Rising inflation has broken the back of Australian citizen. With each passing month, the burden of essential expenses like rent, food items, electricity and gas is increasing on the common people. To reduce this financial pressure, the Australian government has announced a one-time Cost of Living Cash Boost of $1,144 through Centerlink in 2025. This payment has been brought specifically for those who are already receiving pension or Centerlink assistance and whose income is limited.
In this article, we will know in detail what is the eligibility for this payment, when it will be available, how to get it, and what things to keep in mind so that you can get this financial help on time and without any hassle.
Why did the government start this $1,144 Cost of Living Payment?
Inflation is at its peak in Australia at this time. Everyday expenses like rent, petrol, electricity, gas, milk, bread, medicines and other essential items are becoming out of the reach of the common man. Against this backdrop, the government decided that it would provide relief especially to those citizens who come from low-income groups or are dependent on some form of social security (Centrelink).
The main objectives of this scheme:
- To support citizens in dealing with rising inflation.
- To provide relief to the elderly, disabled, unemployed and carers.
- To stabilize the quality of life of people struggling with financial insecurity.
Form of this payment – what will be received and when?
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $1,144 (one-time cash support) |
| Eligibility | Centrelink beneficiaries (Age Pension, Disability Pension, etc.) |
| Payment Date | Starts from March 2025, paid in phases |
| Application Process | Automatic for most; some may need to apply |
| Official Source | Services Australia website or myGov portal |
Who is eligible for this $1,144 assistance?
The following conditions must be met to become eligible for this assistance:
Must be an Australian resident: Your permanent residence must be in Australia and your information in Centrelink’s records must be updated.
You should receive the following payments:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- JobSeeker Payment
- Carer Payment
- Parenting Payment
- Some Department of Veterans’ Affairs payments
Income and asset limits: Your income and assets must be within the standards set by Services Australia.
Example: Sarah, a 70-year-old woman receiving the Age Pension, is automatically eligible for this payment and will have $1,144 credited to her account in March 2025.
How to get a payment?
Automatic Payment If you are already a beneficiary of an eligible Centrelink payment, you don’t need to do anything. This $1,144 payment will be automatically credited to your registered bank account.
What if you don’t get a payment?
Check your eligibility:
- Login to myGov and view your Centrelink profile.
- Have documents ready:
- Proof of residence (electricity/water bill, rental agreement)
- Proof of income and bank balance
Apply (if required):
- myGov > Centrelink > Payments and Claims > Make a Claim
- Wait for Centrelink’s response.
- Note: Your bank account details must be up to date with Centrelink, otherwise payments may be delayed.
Payment date – when will the money arrive?
- Payments will start in March 2025.
- This will be phased in, meaning not everyone will receive a payment on the same day.
- If you still don’t receive your payment by April 2025, login to myGov or contact Services Australia.
what to do to get your payment easily?
- Check the Services Australia website regularly
- Check and update your bank details by logging into myGov
- Beware of fraud: Centrelink never asks for personal information via email or SMS
- Use this money wisely: use it for essential expenses such as rent, medicines or electricity bills
- Example: Mark, a 68-year-old pensioner, checked the status of his payment on myGov in February 2025. He received $1,144 in March which he spent on his groceries and electricity bills.
Other related benefits
Centrelink $890 Bonus February 2025 – know the eligibility and dates.
$27.02 and $221 Rent Assistance 2025 are you eligible?
Centrelink Mobility Allowance February 2025 – payment and eligibility details.
Conclusion
This Cost of Living Cash Boost of $1,144 in 2025 brings great relief to millions of Australians. If you are a beneficiary of any eligible Centrelink payment, this assistance will automatically be credited to your account. This financial assistance will be given only once, but its effects can be far-reaching, especially for those living on limited incomes.
FAQs
Q1. Do I need to apply for this payment?
A. If you are already receiving eligible payments, this payment will automatically appear in your account.
Q2. When will I receive this money?
A. Payments will start in March 2025. If not by April, login to your myGov account to check the status.
Q3. Am I eligible if I am not an Australian resident?
A. No. Residence conditions must be met. Contact Services Australia for more information.
Q4. Will this payment affect my other Centrelink benefits?
A. No. This is a one-time support and will not affect your regular pension or Centrelink payments.
Q5. How do I check if my payment has been processed?
A. Login to myGov and check Centrelink payment history. Payments usually appear in your account within 3–5 business days.
