Centrelink Payments Guide — Australian Government Benefits
This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed financial adviser. Learn more.
Contents
Centrelink is the Australian Government service (administered by Services Australia) that delivers income support payments, family assistance, and other financial help to eligible Australians. Payments are means-tested — your income and assets determine whether you qualify and how much you receive.
This page is a hub for Peakifi’s Centrelink guides, covering the major payment types and how each works.
Types of Centrelink Payments
Australia’s social security system covers several broad categories:
| Category | Payments |
|---|---|
| Retirement | Age Pension, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card |
| Unemployment / job search | JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance (job seekers) |
| Family | Family Tax Benefit A & B, Parental Leave Pay, Child Care Subsidy, Carer Payment, Carer Allowance |
| Youth and study | Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY |
| Disability | Disability Support Pension (DSP) |
| Health | Medicare, Medicare Levy Surcharge, Private Health Insurance Rebate |
How Centrelink Means Testing Works
Most Centrelink payments are subject to income and assets tests. The more income or assets you have, the lower your payment — until you exceed a threshold and receive nothing.
- Income test: your fortnightly gross income is assessed; payments reduce by a set amount for each dollar earned above the free area
- Assets test: the total value of your assets (excluding your primary residence) is assessed; payments reduce as assets exceed the threshold
For most payments, Services Australia applies whichever test produces the lower payment amount.
Payment Rates and Indexation
Most Centrelink payment rates are indexed twice a year — in March and September — in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), whichever is higher for pension payments.
Always verify current rates at Services Australia or the Department of Social Services — rates change each indexation period.
Age Pension
The Age Pension provides income support for older Australians who have reached pension age and meet the income and assets tests.
- Eligibility age: 67 (for anyone born on or after 1 January 1957)
- Residency requirement: 10 years as an Australian resident (including 5 continuous years)
- Maximum rate (FY2025–26): approximately $1,149/fortnight (single), $1,732/fortnight (couple combined)
JobSeeker Payment
JobSeeker is the main unemployment benefit for working-age Australians actively looking for work.
- Eligibility age: 22 to pension age
- Rate (FY2025–26): approximately $776/fortnight (single, under 60)
- Mutual obligation: job search, appointments, potential work for the dole
Family Payments
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) supports families with dependent children.
- FTB Part A: based on number of children and family income
- FTB Part B: for single-income families or single parents
- Child Care Subsidy: income-tested help with childcare costs
Full Family Tax Benefit guide →
Disability Support Pension
The DSP provides income support to people with a permanent disability, illness or injury.
- Requires Impairment Tables assessment
- Subject to income and assets tests
- Rate matches the Age Pension
Medicare
Medicare is Australia’s universal health insurance scheme, covering doctor visits, hospitals, and some allied health.
- Funded partly by the 2% Medicare levy
- Medicare Levy Surcharge applies to higher-income earners without private hospital cover
Where to Get Help
- Services Australia: servicesaustralia.gov.au
- myGov: my.gov.au (link your Centrelink account)
- Free financial counselling: National Debt Helpline — 1800 007 007
For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser or social worker. Find one via MoneySmart.