The financial pressures facing everyday Australians have continued to mount in recent years. With the cost of living showing no signs of easing, government assistance has become a crucial lifeline for millions of households across the country. In response to these ongoing challenges, Services Australia has announced a significant payment of $1,155 that will reach eligible Centrelink recipients throughout 2025. But the question on everyone’s mind is simple: “Am I eligible?”
As someone who’s spent years navigating the complex web of welfare entitlements, I’ve seen firsthand how these payments can make the difference between keeping a roof over your head or facing impossible choices. The newly announced $1,155 payment represents one of the most substantial support measures introduced in recent years, yet many Australians remain unaware of their potential eligibility.
This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion to explain exactly who qualifies, how the payment works, and what steps you need to take to ensure you don’t miss out on funds you’re entitled to receive.
Understanding the $1,155 Centrelink Payment
Before diving into eligibility criteria, let’s clarify what exactly this payment is. The $1,155 payment isn’t a single lump sum but rather represents an increase to several existing support payments resulting from the government’s latest indexation adjustments and supplementary assistance packages.
What This Payment Is
The $1,155 figure represents the combined value of quarterly increases and supplements that eligible recipients will receive throughout the 2025 financial year. This breaks down to approximately $288.75 per quarter for those receiving the full rate of eligible payments.
The money comes as part of the government’s response to sustained inflationary pressures and follows significant advocacy from welfare groups who’ve highlighted the growing gap between payment rates and actual living costs.
“These increases might seem modest to some, but for people living payment to payment, an extra $1,155 across the year can mean keeping the heater running in winter or ensuring there’s enough food on the table each week,” explains financial counselor Meredith Jacobs, who works with vulnerable communities in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
Payment Schedule
Rather than arriving as a single deposit, the $1,155 will be distributed as follows:
- First quarter (July-September 2025): $288.75
- Second quarter (October-December 2025): $288.75
- Third quarter (January-March 2026): $288.75
- Fourth quarter (April-June 2026): $288.75
These quarterly supplements will be automatically added to regular payment cycles for eligible recipients, typically appearing as a separate line item in your payment summary.
Primary Eligibility Categories
The $1,155 payment targets specific groups of Centrelink recipients. Here’s a breakdown of who stands to benefit:
Age Pension Recipients
Pensioners have been hit particularly hard by rising costs, especially those renting in the private market or facing increased healthcare expenses. For Age Pension recipients, eligibility for the full $1,155 requires:
- Currently receiving the maximum base Age Pension rate
- Meeting income and assets test thresholds
- Australian residency requirements
Partial payments will apply to those receiving reduced pension rates due to income or assets test calculations. The payment reduction follows a tapered approach, where those near the upper threshold may receive only a portion of the quarterly supplement.
For Joan McIntyre, a 73-year-old pensioner from Newcastle, previous supplements have been essential. “With medication costs going up every few months and electricity bills through the roof, these extra payments aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. Last year’s supplement meant I could finally get those reading glasses I’d been putting off buying.”
Disability Support Pension (DSP) Recipients
Australians receiving the Disability Support Pension face unique financial challenges, often including higher healthcare costs, specialized equipment needs, and accessibility-related expenses. DSP recipients eligible for the $1,155 payment must:
- Be current DSP recipients as of the qualification dates
- Meet the same income and assets criteria as aged pension recipients
- Have been assessed at the maximum basic rate
For those with partial DSP payments due to income from employment or other sources, the supplement will be proportionally reduced according to the same formula applied to their regular payments.
Carer Payment Recipients
Those providing full-time care to someone with significant disability or medical conditions may also qualify for the supplementary payment. Eligibility requirements include:
- Current receipt of Carer Payment (not Carer Allowance alone)
- Meeting income and assets tests
- Providing constant care to someone who qualifies under the care receiver rules
“Carers save our healthcare system billions each year, often at significant personal financial sacrifice,” notes disability advocate Sarah Chen. “This supplementary payment acknowledges the essential role they play, even if it can’t fully compensate for income opportunities lost while providing full-time care.”
JobSeeker Payment Recipients
Perhaps the most significant change from previous support measures is the inclusion of JobSeeker recipients in the $1,155 payment eligibility. However, additional criteria apply:
- Must have received continuous JobSeeker Payment for at least 3 months before each quarterly payment date
- Must be over 55 years of age OR have dependent children
- Must satisfy mutual obligation requirements without compliance failures during the qualifying period
This targeted approach recognizes the particular difficulties faced by older job seekers and those supporting families while searching for employment.
Secondary Eligibility Categories
Beyond the primary payment types, several other Centrelink recipients may qualify for full or partial supplementary payments throughout 2025:
Youth Allowance Recipients
Young Australians receiving Youth Allowance may be eligible for a proportional payment based on their circumstances:
- Students and apprentices will receive approximately 70% of the full supplement ($808.50 across the year)
- Youth Allowance (job seeker) recipients under 25 without dependents will receive approximately 60% of the full supplement ($693 across the year)
- Recipients with dependent children will receive the full $1,155
“As a student trying to balance part-time work with full-time study, last year’s supplement meant I could buy all my textbooks instead of trying to share with classmates,” says Jamie Kowalski, a nursing student at Western Sydney University.
Parenting Payment Recipients
Single parents receiving Parenting Payment Single will generally qualify for the full $1,155 supplementary payment, while those on Parenting Payment Partnered face additional income and assets testing:
- Parenting Payment Single recipients automatically qualify if receiving any payment amount
- Parenting Payment Partnered recipients must meet household income tests
- Both categories must have at least one qualifying dependent child under the age criteria
Special Benefit Recipients
Those receiving Special Benefits—typically temporary residents, provisional visa holders, or those facing severe financial hardship while ineligible for other payments—may qualify for proportional supplements based on their payment rate and circumstances.
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Income and Assets Testing
A critical factor determining eligibility and payment amounts is how your income and assets affect your base payment rate:
Income Test Impact
The supplement follows the same reduction rates as your regular payment:
- Full supplement applies if your income is below the lower threshold
- Reduced supplement applies if your income falls in the partial payment range
- No supplement if your income exceeds the cut-off threshold
For example, a single-age pensioner can earn up to $192 per fortnight without affecting their payment rate (and by extension, their supplement). Income above this reduces both the base pension and the supplement proportionally.
Assets Test Considerations
Similarly, assets impact your eligibility:
- Homeowners and non-homeowners have different thresholds
- Assets include savings, investments, property (excluding your primary residence if you’re a homeowner), vehicles, and some types of gifts
- Once assets exceed the upper threshold, no supplement is payable
“Many retirees don’t realize that modest assets can affect their eligibility,” explains financial adviser Darren Wong. “I’ve seen clients with small investment properties or inherited shares miss out on supplements because they exceeded thresholds they weren’t aware of.”
How to Check Your Eligibility
With criteria varying across payment types, determining your eligibility requires some investigation:
Using Online Services
The most direct way to check your eligibility is through myGov:
- Log into your myGov account and access your Centrelink online account
- Navigate to the “Payment and Service Finder”
- Complete the questionnaire about your circumstances
- Review the “Upcoming Payments” section for confirmation of supplementary payments
In-Person Verification
If you’re not comfortable with online services or need clarification:
- Visit your local Services Australia center
- Bring identification and your current income/assets documentation
- Request a Financial Information Service (FIS) appointment for personalized advice
“I always recommend booking an FIS appointment if you’re unsure,” says community worker Amal Hassan. “These officers can access your full payment details and provide tailored advice about your specific situation.”
Application Process for Those Not Currently Receiving Payments
If you’re not currently a Centrelink recipient but believe you might qualify for both a base payment and the supplementary amount:
New Applicants
The process involves:
- Creating or accessing your myGov account
- Linking to Centrelink services
- Selecting “Payments and Claims” from the menu
- Choosing “Make a claim” and following the prompts for your specific circumstances
- Submitting required documentation
Remember that eligibility for the supplement is contingent on receiving an underlying payment, so you’ll need to complete the full application process for Age Pension, DSP, Carer Payment, or other qualifying benefits.
Recently Eligible Individuals
If your circumstances have recently changed—perhaps you’ve reached pension age, developed a disability, or taken on caring responsibilities—it’s crucial to apply promptly, as some payments have waiting periods before they take effect.
Maximizing Your Eligibility
While the eligibility criteria are fixed, several legitimate strategies can help ensure you receive the maximum payment you’re entitled to:
Regular Circumstances Review
Life changes can affect your payment rate and supplement eligibility:
- Report reduced income promptly to potentially increase your payment rate
- Update your accommodation details if your housing costs have increased
- Ensure all qualified dependents are correctly listed on your file
Timing Considerations
The timing of certain financial decisions can impact your eligibility:
- Large purchases that reduce your assessable assets may affect your payment rate
- Income fluctuations should be reported strategically—particularly for self-employed individuals
- Lump-sum withdrawals from superannuation are assessed differently depending on how they’re structured
“I always advise clients to consider the timing of major financial decisions,” notes financial counselor Patricia Nguyen. “Something as simple as making a necessary large purchase just before your assets are assessed rather than just after can make a significant difference to your payment rate.”
Common Reasons for Non-Eligibility
Understanding why you might not qualify can help you determine if there are steps you can take to become eligible:
Income Thresholds
The most common disqualifying factor is income above the threshold. For example:
- Single Age Pensioners generally become ineligible for any payment (and thus the supplement) when fortnightly income exceeds $2,387
- Couples face a combined income threshold of $3,653 per fortnight
- JobSeeker recipients under 55 without dependents become ineligible at lower income levels
Assets Exceeding Limits
Assets frequently disqualify otherwise eligible individuals:
- A single homeowner-age pensioner becomes ineligible once assets exceed $654,750
- A homeowner couple can have combined assets up to $981,500 before losing eligibility
- Non-homeowners have higher thresholds but must still meet strict limits
Residency Requirements
Australian residency requirements can prevent some migrants from accessing the supplement:
- Most payments require Australian residency at the time of claim
- Some payments have waiting periods for newly arrived residents
- Specific visa types may be excluded from certain payment types
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $1,155 payment taxable?
No. Like most Centrelink supplements, this payment is not considered taxable income.
Will this payment affect my Family Tax Benefit?
No. The supplementary payment is not counted as income for Family Tax Benefit calculations.
Do I need to apply separately for the $1,155?
No. If you’re eligible, the payment will be automatically added to your regular payment cycle.
What if I only receive a partial Centrelink payment?
You’ll receive a proportional supplement based on your base payment rate. For example, if you receive 50% of the maximum base rate, you’ll receive 50% of the supplement.
Can my payment be backdated if I apply late?
Possibly. If you had genuine reasons for delayed application and met eligibility criteria during previous quarters, backdating may be possible but is assessed case-by-case.
Will this payment continue beyond 2025?
Unknown. The government reviews supplementary payments annually. Future payments will depend on economic conditions and policy decisions.
Understanding Centrelink eligibility can feel overwhelming, but the potential financial benefit makes it worthwhile to investigate your status. Whether you’re a pensioner struggling with rising costs, a disability support recipient managing specialized care expenses, or a job seeker over 55 facing an increasingly challenging employment market, this supplementary payment could provide meaningful relief during 2025.
Remember that circumstances change and eligibility criteria evolve, so regular check-ins with Centrelink are essential to ensure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to receive. After all, these programs exist to provide support during challenging times—and accessing them fully is your right as an eligible Australian.