Centrelink is Australia’s social security service, and in 2025, it started issuing a one-off payment for individuals and families who qualify for it. This scheme is again one of the many supportive measures implemented by the government to help Australians cope with economic uncertainty and soaring living costs.
Do you think you qualify for this assistance? Here are all details you must know regarding a new payment and how to confirm your eligibility.
What is One-off Payment?
One-off payments are payments made to persons with financial needs. The lump sum is to contribute towards the immediate burden of meeting essential expenses like bills, food, and other basic needs.
This is not a continuing benefit but a one-off and special measure undertaken to address immediate concerns. Those that are deemed eligible shall have the amount deposited into their accounts with Centrelink; no application is required for the larger part of recipients.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the one-off payment, recipients need to meet eligibility criteria. For the most part, the one-off payment is available to all the individuals and families who are Government supported via Centrelink, such as unemployment benefits, pension payments, and other forms of income support. The eligibility is determined by the income and asset test, which indicates your financial standing.
The unique conditions determining eligibility may depend on circumstances, such as age, employment status, or having dependents. Naturally, Centrelink will advise any persons eligible for payments and directly deposit the money into their respective accounts. It will be good to check with Centrelink directly or do so online to confirm the status if you feel you may qualify for the payment and had no such notices.
How to Verify Eligibility?
It is an easy process to check eligibility. The first thing is signing in to your Centrelink online account, where you will find your eligibility details concerning payments personalized to you. Alternatively, you may also check with Centrelink’s customer service for information on other ways to apply or confirm your eligibility.
To conclude, the one-off payment by Centrelink will be a good chance for one to get some financial relief. If you are eligible, it will go a long way in catering to some of the immediate financial pressure.