Centrelink Payments Guide 2025
Complete list of payments, rates, and eligibility requirements
In This Guide
Services Australia (Centrelink) administers dozens of payments supporting Australians through various life circumstances—from unemployment and study to parenting and disability. With payments indexed twice yearly, staying informed about current rates and eligibility helps ensure you receive all the support you're entitled to. This comprehensive guide covers the major Centrelink payments available in 2025.
Payment Indexation 2025
Most Centrelink payments are indexed twice yearly—in March and September—to keep pace with living costs. The rates shown in this guide reflect January 2025 figures. Check the Services Australia website for the most current rates after each indexation date.
JobSeeker Payment
JobSeeker Payment is Australia's main income support payment for people aged 22 to Age Pension age who are looking for work or unable to work due to temporary incapacity. To receive JobSeeker, you must be actively looking for work and meeting your mutual obligations, unless you have an exemption.
JobSeeker Payment Rates (January 2025)
| Situation | Base Rate (per fortnight) | With Energy Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | $762.70 | $771.80 |
| Single, with dependent child | $816.90 | $825.60 |
| Single, 55+, on payment 9+ months | $816.90 | $825.60 |
| Partnered (each) | $696.00 | $703.10 |
| Single, 60+, on payment 9+ months | $816.90 | $825.60 |
JobSeeker Eligibility Requirements
- Aged 22 to Age Pension age (currently 67)
- Australian resident and in Australia
- Meet income and assets tests
- Willing to look for and accept suitable work
- Willing to enter into a Job Plan
- Meeting mutual obligation requirements (job search, appointments)
Income Bank for JobSeeker
JobSeeker recipients can earn up to $150 per fortnight before their payment is affected. Earnings between $150-$256 reduce payment by 50 cents per dollar. Earnings above $256 reduce payment by 60 cents per dollar. Unused income free area accumulates in your "Working Credit" balance (up to 1,000 points), helping you keep more when income fluctuates.
Youth Allowance
Youth Allowance supports young people who are studying, undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship, or looking for work. The payment recognises that younger Australians often have different circumstances and may still depend on family support, which is why parental income testing applies in many cases.
Youth Allowance Rates (January 2025)
| Situation | Per Fortnight |
|---|---|
| Single, under 18, at home | $377.40 |
| Single, under 18, away from home | $632.50 |
| Single, 18+, at home | $455.20 |
| Single, 18+, away from home | $632.50 |
| Single with child | $838.20 |
| Partnered, no children | $632.50 |
Youth Allowance Eligibility
- For students: 16-24 years, studying full-time approved course
- For job seekers: 16-21 years, looking for full-time work
- For apprentices: Any age if undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship
- Meet the parental income test (unless independent)
- Australian resident
Austudy
Austudy supports students and Australian Apprentices aged 25 and over. Unlike Youth Allowance, there's no parental income test for Austudy—your own income and assets are the only factors considered. This makes it particularly valuable for mature-age students returning to education.
Austudy Rates (January 2025)
| Situation | Per Fortnight |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $632.50 |
| Single with children | $838.20 |
| Partnered | $632.50 |
Parenting Payment
Parenting Payment provides income support for parents or guardians caring for young children. There are two types: Parenting Payment Single (PPS) for single parents, and Parenting Payment Partnered (PPP) for those with a partner. The eligibility age limits for the youngest child differ between the two payments.
Parenting Payment Rates (January 2025)
| Payment Type | Max Rate (per fortnight) | Child Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Parenting Payment Single | $987.70 | Youngest child under 14 |
| Parenting Payment Partnered | $633.50 | Youngest child under 6 |
PPS Income Test
Parenting Payment Single has a more generous income test. You can earn up to $202.60 per fortnight before your payment is affected. For every dollar above this, your payment reduces by 40 cents (until certain thresholds). This allows parents to work part-time while retaining significant payment.
Family Tax Benefit
Family Tax Benefit (FTB) helps families with the cost of raising children. It's paid in two parts: FTB Part A is paid per child and helps with general costs, while FTB Part B provides extra support for single parents and families with one main income.
Family Tax Benefit Part A (January 2025)
| Child Age | Maximum Rate (per fortnight per child) |
|---|---|
| 0-12 years | $213.36 |
| 13-15 years | $277.48 |
| 16-19 years (secondary student) | $277.48 |
Family Tax Benefit Part B (January 2025)
| Youngest Child Age | Maximum Rate (per fortnight) |
|---|---|
| Under 5 | $183.96 |
| 5-18 years | $128.40 |
Child Care Subsidy
The Child Care Subsidy (CCS) helps families with the cost of approved child care, including long day care, family day care, and outside school hours care. The amount you receive depends on your family income, the type of child care, and your activity level (work, study, training).
CCS Subsidy Rates (2024-25)
| Family Income | Subsidy Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $80,000 | 90% |
| $80,001 - $530,000 | 90% reducing to 0% |
| Above $530,000 | 0% (no subsidy) |
Higher CCS for First Child Under 6
From July 2024, families with income under $80,000 receive 90% CCS (up from 85%) for their first child under 6 in care. This change helps families during the expensive early childhood years and can save thousands of dollars annually on child care fees.
Disability Support Pension
The Disability Support Pension (DSP) provides income support for people with a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working, or who are permanently blind. DSP has strict medical eligibility criteria assessed through the Disability Medical Assessment process.
DSP Rates (January 2025)
| Situation | Maximum Rate (per fortnight) |
|---|---|
| Single, 21 or older | $1,116.30 |
| Single, under 21, with children | $1,116.30 |
| Single, under 21, no children | $632.50 |
| Partnered (each) | $841.40 |
Carer Payment and Carer Allowance
Carer Payment is an income support payment for people who provide constant care to someone with a severe disability, medical condition, or who is frail aged. Carer Allowance is an additional supplement paid on top of other payments for carers providing daily care.
Carer Payment & Allowance Rates (January 2025)
| Payment | Rate | Income/Assets Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Carer Payment (single) | $1,116.30/fortnight | Yes |
| Carer Payment (partnered) | $841.40/fortnight each | Yes |
| Carer Allowance (adult) | $153.00/fortnight | No (not income tested) |
| Carer Allowance (child under 16) | $153.00/fortnight | No (not income tested) |
Rent Assistance
Rent Assistance is an additional payment for people renting privately who receive certain Centrelink payments. It's paid on top of your regular payment and can significantly help with housing costs. The amount depends on your rent and family situation.
Rent Assistance Rates (January 2025)
| Situation | Maximum RA (per fortnight) | Minimum Rent to Qualify |
|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | $188.20 | $141.80 |
| Single, with children | $210.28 | $185.22 |
| Couple, no children | $177.20 combined | $230.16 |
| Couple, with children | $210.28 combined | $273.98 |
Income and Assets Tests
Most Centrelink payments are means tested—your payment reduces as your income and/or assets increase beyond certain thresholds. Understanding these tests helps you predict how work income or savings will affect your payment.
How the Income Test Works
Each payment has an "income free area"—the amount you can earn before your payment reduces. Above this threshold, your payment reduces by a certain amount for each extra dollar earned. The rates vary by payment type.
Common Income Free Areas
- JobSeeker/Youth Allowance (job seeker): $150/fortnight, then 50c/$1 to $256, 60c/$1 thereafter
- Parenting Payment Single: $202.60/fortnight, then 40c/$1
- Age Pension/DSP: $204/fortnight (single), then 50c/$1
- Youth Allowance (student): $524/fortnight, then 50c/$1
How to Apply for Centrelink Payments
Applying for Centrelink payments is done primarily through your myGov account linked to Centrelink. The process involves creating a claim, providing supporting documents, and attending appointments if required.
Application Steps
- Create a myGov account if you don't have one (my.gov.au)
- Link to Centrelink through myGov
- Start an online claim for the relevant payment
- Gather documents: ID (passport, birth certificate, driver's licence), bank details, tax file number, employment/income documents
- Complete all questions in the online claim
- Upload supporting documents or take to a service centre
- Attend any required appointments (job capacity assessment, etc.)
- Wait for processing (varies by payment type, typically 1-4 weeks)
Tips for Faster Processing
- Have all documents ready before starting your claim
- Complete the claim in one session if possible
- Upload documents immediately—don't wait
- Check your myGov inbox regularly for requests
- Respond to requests within 14 days to avoid delays
Related Tools
Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your tax and how Centrelink payments may affect it.
Budget Planner
Create a budget that includes your Centrelink payments.
Rent Affordability Calculator
See what rent you can afford on your income and payments.
More Guides
Browse our complete library of Australian guides.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Multiple payments possible: Many payments can be combined (e.g., Parenting + FTB + Rent Assistance).
- ✓ Indexed twice yearly: Payments increase in March and September each year.
- ✓ Income tests: You can earn some income without losing all payment—work is always rewarded.
- ✓ Report income: Always report income correctly to avoid overpayment debts.
- ✓ Apply early: Start your claim as soon as eligible—payments generally start from the date of claim.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Centrelink payments. Rates and eligibility criteria change regularly. Always check current information on the Services Australia website or contact Centrelink directly for advice specific to your situation.