What Is Centrelink?
Centrelink is a division of Services Australia that delivers a wide range of welfare payments and social support services to eligible Australians. Whether you've recently lost a job, are raising a family, have a disability, or are approaching retirement age, Centrelink likely has a program that can help bridge the gap.
Understanding what payments exist and how to apply is crucial — many Australians are unaware of the support they're entitled to receive.
Key Centrelink Payments and Who They're For
JobSeeker Payment
JobSeeker is Australia's primary unemployment benefit, providing financial support to people between jobs or who are unable to work due to a temporary illness. To receive it, you must be actively looking for work, meet age requirements (generally 22 to Age Pension age), and satisfy an income and assets test. You will also be required to meet mutual obligation requirements — such as attending appointments, applying for jobs, or participating in approved activities.
Youth Allowance
Youth Allowance supports young Australians aged 16–24 who are studying full-time, undertaking an apprenticeship, or looking for work. It also has income and assets tests, and students may need to demonstrate independence from their parents to receive a higher payment rate.
Family Tax Benefit (FTB)
Family Tax Benefit is a two-part payment for families with dependent children:
- FTB Part A helps with the cost of raising children and is based on family income and the number of children.
- FTB Part B provides extra assistance to single-parent families and two-parent families where the secondary earner has limited income.
Parenting Payment
Parenting Payment provides income support to the primary carer of a young child. Single parents can receive it while their youngest child is under 14; partnered parents while their youngest is under 6. Mutual obligation requirements apply once children reach certain ages.
Age Pension
The Age Pension is Australia's primary retirement income support payment. To be eligible, you must be of Age Pension age (currently 67 for both men and women), be an Australian resident, and meet the income and assets tests. The amount you receive depends on your income, assets, and relationship status.
Disability Support Pension (DSP)
The DSP provides long-term financial support for people who have a physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that is fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised and prevents them from working 15 or more hours per week at minimum wage.
Carer Payment and Carer Allowance
These payments support Australians who provide constant care for someone with a disability, serious illness, or who are frail aged. Carer Payment is an income support payment; Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment that can be received alongside work or other income support.
Income and Assets Tests
Most Centrelink payments are means-tested, meaning the amount you receive (or whether you're eligible at all) depends on:
- Income test: The amount you earn from employment, investments, and other sources
- Assets test: The value of your assets such as savings, vehicles, and property (your family home is generally exempt)
If your income or assets exceed certain thresholds, your payment will be reduced or you may not be eligible at all. Services Australia reviews these thresholds regularly.
How to Apply for a Centrelink Payment
- Create or log in to your myGov account and link Centrelink if you haven't already.
- Check your eligibility using the Payment and Service Finder tool on the Services Australia website.
- Submit a claim through myGov or, if you prefer, in person at a Services Australia service centre.
- Provide supporting documents — identification, bank account details, and any relevant income or medical information.
- Await your outcome — processing times vary by payment type. You can track your claim online.
Reporting Your Income
If you receive a Centrelink payment while working, you are required to report your income regularly — usually fortnightly. Failing to accurately report income can result in an overpayment that you'll be required to repay. Use the Centrelink Express Plus mobile app or your myGov account to report easily and on time.
For personalised assistance, call Services Australia on 132 850 or visit your nearest service centre.