Centrelink will provide cash increases and advance payments in 2025 to help Australian citizens meet unforeseen costs and financial strains. By September 2025, more than 2.8 million advance payments have been provided, representing interest-free short-term loans to assist with crises such as house repairs, installments, or school fees.
Eligibility Criteria
Must have been a recipient of a Centrelink payment for over 3 months.
Eligible payments include Age Pension, Disability Support Pension (DSP), Carer Payment, JobSeeker Payment, Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance (Job Seekers), Farm Household Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY living allowance, and Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Ineligible if one has a debt resulting from an advance granted within the past 12 months.
Cannot obtain an advance if owing a government debt that cannot be repaid within 6 months.
How Much Can You Get?
Amount depends on the type of payment and individual circumstances.
Single pensioners on the maximum rate can receive an advance of up to $1,678.50.
Repayment occurs over 13 fortnights, reducing future payment levels accordingly.
How to Apply
Online through your myGov linked Centrelink account or via the Express Plus app.
By phone or in-person at a Centrelink service center.
Application includes an income and expense review to verify repayment ability.
Summary Table: Centrelink Cash Boost & Advance Payment Program
Aspect
Details
Eligible Payments
Age Pension, DSP, JobSeeker, Carer Payment, Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance, Farm Household Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY living allowance, Family Tax Benefit Part A
Maximum Advance Amount
Up to $1,678.50 for pensioners
Repayment Period
13 fortnights
Application Methods
Online (myGov/app), by phone, face-to-face at Centrelink
Eligibility Conditions
Minimum 3 months of prior payment, no recent advance within 12 months
FAQs
Q1. Is it an additional charge or a loan?
It is an interest-free short-term loan, repayable through deductions on future payments.
Q2. Can I apply anytime?
You may apply at any time if eligible, but only one advance is allowed per 12 months.
Q3. How do I know if I’m eligible?
Check your eligibility and apply via your Centrelink online account or the Express Plus app.
This cash boost under Centrelink helps Australians cover unexpected expenses, reducing the need for high-interest borrowing and easing financial stress in 2025.
