To receive the one-off payment of $780, applicants need to be Australian citizens who are currently receiving Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs payments including Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, or Family Tax Benefit. Additionally, recipients must hold a valid concession card which includes the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or a DVA Gold Card. Persons who have recived a qualifying payment in the previous six months generally meet the basic criteria, however Centrelink does have the ability to review for changes in payment eligibility due to changes in finances.
How and When Will Payments Be Made Available?
Sydney Centrelink will make payments using direct deposits for users that have submitted valid banking information. Payments are expected to be available in-app by the second week of September 2025. Recipients whose banking information is out of date or incomplete will have to go through a manual claims process which will delay payments. It is very important for users that want to apply to check balance and eligibility as well as log in to their MyGov Profile the day before distribution.
Payment Usage Impact for Recipients
This payment is a crucial form of support for many Australians as the amount can be an emergency payment to ease the burden of mounting expenses. The government’s support payment of $780 is also aimed at assisting families to make their monthly payment obligations including groceries, utilities and even medications so that families are not forced to make payments using credit cards that are laden with exorbitant interest. Apart from the relieving impact, the payment serves to optimize predictability and/or flexibility when it comes to making long term plans which comes with peace of mind and a lot less stress.
Staying Informed and What to Do Next
Centrelink will reach out to people who qualify through physical mail as well as digital messages. Make it a habit to check your Centrelink messages and your MyGov inbox so you don’t miss out. If you think you qualify but haven’t gotten anything by mid-September, contacting Centrelink is advised.