Centrelink's website lists over 60 different payments and concessions. Unless you already know what you're looking for, it's almost impossible to figure out what you're entitled to. This guide cuts through the bureaucratic language and explains every major payment in plain English — who qualifies, how much you'll get, and what you actually need to do to apply.
Understanding your entitlements can save thousands per year.
The Big Three: Payments Most Australians Use
Three payments account for the vast majority of Centrelink spending. If you're looking for help, one of these is probably where you'll start.
| Payment | Who It's For | Max Rate (per fortnight) |
|---|---|---|
| JobSeeker Payment | Age 22–66, looking for work | $793.10 |
| Age Pension | Age 67+, meets residency & asset tests | $1,116.30 |
| Disability Support Pension | Permanent condition, <15 hrs/week capacity | $1,116.30 |
Rates as of March 2026. Single person, no dependants. Source: Services Australia.
Family Payments
If you have kids, there's a separate layer of payments on top of your base income support.
Family Tax Benefit Part A
Paid per child, based on family income. Most families earning under $110,000 get at least some Part A.
- Child 0–12: up to $222.04/fortnight per child
- Child 13–15: up to $288.82/fortnight per child
- Child 16–19 (in study): up to $288.82/fortnight per child
Family Tax Benefit Part B
Extra help for single-parent families OR families with one main income.
- Youngest child under 5: up to $188.86/fortnight
- Youngest child 5–18: up to $131.74/fortnight
- Couple families: secondary earner income must be under $6,497/year
JobSeeker: The Details Nobody Tells You
Mutual Obligations — What You Must Do
Monthly Requirements:
- Apply for 20 jobs per month
- Attend all provider appointments
- Accept any "suitable" job offer
Income Reporting:
- Report every 2 weeks (even $0)
- First $150/fortnight doesn't reduce payment
- After $150: reduces 50c per $1
- After $256: reduces 60c per $1
Payments for Students
| Payment | Age | Study Type | Max Fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Allowance (Student) | 16–24 | Full-time study | $620.80 |
| Austudy | 25+ | Full-time study | $693.10 |
| ABSTUDY | Any | Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander | Varies |
Carer & Disability Payments
| Payment | Eligibility | Max Fortnight |
|---|---|---|
| Carer Payment | Full-time carer of someone with severe disability | $1,116.30 |
| Carer Allowance | Provides daily care (can work/study too) | $153.00 |
How to Actually Apply
Create a myGov account
Link your Centrelink CRN. If you don't have one, you'll get one during sign-up.
Start your claim online
myGov → Centrelink → Make a Claim. Select payment type.
Provide documents
Upload ID, income evidence, and any specific documents.
Wait for assessment
1–4 weeks for most payments, 3–6 months for DSP. Backdates to claim date.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Payment
- Not reporting income on time. Even $0 must be reported fortnightly.
- Not updating your address. Centrelink sends letters — if they bounce, payment stops.
- Forgetting the assets test. Car, super, investments, and partner's assets all count.
- Not claiming supplements. Many miss Rent Assistance, Pharmaceutical Allowance, or Energy Supplement.
Useful Contacts
Centrelink General
132 850
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
Disability & Carers
132 717
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
Families
136 150
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm
myGov Helpdesk
132 307
Mon–Fri 7am–10pm
More Government Guides
Medicare, bulk billing, childcare subsidies, and emergency contacts.
Browse Info →Sources: Services Australia — payment rates and eligibility (servicesaustralia.gov.au) • DSS — Guide to Social Security Law (guides.dss.gov.au). All payment rates effective as of March 2026. This is general information only — not financial or legal advice. Contact Services Australia on 132 850 for your specific circumstances. Last verified: March 2026.