If you’re receiving Centrelink payments in Australia, there’s some good news! The government is offering a $250 Cost of Living Payment in May 2025 to help with rising prices for things like food, electricity, and fuel. You don’t need to apply—it will be paid directly into your bank account if you’re eligible. This guide explains who gets the payment, when it will arrive, and what to do if it doesn’t show up.
Who Will Get the $250 Centrelink Payment in May 2025?
The payment is meant for people who already get certain Centrelink benefits. If you’re getting any of the following, you’ll likely qualify:
Main Eligible Groups:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment or Carer Allowance
- JobSeeker Payment
- Parenting Payment (single or partnered)
- Youth Allowance (students or job seekers)
- Austudy or ABSTUDY Living Allowance
- Special Benefit
- Veteran Service Pension or War Widow(er)’s Pension
- Farm Household Allowance
Extra Conditions:
- You must be living in Australia in May 2025.
- You need to receive at least one eligible payment between 1 May and 30 May 2025.
- The payment is one-time only—not per household.
- Your bank details must be updated with Centrelink or DVA.
Centrelink $250 Payment Schedule – When Will You Get Paid?
The money will be sent between 28–30 May 2025, depending on your benefit type.
| Benefit Type | Payment Date | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | 28 May 2025 | Bank Transfer |
| Disability Support Pension | 29 May 2025 | Bank Transfer |
| Carer Payment & Allowance | 28 May 2025 | Bank Transfer |
| JobSeeker Payment | 29 May 2025 | Bank Transfer |
| Youth Allowance | 30 May 2025 | Bank Transfer |
| Austudy/ABSTUDY Allowance | 29 May 2025 | Bank Transfer |
| Parenting Payment | 29 May 2025 | Bank Transfer |
| Veteran/War Widow Pension | 30 May 2025 | Bank Transfer |
What You Need to Do to Get the $250 Payment
You don’t have to apply.
Centrelink and Veterans’ Affairs will check your records and send the payment automatically if you qualify.
Make sure to:
- Update your bank details on your myGov account.
- Keep your Centrelink payments active during May 2025.
- Do not cancel or pause your benefits during the payment window.
How Will You Receive the $250?
The money will be sent straight to your bank account—no cheques or cards will be issued.
It will show up on your bank statement as:
“Cost of Living Bonus”
Key Points:
- It’s a non-taxable payment.
- It won’t affect your other benefits.
- If both partners in a household qualify, each can receive $250.
What to Do If You Don’t Get the Payment by 25 May 2025
If your money doesn’t arrive by 25 May, here’s what to do:
- Log in to myGov and check your payment history.
- Make sure your bank account details are correct.
- Check that your benefit is listed as eligible.
- If everything looks okay, call Centrelink at 132 850 for help.
How to Contact Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs
If you need help with your account or payment status, contact:
Centrelink:
- Phone: 132 850 (Mon–Fri, 8:00am–5:00pm)
- Website: servicesaustralia.gov.au
Veterans’ Affairs:
- Phone: 1800 555 254
- Website: dva.gov.au
Quick Summary – Who Qualifies for the $250?
| Group | Eligible | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pensioners | Yes | Automatic payment |
| Carer Payment/Allowance | Yes | Check both payment and allowance |
| JobSeeker | Yes | Active cases only |
| Youth Allowance | Yes | For students and job seekers |
| ABSTUDY/Austudy | Yes | Must be receiving living allowance |
| Parenting Payment | Yes | For both partnered and single parents |
| Veterans’ Affairs Pensioners | Yes | Handled by DVA |
| Seniors Health Card Only | No | Must also receive a pension |
Final Thoughts
The $250 Centrelink Cost of Living Payment is a much-needed boost for Australians dealing with higher living expenses. It’s quick, automatic, and won’t interfere with your usual benefits. Just make sure your details on myGov are updated and your payments are still active in May 2025. This one-off bonus is part of the government’s effort to support people most affected by the cost of groceries, rent, and fuel. If you’re eligible, the money will appear in your bank account without any extra steps from you.
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FAQ’S
Q: When will I get the $250 Cost of Living Payment from Centrelink?
A: Most people will receive the payment in late May 2025, usually between May 28 and May 30, depending on your benefit type.
Q: Do I need to apply to get the $250 payment?
A: No, you don’t need to apply. If you are eligible, Centrelink will send the payment automatically.
Q: Will this $250 payment affect my other Centrelink benefits?
A: No, this payment is not taxable and will not affect your other Centrelink benefits or income-tested payments.