The Australian government has announced a $950 one-off cost-of-living payment for eligible Australians in 2025. This payment is part of a nationwide relief package designed to ease financial pressures caused by rising rents, energy bills, and grocery costs.
Who Will Receive the $950 Payment?
The payment will be made automatically to:
- Age Pension recipients
- Disability Support Pension (DSP) recipients
- Carer Payment recipients
- JobSeeker and Youth Allowance claimants
- Austudy and student allowance recipients
Eligibility depends on passing Centrelink’s income and asset test rules.
Payment Details
| Recipient Category | Payment Amount | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (single/couple) | $950 | Direct bank transfer |
| Disability Support Pension | $950 | Direct bank transfer |
| Carer Payment | $950 | Direct bank transfer |
| JobSeeker / Youth Allowance | $950 | Direct bank transfer |
| Austudy / Student Payments | $950 | Direct bank transfer |
(Payment timing will follow your usual Centrelink payment schedule during rollout.)
Why This Matters
The $950 payment is one of the largest single cash boosts in 2025, reflecting the government’s focus on protecting vulnerable Australians from inflationary pressures.
A government statement noted:
“This one-off $950 payment is designed to give Australians breathing space as cost-of-living pressures continue to rise.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to apply for the $950 payment?
No. Eligible Australians will receive it automatically.
2. Will this affect my normal Centrelink payment?
No. This is a separate, one-off payment and will not reduce regular entitlements.
3. Is the $950 taxable?
No. The payment is tax-free.
4. Who gets the full $950?
All eligible Centrelink recipients, including part-pensioners, will receive the full amount.
5. When will I receive it?
The rollout will begin in 2025, aligned with your normal Centrelink schedule.
Key Takeaway
The $950 one-off cost-of-living payment will deliver direct, tax-free relief to millions of Australians in 2025. Seniors, carers, students, and job seekers will all benefit automatically, with no applications required.