Sarah Thompson sat at her kitchen table in Ballarat, reviewing her monthly budget when a notification from the myGov app caught her attention. Logging into her Centrelink account, she was shocked to see an additional $1,450 payment waiting for processing.
“I nearly fell off my chair,” Sarah recalls. “With energy prices going up and my son needing new school supplies, that payment couldn’t have come at a better time. But I wouldn’t have known about it if I hadn’t checked my account that day.”
Sarah’s experience is not unique. Across Australia, thousands of people may be eligible for Centrelink payments ranging from $850 to $2,340, yet many remain unaware of their entitlements. Whether due to policy updates, overlooked benefits, or unclaimed supplements, you might be missing out on additional support.
This guide breaks down who qualifies for these payments, recent changes affecting eligibility, and how to check if you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to.
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Recent Centrelink Payment Increases
The Australian government has indexed Centrelink payments to keep up with inflation, increasing many benefits to help Australians manage the rising cost of living.
Peter Davidson, a welfare policy analyst, explains: “The indexation formulas now better reflect the cost increases faced by benefit recipients, particularly in essential categories like food, housing, and energy. For people on fixed incomes, these adjustments make a real difference.”
Updated Centrelink Payment Rates (2025)
| Payment Type | New Fortnightly Rate |
|---|---|
| JobSeeker (single, no kids) | $705.60 |
| Age Pension (single) | $1,116.30 |
| Age Pension (couple, combined) | $1,682.60 |
| Disability Support Pension (single) | $1,116.30 |
| Carer Payment (single) | $1,116.30 |
| Family Tax Benefit Part A (per child, under 13) | $209.24 |
| Family Tax Benefit Part B (max rate, single parent) | $163.52 |
| Rent Assistance (single, max rate) | $157.20 |
These increases are automatically applied, but supplements and one-off payments can significantly boost the total.
Special Payments and Supplements You May Be Eligible For
In addition to base payments, supplements and bonuses can push Centrelink support into the $850-$2,340 range.
Key Centrelink Supplements
| Supplement | Fortnightly Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy Supplement | $8.80 – $14.10 |
| Pharmaceutical Allowance | $6.20 |
| Rent Assistance (single, max rate) | $157.20 |
| Mobility Allowance (if eligible) | $107.20 |
One-Off & Special Payments
- Economic Support Payment – A lump sum provided during economic hardship.
- Crisis Payment – Available for Australians facing severe financial distress.
- Disaster Recovery Allowance – Up to $735.10 fortnightly for those affected by disasters.
- Family Tax Benefit Supplements – End-of-year top-ups based on income assessment.
Brisbane resident Jessica Nguyen shares how these payments help her family:
“With the single parent payment, Family Tax Benefit, and Rent Assistance, our Centrelink support totals $2,270 fortnightly. Without these supplements, we’d be struggling to afford rent and school costs.”
Who Qualifies for Centrelink Payments Between $850 and $2,340?
Several groups are likely to qualify for the higher end of Centrelink support.
1. Families with Children
Families, especially single-parent households, may receive multiple payments:
- Parenting Payment or JobSeeker: $850+ fortnightly
- Family Tax Benefit Part A & B: Up to $581.52
- Energy Supplement: $14.10
- Rent Assistance: Up to $185.36
Total: Up to $1,637.86 fortnightly ($42,584 annually)
Emma Wilson, a single mother from Newcastle, says:
“I had no idea I qualified for the full single parent package until I spoke with Centrelink. It doesn’t make us wealthy, but it keeps a roof over our heads while I study part-time.”
2. Age Pensioners & Carers
Pensioners receiving full payments plus supplements may be eligible for:
- Age Pension: $1,116.30
- Pension Supplement: $78.30
- Energy Supplement: $14.10
- Rent Assistance: Up to $157.20
Total: Up to $1,365.90 fortnightly ($35,513 annually)
For couples combined, the total can exceed $1,970 fortnightly ($51,220 annually).
3. Disability Support Pension Recipients
DSP recipients with additional allowances may receive:
- Disability Support Pension: $1,116.30
- Pension Supplement: $78.30
- Energy Supplement: $14.10
- Rent Assistance: $157.20
- Mobility Allowance (if eligible): $107.20
Total: Up to $1,473.10 fortnightly ($38,300 annually)
Thomas Reid, who receives DSP for a neurological condition, explains:
“The basic DSP barely covers housing in Sydney, but the additional supplements help with transport costs and higher energy bills.”
4. Crisis & Special Circumstances Recipients
- Crisis Payment – Equal to one week’s income support.
- Disaster Recovery Allowance – Up to $735.10 fortnightly.
- Special Benefit – Up to $735.10 for severe financial hardship.
Community worker Diana Mitchell highlights:
“After the 2022 floods, many of my clients lost everything. Combined payments exceeded $2,000 fortnightly to help them recover.”
How to Check If You’re Receiving Your Full Entitlement
Many Australians miss out on Centrelink payments because they don’t check their eligibility.
1. Log into Your Centrelink Account
- Visit my.gov.au
- Link your Centrelink account
- Go to ‘Payment and Claims’
- Check your payment history and upcoming payments
Brisbane pensioner Robert Kennedy says:
“I noticed my Rent Assistance hadn’t adjusted after my rent increased. After contacting Centrelink, I was backpaid over $400.”
2. Use the Centrelink Payment Finder
- Visit servicesaustralia.gov.au
- Use the Payment and Service Finder
- Answer a few questions to check potential payments
Sydney resident Aisha Mahmood says:
“I discovered I was eligible for Family Tax Benefit supplements I hadn’t claimed. The extra $650 fortnightly made a massive difference.”
3. Schedule a Financial Information Service (FIS) Appointment
- Call 132 300 to book a free consultation
- Discuss your full financial situation
- Learn about extra payments and supplements
Financial counselor David Thompson recommends this service:
“FIS officers have specialized training and often identify entitlements worth thousands of dollars that people overlook.”
Next Steps: Claiming Your Full Centrelink Entitlement
- Update your circumstances in your Centrelink account
- Request a payment review if you suspect an underpayment
- Seek advocacy support from community legal centers or financial counselors
Newcastle pensioner William Davis recalls:
“After requesting a review, Centrelink found a $1,900 underpayment covering eight months. If I hadn’t checked, I would have never known.”
For Sarah Thompson, that unexpected $1,450 payment helped cover essential bills.
“Now, I check my Centrelink account weekly and have booked a Financial Information Service appointment.”
If you haven’t checked your Centrelink eligibility recently, now is the time. Those few minutes could be worth thousands in financial assistance.
FAQ:
Who qualifies for Centrelink payments between $850 and $2,340?
Eligibility depends on factors like income, family situation, and living expenses. Families with children, pensioners, disability support recipients, and those in financial hardship may qualify.
How do I check if I am receiving all my Centrelink entitlements?
Log into your myGov account, navigate to the Centrelink section, and check your payment details under ‘Payment and Claims’. You can also use the Payment and Service Finder on the Services Australia website.
