Centrelink Payments in Australia — Complete Guide

Centrelink — administered by Services Australia — delivers more than 15 different payment types to Australians. Whether you're unemployed, retired, raising a family, caring for someone, studying, or living with a disability, there's likely a Centrelink payment designed for your situation. This guide covers every major payment, who qualifies, how much it pays, and how to apply.

Income support payments

• JobSeeker Payment — for Australians 22 to Age Pension age who are unemployed or unable to work due to illness or injury. Full guide.
• Youth Allowance — for Australians aged 16–24 who are studying, looking for work, or in an apprenticeship. Full guide.
• Age Pension — for Australians who have reached Age Pension age (currently 67) and meet residence and income/asset tests. Full guide.
• Disability Support Pension — for those unable to work due to a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition. Full guide.
• Carer Payment — for people providing constant care to someone with a severe disability or medical condition. Full guide.

Family and parenting payments

• Family Tax Benefit Part A & B — help with the cost of raising children. Full guide.
• Parenting Payment — for the principal carer of a young child. Full guide.
• Newborn Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement — for newly arrived children.
• Child Care Subsidy — assistance with approved child care fees.

Other common Centrelink payments

• Austudy — for full-time students aged 25 or older.
• ABSTUDY — for Indigenous Australian students.
• Rent Assistance — supplement for renters receiving certain Centrelink payments.
• Pensioner Concession Card and Health Care Card — concession cards for medications and services.
• Crisis Payment — one-off payment for people in severe financial hardship.

How to apply for any Centrelink payment

• Most applications start with a myGov account linked to Centrelink. You'll need a Customer Reference Number (CRN) — request one if you don't have one yet by calling 13 24 68 or visiting a Service Centre.
• Once linked, you can apply online for almost every payment. Some payments still need an in-person identity verification at a Service Centre. The application process typically takes 21–28 days to assess.
• For a full step-by-step on documents you'll need, see what to bring to Centrelink.

Frequently asked questions

How many people receive Centrelink payments?

Approximately 5 million Australians receive at least one Centrelink payment, making it one of the largest social security systems per capita in the world.

Can I receive multiple Centrelink payments?

Yes, in many cases. For example, you can receive Family Tax Benefit alongside JobSeeker. But income-tested base payments (like JobSeeker and Disability Support Pension) generally can't be paid together.

Are Centrelink payments taxable?

Most income support payments are taxable income. You'll receive a Centrelink Payment Summary at tax time. Some supplements (like Family Tax Benefit) are not taxable.