Recently, there have been rumours online about a “one-off” cash boost payment for Centrelink recipients. These rumours spread quickly, making many people believe that they will receive a big payment soon. However, Services Australia has confirmed that these reports are false.
Services Australia Shuts Down Rumours
Hank Jongen, a spokesperson for Services Australia, clarified the situation. He said, “We haven’t made any announcements about any one-off or additional bonus payments, and I’m worried this might be a scam.” These rumours are not based on any official announcements.
Fake Claims About Upcoming Payments
Some websites have been claiming that Centrelink will give two payments of $250 and $1,300 to help Australians with the cost of living. These payments were said to help cover rising rent, utilities, food prices, and other essential expenses.
The articles also mentioned that a wide range of people, including pensioners, jobseekers, students, and family benefit recipients, would be eligible for the payments in September and October.
Unfortunately, these types of stories often appear online, but they are rarely true. If you come across such claims, it’s best not to believe them without checking official sources.
Be Careful of Scams
There have been many scam websites claiming that Centrelink is offering additional payments. These fake websites are designed to trick people into giving away their personal information. Some sites may even look like official government pages, so it’s important to stay alert.
Look for these common scam buzzwords:
- Cash relief
- New bonus
- One-off payment
- Payment rates increasing
- Proof of identity required
- Revalidation
Hank Jongen advises everyone to always check that the website ends with .gov.au to ensure it is an official government site. If you’re unsure about any payment or rule, it’s best to visit the Services Australia website or check their official social media channels for the correct information.
Scammers Spreading False Information
Scammers have also been sending fake emails, text messages, and websites that claim Centrelink rules are changing. These messages often say that people could face penalties, fines, or have their payments cancelled if they don’t comply. This is NOT true.
Upcoming Payment Boosts in September
While there isn’t a “one-off” cash boost, there is some good news for Centrelink recipients. Starting September 20, many Centrelink payments will increase.
This includes payments for more than five million Australians, such as those receiving the Age Pension, JobSeeker, ABSTUDY, Parenting Payment, Commonwealth Rent Assistance, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment.
These increases are to help the payments keep up with the rising cost of living.
Payment Boost Details
To help you better understand which payments are increasing, here’s a table showing the key details of the upcoming boosts:
| Payment Type | Recipients | Increase Amount | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | Seniors receiving Age Pension | $29.70 per fortnight | September 20, 2025 |
| JobSeeker | Jobseekers | $29.70 per fortnight | September 20, 2025 |
| ABSTUDY | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students | $29.70 per fortnight | September 20, 2025 |
| Parenting Payment | Parents on Parenting Payment | $29.70 per fortnight | September 20, 2025 |
| Commonwealth Rent Assistance | Rent assistance recipients | $29.70 per fortnight | September 20, 2025 |
| Disability Support Pension | People on Disability Support Pension | $29.70 per fortnight | September 20, 2025 |
| Carer Payment | Carers looking after someone with a disability | $29.70 per fortnight | September 20, 2025 |
Real Relief for Australians
Patricia Sparrow, CEO of COTA Australia, shared that the increase in the Age Pension is one of the biggest boosts in recent years.
She explained that many older Australians live in poverty, and the extra $29.70 per fortnight would provide much-needed relief for those struggling with high living costs.
In short, there are no “one-off” cash boost payments coming from Centrelink. However, some payments will increase soon to help recipients keep up with inflation. Always be cautious of scams, and rely on official government websites for accurate information.
FAQs
If you get a suspicious message or email about payments, don’t click on any links. Always check the official Services Australia website for accurate information.
Yes, payments for many Centrelink recipients, including those on the Age Pension and JobSeeker, will increase starting on September 20.
The Age Pension will increase by $29.70 per fortnight, helping many older Australians who are struggling with high living costs.