On 30 September 2025, the Australian Government will begin updated Centrelink payments. Centrelink will provide new payments to assist Australians with the cost of living. Pensioners, low-income earners, families and other government support recipients will receive these payments. These new measures Centrelink will provide include the one-off payments and an indexed increase to the Centrelink standard payments. This one-off payment will assist families with the cost of living. This article will discuss the eligibility criteria, amounts and payment request process and the impact on Australian families.
What is the impact on families on Centrelink payments?
Starting September 2025, One-off Centrelink payments will provide additional help to families, pensioners and low-income earners of $400 each to families, pensioners and low-income earners. The Government aims to relieve the cost of living pressures. The payment is designed to assist families with immediate expenses to cover urgent needs such as rent, food, and other essential services. The Centrelink system will determine eligibility based on income, assets and other current financial criteria. Centrelink recipients will need to request an online assessment through MyGov, and ensure their financial and asset information is current to determine their current payment eligibility.
Revised Rates for Selected Benefits
Regular Centrelink payment rates will be increasing as of 20 September 2025. For example, Age Pension recipients will now have the maximum single rate paid fortnightly to single recipients at $1,178.70 and $888.50 for each member of a couple. For JobSeeker, singles with no children will get $793.60 a fortnight and higher rates will be paid to senior singles and those with partial work capacity. Adjusted rates will also benefit recipients of Parenting Payment. As for singles, they may receive $998.20 as well as a pension supplement, while for partners, the payment is $726.50.
For payment applications, prospective recipients will need to sign into their MyGov accounts and link Centrelink to obtain payment forms. Typical forms for Centrelink, for example the AU Centrelink SU462, will ask for personal information, income and asset values, and a signed statement confirming whether the information provided is accurate. This is to ensure correct payment is made, as well as to minimize the potential for error or delay. After a form is submitted, recipients may track their application online and will be notified about the status changes.
Sample Centrelink Form Data Table
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Name | Jane Smith |
| Payment Type | Age Pension |
| Income (fortnightly) | $160 |
| Assets | $20,000 |
| Declaration | Signed and Submitted |
When You Will Get Paid
For those who put in their applications quickly and qualify, the $400 one-off payment will be paid in September. Also, new indexed payment rates for Centrelink’s major benefits come into effect on *September 20, 2025, *and will be paid according to the beneficiaries’ scheduled payment cycles. Notifications on approvals and payment status can be accessed by checking the MyGov Account or the Centrelink mobile app.
Why Tax and Financial Planning Needs to be Done Ahead
For the end of the financial year, Centrelink will provide an annual payments summary that will be very important. It’s worth noting that not all Centrelink payments are subject to taxation; however, the taxable amounts and withholdings, which are also relevant to the annual payment summary, are clearly outlined. This summary is much needed for tax returns and will be available in July for the prior financial year.
Most Asked Questions
Q1. Is the $400 Centrelink payment taxable?
One-off support payments by the government are not taxable, though you can confirm this with the ATO.
Q2. Do new payments apply to current Centrelink recipients?
Most current recipients will have to confirm their eligibility and may have to do a simplified claim online.
Q3. What if an application is denied?
An applicant can ask for a review through MyGov or by reaching out to Centrelink.
