Australian residents relying on Centrelink benefits are in for some welcome news this April. The government has confirmed that a $400 one-off Centrelink payment will be distributed to specific eligible groups this month as part of a cost-of-living relief initiative. If you or someone you know is on income support, you’ll want to keep reading—this payout could be coming your way.
The federal government’s goal with this boost is clear: to support vulnerable Australians facing higher living costs due to inflation, housing stress, and energy price surges. Let’s break down who gets this $400, when it will arrive, and how to check if you’re on the eligibility list.
What Is the $400 Centrelink Payment?
The $400 payment is a one-off cash relief initiative funded under the expanded Cost of Living Support Package 2025. It’s not taxable, does not affect other benefits, and will be paid automatically to eligible recipients through Services Australia.
This payment is part of a broader effort by the Albanese government to respond to growing pressure from welfare groups and citizens struggling with basic costs like rent, fuel, and groceries. Unlike recurring welfare payments, this is a non-renewable, lump sum, designed to offer immediate financial breathing room.
When Will the $400 Be Paid?
The official Centrelink payment date is 22 April 2025. However, some recipients may see their payments appear in their accounts a few days earlier or later, depending on their banking institution and payment cycle.
Payments will be made automatically into the bank accounts already linked to the recipient’s Centrelink profile. No application or action is required, provided your details are up to date.
To make sure you don’t miss your payout:
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Log into myGov
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Check your Centrelink profile
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Ensure your bank account information is correct
Who Will Receive the $400 Payment?
The government has published a clear eligibility list, focusing on low-income and vulnerable groups. The payment is only for Australian citizens and permanent residents receiving one of the following Centrelink payments as of 1 April 2025:
Eligible Centrelink Payment Groups:
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Age Pension
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Disability Support Pension (DSP)
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Carer Payment
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JobSeeker Payment (long-term recipients, over 6 months)
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Youth Allowance
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Parenting Payment (Single and Partnered)
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ABSTUDY and Austudy (for low-income students)
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Veteran Payment or Service Pension
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Special Benefit recipients
If you are currently receiving one of these payments, you are automatically eligible—no forms, no fuss.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following groups are not eligible for the $400 payment:
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People receiving only Family Tax Benefit
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Temporary residents or visitors on work or student visas
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Australians earning over the income threshold for their respective benefit
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Those who cancelled or suspended their benefit before 1 April 2025
If you receive more than one qualifying benefit (e.g., JobSeeker and Family Tax Benefit), you will only receive one $400 payment, not multiple payouts.
How Will You Receive the Payment?
The payment will be:
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Deposited automatically into your registered bank account
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Paid by Centrelink through Services Australia
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You will receive a notification via myGov or SMS/email once it’s processed
If you’ve opted into GovDebit (Centrelink-issued debit card) instead of a personal bank account, your payment will land there.
Why This Payment Matters
The $400 Centrelink payment comes at a time when Australian households are being stretched thin. Core inflation remains sticky, fuel prices are elevated, and rental prices in major cities have reached record highs. According to ABS data, over 3.6 million Australians live on some form of government income support—and for many, even a few hundred dollars can mean the difference between financial stability and falling behind on bills.
Welfare advocacy groups such as ACOSS and the Australian Unemployed Workers Union have been pushing for more substantial, permanent increases to base rates of welfare, arguing that one-off payments are helpful but not enough. This $400 payment, while limited in scope, is being seen as a good step, especially for pensioners and carers who often face medical costs not covered by Medicare.
Common Questions
Q: Will the payment affect my regular Centrelink payments or tax return?
A: No, the $400 is non-taxable and does not impact other benefits.
Q: What if I just started receiving Centrelink payments in April?
A: You must have been eligible and actively receiving an eligible payment as of 1 April 2025.
Q: Can I receive this payment twice?
A: No. Even if you receive multiple qualifying benefits, you will only receive one $400 payment.
Final Thoughts
If you’re receiving Centrelink support and are eligible for this $400 payment, this month just got a bit easier. With no need to apply, no paperwork, and automatic deposits, the government is trying to make the process as seamless as possible.
While it’s a temporary measure, it’s a timely one—and may be the start of more targeted support as the federal budget rolls out later this year. Be sure to check your myGov account, verify your banking details, and watch for the 22 April 2025 payment.
Stay informed—because every dollar counts when times are tight.