Lately, social media has been buzzing with claims that a new $400 Centrelink payment will drop for every Australian in 2025. Videos, posts, and clickbait headlines promise a one-off cost-of-living bonus “coming automatically” to all Centrelink users. Sounds nice—but it’s not true. There is no confirmed $400 Centrelink payment from the Australian Government or Services Australia. What’s really going on? Let’s unpack the facts, identify real financial help available, and show how to stay safe from scams.
Fact Check: No Official $400 Centrelink Bonus Exists in 2025
As of October 2025, there’s no announcement, legislation, or press release confirming a blanket $400 payout to all Centrelink recipients.
The Services Australia website (servicesaustralia.gov.au)—the only official source for payment updates—lists no such scheme. Likewise, neither the Department of Social Services (DSS) nor the Federal Budget papers mention any “Centrelink bonus” of that nature.
Here’s what’s actually happening: scam ads are circulating on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube that mimic official government branding, claiming to offer “instant eligibility checks.” Many of these sites request myGov logins, bank details, or IDs—classic phishing attempts.
Red flags to watch for
- Non-government URLs (anything not ending in .gov.au)
- Urgent or emotional language (“Apply before it expires!”)
- Promises of automatic payments for everyone
- Requests for your myGov credentials or financial information
If you’ve already clicked one of these links, log in directly to my.gov.au and change your password immediately. Then contact Services Australia’s Scams and Identity Helpdesk for advice.
| Claim | Fact |
|---|---|
| “All Centrelink users will get $400 automatically” | False – No such payment confirmed |
| “Apply here to receive your $400 bonus” | Scam – fake sites impersonating Services Australia |
| “It’s part of a cost-of-living boost” | Misleading – only regular indexation and existing supports apply |
| “It shows up in your MyGov inbox” | False – fake screenshots are circulating online |
Real Support in 2025: What’s Actually Available
While there’s no $400 Centrelink windfall, several legitimate programs are helping Australians cope with rising costs:
1. Energy Bill Relief Fund
Extended into 2025–26, this provides automatic bill credits (around $75 per quarter) applied directly by energy retailers. There’s nothing to claim—if you’re eligible, it appears as a credit on your power bill.
Check official info at energy.gov.au.
2. Indexation Increases
Centrelink adjusts payment rates twice a year (March and September) to keep up with inflation. The 20 October 2025 round increased several benefits, including Age Pension, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, and Disability Support Pension.
3. Rent Assistance
Eligible renters receiving a qualifying Centrelink payment or Family Tax Benefit may get up to $286.02 per fortnight, depending on rent and family size.
Learn more on the Rent Assistance page.
4. Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP)
If a natural disaster is officially declared in your region, you may qualify for a $1,000 lump sum per adult and $400 per child—but this applies only in declared disaster areas, not nationwide.
Check active declarations via disasterassist.gov.au.
5. Crisis and Advance Payments
If you’re short on cash right now:
- Advance Payment: get part of your regular Centrelink payment early, then repay it through future instalments.
- Crisis Payment: a one-off payment (about one week of your basic rate) for people experiencing severe hardship due to extreme events like family violence, relocation, or release from prison.
How to Check Eligibility & Apply Safely
- Use official tools only.
Visit the Payment and Services Finder on servicesaustralia.gov.au. It matches benefits to your circumstances. - Apply through myGov.
Sign in securely via my.gov.au, select Centrelink, and choose your payment type. - Check declared disaster payments.
Go to Services Australia’s disaster page for region-specific eligibility and deadlines. - Never share personal details through social media links, email forms, or unofficial “Centrelink update” websites.
- If in doubt, call.
Contact the Centrelink Older Australians line, Families line, or Youth line listed on the official site for clarification before acting on online claims.
Quick Comparison: Rumor vs. Real Support
| Support Type | Typical Amount | Eligibility | How It’s Paid | Where to Verify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| “$400 Centrelink bonus” (rumor) | None | None – it’s fake | — | Ignore non-.gov.au sources |
| Energy Bill Relief | ~$150 total (2025 Jul–Dec) | Most households | Bill credit | energy.gov.au |
| Indexation Increase | Varies | Pensions, allowances | Regular payment rise | DSS / Services Australia |
| Rent Assistance | Up to $286.02 pf | Eligible renters | Added to payment | servicesaustralia.gov.au |
| AGDRP | $1,000 adults / $400 kids | Declared disaster zones | Lump sum | disasterassist.gov.au |
| Crisis Payment | ~1 week’s base rate | Extreme hardship | One-off | servicesaustralia.gov.au |
| Advance Payment | Varies | Eligible Centrelink users | Early payment | servicesaustralia.gov.au |
If You’ve Been Scammed
- Change your myGov password immediately.
- Contact Services Australia’s Scams and Identity Helpdesk at 1800 941 126.
- Report fake ads to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via scamwatch.gov.au.
- Monitor your bank account and myGov inbox for unusual activity.
FAQs:
Will Centrelink pay a $400 bonus in 2025?
No. There is no approved $400 payment—it’s a social media hoax.
Where can I confirm real Centrelink payments?
Always check servicesaustralia.gov.au or your secure myGov inbox.
What real cost-of-living supports are available?
Energy Bill Relief credits, Rent Assistance, regular indexation increases, and disaster payments.
