Cost-of-Living Relief Payment – As Australians continue to grapple with rising prices in essentials like groceries, electricity, rent, and fuel, the federal government has stepped in with a much-needed lifeline. Centrelink has officially confirmed a new $780 Cost-of-Living Relief Payment, designed to ease the financial burden for eligible recipients across the country. This one-off payment will be delivered through Services Australia and is part of a broader package aimed at supporting low-income households during this ongoing cost-of-living crisis. With inflation still impacting everyday expenses and wages struggling to keep up, this Centrelink payment will benefit millions, especially those already relying on social welfare programs like the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, JobSeeker, Carer Payment, and others. The government has emphasized its commitment to cushioning vulnerable Australians from economic strain, and this relief initiative is a clear indication of that priority. In this article, we provide detailed information about eligibility criteria, payment dates, how to check your status, and who to contact for more help. We’ve also included important tables and frequently asked questions to make it easier for you to find what you need.
Who Will Receive the $780 Cost-of-Living Relief Payment?
This payment is not universal. Only select categories of Centrelink recipients will qualify for the $780 lump sum based on their current payment status and household conditions.
- The payment will be made automatically to those who meet the criteria.
- No separate application is required.
- It will appear as a separate credit in your MyGov account or Centrelink portal.
Eligible Payment Categories Include:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- JobSeeker Payment (long-term recipients)
- Youth Allowance (Living away from home)
- Parenting Payment
- Austudy and Abstudy (with dependent children)
- Special Benefit (hardship-based)
Full List of Eligible Groups and Criteria for Cost-of-Living Relief Payment
The following table breaks down eligible groups and additional requirements for the $780 payment.
| Eligible Category | Conditions | Included in Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | Receiving full or part-rate pension | Yes |
| Disability Support Pension | Must be under income/assets test | Yes |
| JobSeeker Payment | Must be receiving for 9+ months | Yes |
| Youth Allowance | Living independently or with dependents | Yes |
| Parenting Payment | All active recipients | Yes |
| Austudy/Abstudy | Must have dependent child | Yes |
| Carer Payment | Active full-time carers | Yes |
| Special Benefit | On humanitarian or hardship basis | Yes |
Payment Dates and Deposit Timeline for Cost-of-Living Relief Payment
The $780 Cost-of-Living Payment will be disbursed according to the recipient’s usual Centrelink cycle, but with some adjustments made to deliver it earlier for certain groups.
- Most payments will be delivered between July 8 – July 19, 2025
- Those with automatic eligibility will be prioritized in early July
- Deposits will appear as “Cost-of-Living Relief” in your bank account
| Payment Group | Expected Deposit Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | July 8 – July 12 | Auto deposit |
| Carer Payment | July 8 – July 12 | Auto deposit |
| Disability Support | July 9 – July 13 | Auto deposit |
| JobSeeker | July 10 – July 15 | Long-term recipients only |
| Youth Allowance | July 11 – July 16 | Must meet criteria |
| Parenting Payment | July 11 – July 17 | Auto deposit |
| Austudy/Abstudy | July 12 – July 18 | With dependents only |
| Special Benefit | July 12 – July 19 | Subject to approval |
How to Check If You’re Getting the Cost-of-Living Relief Payment
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible or when your payment is arriving, Centrelink provides a few easy methods for checking your status.
- Log into MyGov account and link Centrelink (if not already linked)
- Go to Payments and Claims > Upcoming Payments
- If eligible, you’ll see $780 Cost-of-Living Relief scheduled for July
Additional Household Members and Partnered Recipients
In some cases, couples or multi-benefit households may receive more than one $780 payment, depending on the number of qualifying individuals.
Eligibility for Multiple Payments
- Each eligible person in the household will receive a separate payment
- Couples both receiving Age Pension will each get $780
- If one partner is on Carer Payment and another on JobSeeker, both qualify
| Household Type | Total Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Single Age Pensioner | $780 |
| Age Pensioner Couple | $1,560 |
| Carer & DSP Household | $1,560 |
| Single Parent on Parenting | $780 |
| Austudy with Dependent Children | $780 |
What If You’re Not Eligible for Cost-of-Living Relief Payment?
If you don’t receive any Centrelink benefit listed above, unfortunately you won’t be receiving the $780 payment. However, you may still qualify for other assistance.
- Consider applying for Emergency Relief through your local Services Australia office
- Check eligibility for Rent Assistance or Energy Supplement
- Visit the Services Australia Website to browse all support options
How to Get Help or Lodge a Complaint
If you believe you’re eligible but didn’t receive the payment, you should immediately contact Centrelink. Delays may occur due to system errors, banking issues, or eligibility updates.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
Australia offers several other forms of relief in parallel to the $780 Centrelink payment. If you’re still facing hardship, here are a few programs to consider:
One-off and Emergency Support
- Crisis Payment for Extreme Circumstances
- Advance Payment from Centrelink
- Food and clothing assistance via registered charities
Energy and Utility Assistance
- State-specific rebates (e.g., NSW Energy Relief)
- Concession card discounts for bills
- Energy Supplement for pensioners
If you believe you were missed in this round of payments, you can also write to Centrelink through their online complaints system via your MyGov portal or visit a local office for manual clarification.
Departmental Contact Details
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Centrelink General | 13 24 68 (Mon–Fri 8am to 5pm) |
| MyGov Support | 13 23 07 |
| Carers Line | 13 27 17 |
| Youth & Students | 13 24 90 |
| Multilingual Services | 13 12 02 |
| Online Portal | www.servicesaustralia.gov.au |
| In-person | Visit any local Services Australia centre |
FAQs of Cost-of-Living Relief
1. Will the $780 payment affect my current Centrelink benefits?
No, this is a separate, tax-free payment and does not affect your ongoing entitlements.
2. Do I need to apply for the payment?
No application is necessary. If eligible, you will receive it automatically.
3. Will this payment be taxed?
No, the payment is tax-exempt and will not be included in your income tax.
4. What happens if I recently changed my bank details?
Update your bank info immediately in MyGov > Centrelink > Payment Details to avoid delays.
5. I’m on Newstart Allowance, do I qualify?
Only long-term JobSeeker (9+ months) recipients qualify, not older discontinued programs like Newstart.
