In response to the increased cost of living, the $396 Centrelink payment will be issued in 2025. This article outlines the payment’s eligibility, claim period, process, and relief available through the payment.
What is the $396 Centrelink payment?
The Centrelink $396 payment, introduced as part of broader government inflationary support measures, will be issued in 2025. This support is issued every March and September, in line with inflation, and based on the household cost pressure measures. This benefit is provided to clients of Centrelink on the JobSeeker program, Age Pension, and Parenting Pension, every fortnight as long as they meet the set criteria.
Who qualifies for the payment?
Citizenship, residency, and income tests determine eligibility for the $396 Centrelink payment. The criteria state that recipients must:
- Live in Australia as a citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen,
- Receive a support payment, JobSeeker, Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, or Parenting Payment, and
- Fulfil the revised income and assets test thresholds.
- In 2025 Age pensioners will benefit from the inflationary assets test adjustment on their pension.
How to Apply and Claim Dates
If claimants receive eligible Centrelink payments, they likely won’t need to do anything further. Payments are made automatically on pre-defined scheduled dates, but there may be minor delays due to the payer bank. For example, in 2025, pension payments will be made on the last week of every month or fortnightly, depending on the type of pension. New claimants should file through their myGov account or go to a Centrelink branch with all required ID and financial documents.
What Assistance Is Offered with the Payment?
Every payment is a contribution towards a recipient’s everyday expenses that may include groceries, transport, and medical costs. This is all towards helping low and fixed income Australians while living through economic hardship in rising costs of living. The payment is aimed to protect the recipient from slipping into financial hopelessness to the most minimal living standards.
Updates on Changes and Payment Amounts
Changes to payments made by Centrelink are a result of government indexation policies. In 2025, payments increased by 2.4%, which had a positive impact on many Australians, pensioners, and carers included. This was coupled with the indexation which also raised the income and assets eligibility threshold, thus more people qualifying, or keeping a higher level of support.
Key Data Table
| Criteria | 2025 Payment |
|---|---|
| Payment amount | $396 (fortnightly) |
| Eligible groups | Pensioners, carers, low-income earners |
| Payment dates | Fortnightly or monthly |
FAQs
Q1: Who will get the $396 payment automatically in 2025?
Anyone who qualifies for a Centrelink benefit, like Age Pension or JobSeeker, will automatically receive the payment if they meet the new income and residency criteria.
Q2: Do I have to apply for every payment, every period?
No, for ongoing recipients, payments will continue automatically. However, new applicants must submit their application, which they can do via myGov or in-person at a Centrelink office.
Q3: Is it true that the payment will be tax-free?
No, the payment is tax-inclusive. Most Centrelink income payments and the supplement described above will be automatically reported to the Australian Tax Office and will be considered taxable income.
