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Australia’s cost of living crisis has prompted new government support payments in 2025, offering between $700 and $750 to eligible individuals.
‘These one-off relief payments aim to cushion the impact of rising prices for essentials such as food, fuel, electricity, and rent.
If you’re wondering whether you qualify or how to receive this financial boost, this detailed guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is the $700–$750 Cost of Living Payment?
The $700–$750 cost of living payment is part of the Australian Government’s latest support package for 2025, announced in response to persistent inflationary pressures.
The payment is designed as a non-taxable, one-off lump sum intended to help low- and middle-income Australians manage day-to-day expenses.
This initiative aligns with a broader strategy to support Centrelink recipients, Age Pensioners, disability support beneficiaries, and concession card holders, many of whom are hardest hit by the increasing cost of living.
Who Qualifies for the Cost of Living Payment?
To be eligible for the $700 or $750 payment, individuals must be receiving one of the following qualifying payments or concessions from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) as of June 2025:
Eligible Payment Categories
| Payment Type or Card | Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Age Pension | $750 |
| Disability Support Pension | $750 |
| JobSeeker Payment | $700 |
| Parenting Payment | $700 |
| Carer Payment or Allowance | $750 |
| Youth Allowance | $700 |
| Austudy / ABSTUDY | $700 |
| DVA Pensioners | $750 |
| Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders | $750 |
Additional Eligibility Criteria
- Must be residing in Australia on the qualifying date
- Must have received a qualifying Centrelink or DVA payment any time between 1 June 2025 and 7 June 2025
- Only one payment per individual will be issued, even if they receive multiple qualifying supports
Payment Timeline Overview
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2025 | Payments begin via Centrelink/DVA direct deposit |
| June 25–27, 2025 | Rolling deposits based on last name and benefit type |
| June 28, 2025 | Final batch of payments issued |
No application is required for most eligible recipients — if you’re qualified, the payment will be automatically deposited into your registered bank account.
How to Claim the Payment
Automatic Payment Process
Most eligible Australians do not need to apply for this payment. If you already receive a qualifying Centrelink or DVA payment, the $700 or $750 payment will be deposited directly into your bank account.
However, to ensure you receive the payment smoothly, follow these steps:
- Log in to your MyGov account
- Link your Centrelink or DVA account if not already done
- Check that your bank details and contact information are up to date
- Monitor your payment history section after June 24 for confirmation
How Is the Payment Amount Determined?
The payment value—either $700 or $750—depends on the type of benefit you receive. Those on full pensions and carers are entitled to the higher $750 amount, whereas JobSeeker and student payment recipients will receive $700.
This differential reflects the additional support needs of pensioners and carers, particularly those dealing with medical expenses or caregiving responsibilities.
Is This Payment Taxable?
No, the $700–$750 cost of living payment is tax-free and will not count towards your income for purposes of other government benefits.
It also won’t affect your regular Centrelink payments, income thresholds, or future benefit eligibility.
Why Is This Payment Being Issued?
The Australian Government introduced this payment in response to:
- High inflation and rising household bills
- Increased grocery and fuel costs
- Community pressure to assist financially vulnerable populations
- Recommendations from economic advisers and welfare advocacy groups
This one-off support aims to offer temporary relief while the government evaluates long-term structural changes, such as increasing rent assistance, expanding energy rebates, and reviewing income support benchmarks.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Payment
If you believe you’re eligible but don’t receive the payment by June 28, 2025, you should:
- Check your MyGov inbox for notices or alerts
- Confirm your Centrelink benefit status as of early June
- Contact Services Australia via phone or the online enquiry form
Keep in mind that bank processing times may vary, especially over the weekend.
The Australian Government is issuing $700–$750 cost of living payments to eligible individuals this week to offset rising expenses. The payment will be automatically deposited between June 24 and June 28, 2025, to qualifying Centrelink and DVA recipients. Check your eligibility and ensure your information is updated in MyGov.
FAQs
1. Can I receive the payment if I get both Age Pension and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?
No, you can only receive one cost of living payment, even if you qualify through multiple channels. The payment will default to the higher eligible amount—in this case, $750.
2. Will this payment affect my eligibility for rent assistance or other benefits?
No, the $700–$750 payment is exempt from income reporting and does not impact rent assistance, family tax benefits, or other payments.
3. What if I just applied for a benefit but haven’t received approval yet?
To qualify, your Centrelink or DVA benefit must have been active between June 1–7, 2025. If your application was approved after this window, you may not be eligible for this round of payments.