Centrelink One-Off Payment 2024: What You Need to Know
The Australian government helps its citizens manage the rising cost of living through the Centrelink one-off payment. This financial aid supports families and individuals struggling with expenses.
Who Qualifies
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
Only one payment is given per person, regardless of how many benefits or concession cards they have. This payment is not taxable. Payments are processed into your income management account or enhanced income management account, accessible through 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.
Key Details
- 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.
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.
The Australian government continues to support those struggling with rising living costs. If you’re eligible but haven’t claimed your benefit, do so to receive your 2024 payment.
For assistance, visit the myGov website.