Centrelink payment is a financial support provided by Services Australia to help people in different life situations, such as studying, looking for work, caring for someone, or facing financial hardship. Whether you’ve recently moved to Australia or are going through a major life change, Centrelink can provide assistance to help you manage your living costs. This guide explains what Centrelink payments are, how the system works under Services Australia, the different types of payments available, and how to apply if you need financial help in Australia.
What is Centrelink Payment and How Do They Work?
Centrelink is a program run by Services Australia, the government agency responsible for delivering most of Australia’s social security and welfare payments. Through Centrelink, Australians can access a variety of financial payments and support services if they face challenges such as unemployment, disability, illness, study, parenting, or retirement. In essence, Centrelink acts as a bridge to Australia’s social safety net — helping people manage difficult times and maintain their financial well being.
Centrelink Payment Guides — 2025
JobSeeker Payment 2025
The JobSeeker Payment provides income support if you’re unemployed and actively seeking work in Australia. Check 2025 payment rates, eligibility, and how to apply.
Read Full Guide →Age Pension 2025
The Age Pension supports older Australians with regular payments based on income and assets tests. See latest rates and application updates for 2025.
Read Full Guide →Disability Support Pension 2025
The DSP helps Australians with a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition. Learn 2025 eligibility, payment rates, and assessment details.
Read Full Guide →Single Parent Payment 2025
This payment supports single parents raising children. Find out how much you can receive in 2025, eligibility rules, and updates from Centrelink.
Read Full Guide →Centrelink Payment Calculator
Use the Assist Info AU calculator to estimate your Centrelink payments based on age, income, and eligibility in 2025.
Open Calculator →
Table of Contents
The Role of Services Australia
Services Australia oversees Centrelink, Medicare, and Child Support. It’s responsible for managing applications and payments for social and welfare support, ensuring eligibility and compliance, providing self-service options through myGov, and offering support in person, by phone, or online.
- Managing applications and payments for social and welfare support
- Ensuring eligibility and compliance
- Providing self-service options through myGov
- Offering support in person, by phone, or online
When you apply for a Centrelink payment, you’re technically dealing with Services Australia, which handles your claim, verifies your documents, and deposits the approved benefits directly into your bank account.
Who can get Centrelink Payment?
Centrelink payments are available to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and in some cases, eligible visa holders who meet the payment conditions.
Eligibility usually depends on:
- Residency (living in Australia lawfully)
- Age (certain payments are age-specific)
- Income and assets
- Personal circumstances (job status, caring responsibilities, disability, study, etc.)
The Main Groups of Centrelink Payments
The Main Groups of Centrelink Payments
Centrelink divides its payments into several categories based on people’s needs and life stages. Here’s a simple breakdown of the major payment types available in Australia:
A. For Older Australians
- Age Pension: Income support for people who’ve reached the qualifying age (currently 67 years).
- Pension Supplement: Additional help with daily living costs.
B. For Job Seekers
- JobSeeker Payment: Financial assistance for individuals looking for work or temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Youth Allowance (Job Seeker): Support for young people aged 21 or under who are seeking employment.
C. For Families and Parents
- Family Tax Benefit (A & B): Assistance with the cost of raising children.
- Parenting Payment: Support for parents or guardians of young children.
- Paid Parental Leave: Paid time off for eligible working parents following the birth or adoption of a child.
D. For Students and Trainees
- Youth Allowance (Student): For full-time students or apprentices aged 24 and under.
- Austudy: For students aged 25 or older undertaking full-time study.
- ABSTUDY: Financial assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
E. For Carers and People with Disability
- Disability Support Pension (DSP): For individuals unable to work due to a permanent disability.
- Carer Payment and Carer Allowance: Support for those who provide daily care to someone with a severe illness or disability.
F. For People in Crisis
- Crisis Payment: Emergency assistance following a major life event such as a natural disaster or escaping violence.
- Special Benefit: Support for individuals in severe financial hardship who do not qualify for other types of payments.
How to Access Centrelink Services
How to Access Centrelink Services
You can access Centrelink services in three main ways: online via myGov, by phone, or in person at a local Centrelink Service Centre.
1. Online via myGov
Most Australians manage their payments and claims online through myGov, the secure government portal that connects to Centrelink, Medicare, and the ATO.
Steps to start:
- Create a myGov account.
- Link your Centrelink account.
- Submit claims, upload documents, and check your payment dates online.
2. By Phone
You can call Services Australia directly for help. There are dedicated phone lines for each payment type (e.g., JobSeeker, Family, Age Pension).
3. In Person
Visit a local Centrelink Service Centre if you prefer face-to-face assistance or need help completing forms.
Using the Payment and Service Finder
If you’re not sure which payment you might be eligible for, the easiest way to find out is through the Payment and Service Finder tool on the Services Australia website.
This tool asks a few questions about your circumstances — like your age, income, visa type, and work situation — and then shows you the payments and services you could qualify for.
Common Myths About Centrelink
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Centrelink is only for unemployed people. | It supports students, parents, carers, retirees, and more. |
| You can’t get Centrelink if you work. | Many payments are income-tested, so part-time workers may still qualify. |
| You have to visit an office to apply. | Most applications can be done completely online through myGov. |
| All Centrelink payments are taxable. | This is not true in all cases — some are taxable, like JobSeeker, while others (like Family Tax Benefit) are not. |
Your Rights and Responsibilities
When you receive Centrelink payments, you have both rights and obligations:
- You must report income and changes to your situation (job, study, address, relationship).
- You must provide honest and accurate information.
- You have the right to appeal if you disagree with a Centrelink decision.
- You can seek help from financial counsellors or welfare rights organisations if you experience difficulty.
Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments or debts, so it’s important to keep your details up to date.
How Centrelink Payments are Made
Once approved, your payments are:
- Deposited directly into your bank account (usually fortnightly).
- Viewable in your myGov Centrelink account.
- Sometimes paired with advance payments or Centrepay deductions for bills and rent.
You’ll also receive a notification (via SMS, email, or myGov Inbox) with payment details and review dates.
Where to Get Help
If you’re finding the process confusing, you’re not alone — many people need guidance when applying for the first time.
You can:
- Visit your nearest Services Australia office.
- Call the Centrelink general enquiries line.
- Get free advice from a community legal centre or financial counsellor.
- Ask a trusted friend or interpreter to help you understand forms and documents.
Centrelink is Australia’s main support system for people going through financial or personal challenges. Whether you’re a job seeker, a parent, a student, or someone approaching retirement, there’s likely a payment or service designed to help you.
Understanding how it works — and using tools like the Payment and Service Finder — is the best way to get started confidently.
FAQs: Centrelink Payments
What are Centrelink payments?
Centrelink payments are financial supports provided by Services Australia to help Australians manage living costs during periods of unemployment, study, disability, parenting, retirement, or other life challenges.
Who manages Centrelink?
Centrelink payments are managed by Services Australia, the government agency that also oversees Medicare and Child Support. They process claims, verify documents, and deposit funds directly into your bank account.
Who can receive Centrelink payments?
Eligible recipients of Centrelink payments include Australian citizens, permanent residents, and certain visa holders who meet residency, income, and personal circumstance requirements.
What types of Centrelink payments are available?
There are several types of Centrelink payments, including support for job seekers, students, families, carers, people with disabilities, older Australians, and those in crisis. Each type has specific eligibility rules and payment rates.
How can I apply for Centrelink payments?
You can apply for Centrelink payments online via your myGov account, by phone, or in person at a Services Australia service centre. Online applications are the quickest and most convenient method.
What is the Payment and Service Finder for Centrelink payments?
The Payment and Service Finder is a free online tool that helps you identify which Centrelink payments you may be eligible for based on your current situation.
What are my responsibilities as a payments recipient?
Recipients of Centrelink payments must report income and changes in circumstances, update personal details, and provide accurate information. You also have the right to request reviews or appeal decisions if needed.
How often are payments made?
Most Centrelink payments are made fortnightly into your bank account. Some payments, such as certain pensions or crisis supports, may have different payment schedules.
Are there additional supports with Centrelink payments?
Yes. Certain Centrelink payments include supplements like the Energy Supplement, Rent Assistance, or Carer Supplement. You may also be eligible for extra supports such as health, education, or housing assistance.
Can I receive payments while living overseas?
In most cases, Centrelink payments are for people residing in Australia. Some payments may continue temporarily if you travel abroad, but living overseas generally affects eligibility.