Centrelink Payment Types - Complete Guide
⚠️ Disclaimer: Payment rates and eligibility can change. Always verify current rates at servicesaustralia.gov.au or call 132 850. Information current as of August 2025.
Quick Emergency Contacts
- General Enquiries: 132 850 (8am-5pm weekdays)
- Crisis Payment: 132 717 (financial emergency)
- Complaints: 1800 132 468
- Youth Line: 132 490 (under 25s)
Main Income Support Payments
1. JobSeeker Payment 💼
Australia’s primary unemployment benefit
Who can apply:
- Age 22 to Age Pension age (currently 67)
- Actively looking for work
- Available to start work within 14 days
- Meet mutual obligation requirements
Current Rates (August 2025):
| Situation | Maximum Fortnightly | Per Week |
|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | $762.70 | $381.35 |
| Single, with children | $816.90 | $408.45 |
| Partnered (each) | $688.20 | $344.10 |
| Single, 60+ after 9 months | $816.90 | $408.45 |
Key Requirements:
- 20 job searches per fortnight (varies by age)
- Attend all Employment Provider appointments
- Accept suitable work offers
- Report income and changes every 2 weeks
Apply: servicesaustralia.gov.au or call 132 850
2. Youth Allowance for Jobseekers 🎓
Youth Allowance for jobseekers supports young Australians aged 16-21 who are actively looking for work
Who can apply for Youth Allowance for jobseekers:
- Age 16-21 (for job searching)
- Age 16-24 (for students and apprentices)
- Australian citizen/eligible visa holder
- Studying full-time, training, or actively job searching
- Meet independence test (if applicable)
Youth Allowance for jobseekers vs students: Youth Allowance for jobseekers has different requirements than Youth Allowance for students. Jobseekers must be actively looking for work, while students must be enrolled in approved courses.
Current Rates (August 2025):
| Living Situation | Maximum Fortnightly | Per Week |
|---|---|---|
| Away from home | $706.90 | $353.45 |
| At home | $445.20 | $222.60 |
| With children | $816.90 | $408.45 |
Study Requirements:
- Enrolled in approved course
- Full-time study load (usually 75% minimum)
- Making satisfactory progress
- Attending classes regularly
Youth Allowance for jobseekers requirements:
- 10 job searches per fortnight (may increase based on local job market)
- Attend all Employment Provider appointments
- Be available for work within 14 days
- Accept suitable job offers
- Participate in employment activities as directed
- Report income and changes fortnightly
Youth Allowance for jobseekers mutual obligations: Youth Allowance for jobseekers recipients must meet stronger mutual obligations than students, including mandatory job search activities and employment services participation.
3. Austudy 📚
For mature students aged 25+
Who can apply:
- Age 25 or older
- Studying full-time in approved course
- Australian citizen/eligible visa holder
- Meet residence requirements
Current Rate (August 2025):
- Maximum: $762.70 per fortnight ($381.35/week)
- Same rate regardless of living situation
Study Requirements:
- Full-time study (at least 75% of normal load)
- Course must be approved for Austudy
- Making satisfactory academic progress
- Not receiving other income support
4. Disability Support Pension (DSP) ♿
For people unable to work due to disability
Who can apply:
- Any age (no upper limit)
- Permanent disability preventing work
- Assessed by government doctor
- Meet residence requirements
Current Rates (August 2025):
| Situation | Maximum Fortnightly | Per Week |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,026.50 | $513.25 |
| Partnered (each) | $774.80 | $387.40 |
| Single, under 21, at home | $685.70 | $342.85 |
Assessment Process:
- Medical evidence required
- Job capacity assessment
- Independent assessment by government doctor
- May take several months to process
Work Capacity:
- Must be unable to work 15+ hours/week
- At award wages within 2 years
- With appropriate support and training
5. Parenting Payment 👨👩👧👦
For primary carers of children
Who can apply:
- Primary carer of dependent children
- Single parents: children under 8
- Partnered parents: children under 6
- Meet income and assets tests
Current Rates (August 2025):
| Situation | Maximum Fortnightly | Per Week |
|---|---|---|
| Single parent | $906.60 | $453.30 |
| Partnered parent (each) | $688.20 | $344.10 |
Requirements:
- Single parents: part-time mutual obligations when youngest child turns 6
- Partnered parents: must be principal carer
- Income and assets tests apply
6. Age Pension 👵👴
For Australians reaching pension age
Pension Age (gradually increasing):
- Born before July 1952: Age 65
- Born July 1952 - December 1953: Age 65.5
- Born August 1954 - June 1955: Age 66
- Born July 1955 - December 1956: Age 66.5
- Born August 1957 or later: Age 67
Current Rates (August 2025):
| Situation | Maximum Fortnightly | Per Week |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,026.50 | $513.25 |
| Couple (each) | $774.80 | $387.40 |
| Couple separated by illness | $1,026.50 | $513.25 |
Additional Support Payments
Crisis Payment 🚨
Immediate financial assistance in emergencies
Available for:
- Domestic violence situations
- Extreme weather events (floods, fires)
- Released from prison or psychiatric facility
- Humanitarian entrant experiencing hardship
Amount: Up to your normal payment rate (max $1,026.50) Apply: Call 132 717 immediately
Rent Assistance 🏠
Help with rent/board costs
Current Maximum Rates (August 2025):
| Situation | Maximum Fortnightly |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $157.20 |
| Single, with children | $186.80 |
| Partnered, no children | $147.53 |
| Partnered, with children | $186.80 |
Eligibility:
- Receiving eligible income support payment
- Paying rent/board above threshold amounts
- Not living in public housing
Pharmaceutical Allowance 💊
Help with prescription medication costs
Rates (August 2025):
- Single: $7.70 per fortnight
- Partnered: $6.30 per fortnight (each)
Automatically paid with eligible income support payments.
Special Circumstances Payments
Bereavement Allowance
- 14 weeks of payments following death of partner
- Same rate as previous payment
- No mutual obligations during bereavement period
Widow Allowance
- For women born before 1 July 1955
- Widowed, divorced, or separated
- No dependent children
Special Benefit
- Last resort payment for people in severe financial hardship
- Must not be eligible for any other payment
- Strict eligibility criteria
How Payments Are Calculated
Income Test
Your payment reduces as your income increases:
Income Free Areas (fortnightly):
- Single person: $150
- Couple (combined): $300
- Single with children: $150 + $24.60 per child
Reduction Rates:
- 60 cents reduced for every dollar over free area
- Payment stops when income too high
Assets Test
Payment stops if your assets exceed:
| Situation | Homeowner | Non-homeowner |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $301,750 | $543,750 |
| Couple (combined) | $451,500 | $693,500 |
Exempt Assets:
- Family home
- Car (reasonable value)
- Household contents and personal effects
Applying for Payments
Online Application (Recommended)
- Set up myGov account at my.gov.au
- Link Centrelink services
- Select “Make a claim”
- Choose appropriate payment type
- Complete all sections
- Upload required documents
Documents Usually Required
- Birth certificate or passport
- Bank statements (last 3 months)
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, etc.)
- Income statements/payslips
- Rent receipts or mortgage statements
Processing Times
- JobSeeker Payment: 3-6 weeks
- Youth Allowance: 2-4 weeks
- Disability Support Pension: 3-4 months
- Age Pension: 6-8 weeks
Reporting Requirements
Fortnightly Reporting
Must report every 2 weeks:
- Employment income earned
- Changes in circumstances
- Job search activities completed
- Training or study undertaken
Reporting Methods
- Online: myGov (24/7 available)
- Phone: 133 276 (self-service line)
- Mobile App: Express Plus Centrelink
Important Deadlines
- Report by your due date (usually 2 weeks after pay day)
- Late reporting = payment suspension
- Must report even if no income or changes
Payment Dates and Methods
When Payments Are Made
- Every two weeks on your allocated pay day
- Paid in advance for upcoming fortnight
- Direct deposit only to nominated bank account
Setting Up Payments
- Must nominate Australian bank account
- Cannot be paid to credit cards or loans
- Can change bank details online or by phone
Changes You Must Report
Within 14 Days Report Changes To:
- Income: Any employment, self-employment, or other income
- Assets: Significant purchases, investments, or sales
- Address: Moving house or temporary stays
- Relationship status: Starting/ending relationships
- Study: Starting, stopping, or changing courses
- Children: Changes to care arrangements
- Health: Significant changes affecting work capacity
Failure to Report Changes Can Result In:
- Overpayment debts
- Payment suspension
- Penalties and interest charges
- Prosecution in serious cases
Common Problems and Solutions
Payment Suspended?
Most common reasons:
- Late reporting
- Missing appointments
- Failed to report income
- Document verification required
What to do:
- Check myGov for messages
- Complete any required actions
- Contact Centrelink if unclear
- Update bank details if needed
Overpayment Debt?
Common causes:
- Underreported income
- Unreported changes
- System errors
- Partner income not declared
Options available:
- Request internal review if incorrect
- Set up repayment plan
- Apply for hardship if cannot pay
- Get free financial counselling
Disagreeing with Decision?
Your rights:
- Request explanation of decision
- Internal review (free, within 13 weeks)
- AAT appeal ($1,826 fee, may be waived)
- Get help from welfare rights service
Support Services
Free Help Available
- National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007
- Legal Aid: 1300 650 143
- Financial Counselling Australia: Find local service
- Emergency Relief: Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul
Centrelink Social Workers
- Free service for people experiencing hardship
- Help with crisis situations
- Referrals to community services
- Available at Centrelink offices
Youth Allowance for Jobseekers FAQ
How do I apply for Youth Allowance for jobseekers?
Apply online through myGov or call 132 490. You’ll need to provide proof of identity, income details, and demonstrate you’re actively seeking work.
What’s the maximum Youth Allowance for jobseekers payment?
Youth Allowance for jobseekers maximum rates are $706.90 per fortnight if you live away from home, or $445.20 if you live with parents.
Can I switch from Youth Allowance for jobseekers to JobSeeker?
Yes, when you turn 22, you’ll automatically transfer from Youth Allowance for jobseekers to JobSeeker Payment, which generally has higher rates.
Do I need to do job search if I’m on Youth Allowance for jobseekers?
Yes, Youth Allowance for jobseekers requires 10 job searches per fortnight and participation in employment activities through your provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while receiving payments?
Yes, but you must report all income. Most payments have an income-free area before your payment reduces.
What’s the difference between Youth Allowance for jobseekers and JobSeeker Payment?
Youth Allowance for jobseekers is for people aged 16-21 who are looking for work, while JobSeeker Payment is for people aged 22 and over. Youth Allowance for jobseekers has lower mutual obligation requirements than JobSeeker Payment.
What happens if I find full-time work?
Report it immediately. Your payment will usually stop, but you may get employment income for irregular work.
Can my partner work while I receive payments?
Yes, but their income affects your payment rate through the income and assets tests.
How long can I receive payments?
- JobSeeker: No time limit while eligible
- Youth Allowance for jobseekers: Until age 22 (then transfer to JobSeeker Payment)
- Youth Allowance for students: Until age 25 (if studying)
- DSP: Ongoing if disability continues
- Age Pension: For life once eligible
What if I go overseas?
Must inform Centrelink before traveling. Payments may stop after 6 weeks depending on payment type and destination.
Quick Reference - Key Phone Numbers
| Service | Phone Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Enquiries | 132 850 | 8am-5pm weekdays |
| Crisis Payment | 132 717 | 24/7 |
| Youth Line (under 25) | 132 490 | 8am-5pm weekdays |
| Disability/Carers | 132 717 | 8am-5pm weekdays |
| Age Pension | 132 300 | 8am-5pm weekdays |
| Complaints | 1800 132 468 | 8am-5pm weekdays |
Important Resources:
- Services Australia: servicesaustralia.gov.au
- myGov: my.gov.au
- Payment Estimator: servicesaustralia.gov.au/payment-and-service-finder
- Current Payment Rates: Payment Rates Guide
- Payment Calculator: Calculator Guide
- Centrelink Overview: Complete Guide
Last Updated: August 2025 | Source: Services Australia official rates and requirements
This guide provides general information only. For advice specific to your situation, always contact Services Australia directly or visit their website for the most current information.