Claiming Centrelink in 2025? Here’s the Full List of Payments You Might Be Missing

Australian government provides financial assistance to people in need through Centrelink, which is managed by Services Australia. These payments help Australians through different stages of life whether they are looking for work, studying, raising children, caring for someone, or retiring. However, Centrelink payments come with strict eligibility rules. Your income, assets, and visa status all play a role in whether you qualify and how much you receive. Many payments also have waiting periods, especially for newly arrived residents. Please read full details to find out how Centrelink can support you and what payments you may be eligible for.

Centrelink: The Main Provider of Government Payments

Services Australia is responsible for delivering Centrelink payments on behalf of the government. They also manage Medicare and child support payments.Hank Jongen, General Manager of Services Australia, says, “Nearly everyone in Australia will interact with us at some point in their lives.” To receive Centrelink payments, most people must meet residency and income requirements. In most cases, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Your income, assets, and bank accounts also affect your eligibility and payment amount.

How Centrelink Categorises Payments

Centrelink payments cover different life situations, making it easier to find the right support. Payments are grouped into six key life events:

1️Raising children – Support for parents and carers
2️Living arrangements – Help with housing and rent assistance
3️Ageing – Financial aid for older Australians
4️Work – Payments for job seekers and workers
5️Education – Support for students and apprentices
6️Health and disability – Payments for those with medical conditions or disabilities

By visiting the Services Australia website, you can explore payments related to your life situation, check eligibility criteria, and find out how much you could receive.

Most Common Centrelink Payments

Centrelink provides various financial support payments to Australians based on their circumstances. Here are some of the most commonly used Centrelink payments and how they work.

JobSeeker Payment – Support for Unemployed Individuals

JobSeeker Payment is available for individuals between the ages of 22 and 67 who are unemployed or temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury.

• Applicants must be actively looking for work or be temporarily unable to work.
• The amount received depends on the individual’s relationship status and whether they have children.

Youth Allowance and Austudy – Financial Assistance for Students and Apprentices

Youth Allowance is designed for individuals under the age of 22 who are looking for work or for students and apprentices under the age of 25 who are studying full-time. Austudy is a separate payment available for full-time students aged 25 and older who require financial assistance.

Family Tax Benefit – Support for Families with Children

The Family Tax Benefit provides financial support to low-income families to help with the costs of raising children.

• The payment amount depends on factors such as family income, the number of children, and their ages.
• Different rates apply for single parents and couples.

Age Pension – Financial Support for Retirees

The Age Pension is available for Australians aged 67 and older who require financial assistance in retirement.

• To qualify, an individual must have lived in Australia for at least ten years, with at least five of those years being continuous without leaving the country.
• The payment amount varies depending on whether the individual is single or part of a couple.

Disability Support Pension – Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities

The Disability Support Pension provides financial aid to individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition.

• Applicants must provide medical evidence demonstrating that their condition prevents them from working for at least two years.
• Eligibility requirements are strict, and many applications are not approved if they do not meet the medical criteria.

Carer Payment and Carer Allowance – Support for Caregivers

The Carer Payment is designed for individuals who provide full-time care to a person with a severe disability or illness. The Carer Allowance is an additional payment that helps cover expenses such as medical costs, prescriptions, and transport for caregivers. These Centrelink payments are designed to support Australians at different stages of life, ensuring that those in need receive financial assistance based on their personal circumstances.

Eligibility Rules for Centrelink Payments

Centrelink payments come with strict eligibility criteria, including:

1. Residency and visa status: You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident in most cases.
2. Income and assets test: Your savings, investments, and property can affect how much you receive.
3. Waiting periods: Many payments have waiting periods, including:

The Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period (NARWP), which means most new migrants must wait up to four years for Centrelink payments.

Can Migrants and Asylum Seekers Get Centrelink Payments?

1. Protection or Humanitarian Visa holders – Have the same Centrelink entitlements as Australian citizens.
2. Asylum seekers – Do not qualify for Centrelink, but may receive Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS).

According to Shaheen Whyte, a policy officer at the Refugee Council of Australia:

👉 “SRSS provides a basic living allowance, capped at 89% of the JobSeeker rate, plus casework and counselling support.”

However, most asylum seekers do not qualify for SRSS, as the eligibility criteria are extremely strict.

How Much Money Will You Get?

The amount you receive depends on:

1. Your income, savings, and assets
2. Whether you are single, partnered, or have children
3. Any waiting periods that apply

To check your exact payment rate, visit the Services Australia website and look up your life event category.

Need Centrelink Help in Your Language?

Services Australia provides information in over 75 languages. You can:
✔️ Find translated resources on the Services Australia website
✔️ Request a free interpreter when visiting a Centrelink office
✔️ Call 13 12 02 to speak with an interpreter

Final Thoughts: How Centrelink Can Help You

Centrelink payments are designed to provide financial support for Australians at every stage of life. Whether you are a job seeker, student, parent, carer, or retiree, there may be a Centrelink payment that applies to you. However, eligibility rules can be strict, and payment amounts vary depending on income, assets, and residency status. If you think you may be eligible for Centrelink support, visit the Services Australia website or contact Centrelink for more information.