This article covers everything you need to know about the Centrelink one-off payment for 2024. If you are a Centrelink customer, this guide will help you understand who qualifies for this financial assistance, how much you will receive, the process for claiming the payment, and other important details. The aim of these payments is to supports families and individuals struggling with expenses and improve their financial stability.
Eligibility
To qualify, you need to:
- Be a Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) customer.
- Live in Australia.
- Have one of these concession cards: Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Pension Concession Card, or DVA Gold Card.
Payment Amounts
Eligible individuals will receive a $250 one-off payment. This includes those receiving benefits such as:
- Disability Compensation Payment
- Pension of War Widower’s or Wholly Dependent Partner
- Age Pension from DVA
- Service Pension, Income Support Supplement, Veteran Payment, and Partner Service Payment
- Special Benefit
- Carer Payment/Allowance
- Farm Household Allowance
- Parenting Payment
- Youth Allowance for Students and Australian Apprentices
- Double Orphan Pension
- Job Seeker Payment
- Youth Allowance for Job Seekers
- Education Allowance for eligible DVA beneficiaries
Each person gets only one payment, and it’s not taxable. Payments are made to your income management account, accessible via BasicsCard or SmartCard.
Increase in Payments
The government has announced a 6% increase in Centrelink payments, which means an increment in the 2024 Centrelink one-off payments.
- Cost of Living: Average family expenses in Australia range from $4000 to $5000 monthly. Many don’t earn enough to cover these costs.
- Government Support: Around $1.5 billion will be distributed to about 6 million Australians via Centrelink one-off payments in 2024. The expected payment period is April-May 2024.
Need Help?
Visit the myGov website. Claim your benefit if you’re eligible for the 2024 payment.
How to Claim
Most eligible recipients get their payment automatically. If not, you can claim it through myGov:
- Link your Centrelink online account with myGov at myGov.
- Log in using your username and password or myGovID Digital identity.
- Claim your concession card or payment through myGov.
- You’ll receive a notification about the approval, and the payment will be deposited on the assigned date.
You can also claim through your DVA online account. Eligible claimants will receive a confirmation letter.