The Australian Government has signed off on the moving-date for the planned $968 Centrelink boost, which should offer a shot of relief for eligible families coping with higher living costs. This once-off cash boost is part of a larger support package meant to lighten the financial load on Aussie households.
Who Gets the $968 Boost?
The $968 boost is meant for low and middle-income households that are already getting specific Centrelink payments. People on Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, JobSeeker, and Family Tax Benefit are at the top of the list and should check that all their details are up to date. The boost is meant to deliver cash now to families facing rising costs at the grocery store and increasing electricity bills.
Timing and How Payments are Sent Out
Services Australia will drop the $968 cash boost straight into the registered bank accounts of eligible families starting on September 15, 2025. Payments will keep coming for about two weeks, so the majority of families should see the cash land by the end of September. No extra paperwork is needed because the boost is set to go out automatically to everyone already qualified.
How to Check if You Can Get the Payment
If you live in Australia, the easiest way to find out if you’re eligible for the $968 payment is to log in to your myGov account and look for the Centrelink section. You’ll see the payment listed under “upcoming payments” when it’s ready to be paid. Don’t have the internet? You can still check by calling Centrelink’s helpline or dropping into your nearest service centre.
Using the Payment Wisely
Experts say it’s best to use the $968 for your most urgent bills. Think about catching up on overdue utility bills, paying for overdue medicine, or knocking down high-interest debt. If you’re part of a family, the payment could help you buy back-to-school gear or replace kitchen items you’ve had to dumpster dive for.
Other Help Available
The $968 payment is only one part of the help the government’s offering. They’ve also added bigger energy rebates and more affordable healthcare options to give you some extra cushion. By putting all of this together, the goal is to keep Australians afloat as the economy slows down.
For the latest news about the $968 payment or other help you can get, log in to your myGov account or visit the Services Australia website.