Centrelink profile. Most payments are expected to be processed automatically in mid-to-late August 2025, although some delays may occur due to public holidays or processing backlogs.
Purpose and Economic Impact of the Payment
The one-time payment will act as a stop-gap measure for cost of living and not as an introduction of recurrent entitlements. However, it does showcase that the Government acknowledges ongoing problems faced by many Australians-especially those on fixed incomes, or without employment.
The lump sum is expected to stimulate local economies, especially in regional and suburban areas where the recipients would spend the money on essentials like groceries, utility bills, medications, and rents–thus creating a ripple effect to support the smaller businesses and service providers.
What to Do If You Haven’T Received It
You should check your myGov account if you haven’t received the payment by the end of August 2025 while satisfying all requirements. Alternatively, you may want to get in touch with Services Australia. You could also confirm that your bank details and contact information are current in the system to avoid delays in processing.
You do not have to put in a separate claim for the payment. However, if you were getting a qualifying benefit within the period while you were eligible but have since left, you might still be able to access the payment on a backdate basis dependent on your situation at your time of assessment.
Conclusion
The 2025 Centrelink one-time payment is a significant lifeline for many Australians facing continued financial pressure. By providing between $250 and $400 per person, the government aims to deliver fast, effective support where it is needed most. Whether you’re a pensioner, carer, student, or job seeker, this extra boost could help you cover essential expenses during a challenging year.