The Australian Government has officially confirmed a $400 one-time Centrelink payment as part of its 2025 cost-of-living support measures. With inflation still affecting everyday budgets, this targeted financial assistance aims to provide short-term relief to low- and middle-income Australians.
This initiative will support eligible recipients already receiving qualifying government benefits, and no new applications are required.
Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, payment dates, how it’s paid, and what you must do to receive the funds without delays.
Why the $400 Payment?
The $400 payment is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to easing financial stress due to rising living costs, especially for vulnerable Australians. This move is part of a broader package that includes pension increases, energy rebates, and targeted bonuses.
Who Will Receive the $400 Centrelink Payment?
The payment is automatically allocated to existing recipients of certain Centrelink welfare benefits. The government has confirmed that the following groups are eligible:
- Age Pension recipients
- Disability Support Pension recipients
- JobSeeker Payment recipients
- Parenting Payment recipients
- Youth Allowance recipients
- Recipients of Family Tax Benefit Part A or B (subject to income thresholds and family situations)
There is no need to apply; the government will use existing Centrelink records to identify eligible Australians.
When Will You Receive the $400?
The official payment window has been set for the second week of August 2025, with direct deposits occurring between:
August 12, 2025 – August 16, 2025
Payments will be transferred directly into bank accounts or via the digital method used for regular Centrelink deposits.
Recipients will receive notifications via MyGov or SMS alerting them about their payment status.
How Will You Be Paid?
The payment will follow the standard Centrelink method you already use:
- Direct bank transfer
- Digital wallets (where applicable)
To ensure successful delivery, make sure your MyGov and Centrelink account details are up-to-date—especially your banking and identity information.
Checklist: What You Should Do Before August
Before the August payment window, make sure you’ve:
- Updated your bank account details in MyGov
- Completed any required mutual obligations (for JobSeeker or Youth Allowance)
- Reported income correctly
- Checked your payment notification settings
If you qualify but do not receive the payment by August 16, you should contact Centrelink immediately for resolution.
Centrelink $400 Payment Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $400 (one-time) |
| Payment Window | August 12 – August 16, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Selected Centrelink benefit recipients |
| Application Needed? | No – auto-disbursed via Centrelink |
| Notification Method | MyGov message or SMS |
| Payment Mode | Direct deposit or digital payment platform |
Will It Affect My Regular Payments?
No. The $400 payment is a one-off support bonus and does not affect your ongoing Centrelink entitlements. It is designed to supplement your regular fortnightly payments, not replace them.
This payment will also not be considered taxable income, so it won’t influence your future Centrelink assessments or tax obligations.
New Pension Rates from July 25
In addition to the $400 bonus, Centrelink pension payments will be indexed from July 25, 2025, providing an additional income boost to aged and disability pensioners. These increases reflect annual indexation in response to inflation trends and cost-of-living shifts.
The $400 Centrelink payment in August 2025 is a welcome financial relief for eligible Australians, aiming to ease the burden of inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
With no applications necessary and payments automatically issued, it’s vital to stay informed and ensure your Centrelink account details are correct. This support measure may be small, but it adds up to help stabilize households facing increasing expenses.
FAQs
Do I need to apply to get the $400 Centrelink payment?
No. Eligible recipients will receive the payment automatically if they are already getting approved Centrelink benefits.
When will I receive the $400 payment?
Payments will be deposited between August 12 and August 16, 2025. You’ll be notified through MyGov or SMS.
What if I don’t receive my $400 payment by August 16?
First, check your bank and MyGov details. If everything is correct and you’re eligible, contact Centrelink support immediately.