Double Cost of Living Boost – The Australian Government has approved a significant financial relief package for 2025 in the form of a double $256 cost of living boost aimed at easing pressure from rising inflation, energy costs, and essential household expenses. This initiative includes two separate payments of $256 each, adding up to $512 in total assistance for eligible Australians. The cost of living boost is targeted at pensioners, welfare recipients, carers, students, and low-income families who are most vulnerable to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. With inflation still affecting daily expenses, this boost is not just a token amount—it represents real support that can help cover essentials such as groceries, utility bills, transportation, and health-related costs. Payments will be made directly to bank accounts registered with Centrelink, and the process is largely automatic for those already receiving qualifying benefits. This article outlines everything you need to know about this new support package, including eligibility, payment schedules, how to receive the payments, and important tips to ensure you don’t miss out.
What Is the Double Cost of Living Boost?
The cost of living boost is a two-part payment system introduced by the Australian Government to help individuals and families handle economic pressure in 2025. This boost is different from prior stimulus payments, as it’s designed to benefit existing recipients of income support and family assistance payments without requiring new applications for most individuals. The first $256 payment will be issued in March, and the second $256 payment will be released in September. These are one-time, non-taxable amounts that will not interfere with any other government benefit or income support program. Each payment is designed to assist with rising expenses such as food, energy, public transport, and medical needs. By delivering these funds in two stages, the government aims to offer continuous support throughout the year.
Key Features of the Boost:
- Two separate $256 payments per eligible individual
- Payments delivered directly via Centrelink into bank accounts
- Covers Australians receiving various government support payments
- No tax impact or reduction of other benefits
- First payment expected by 28 March 2025
- Second payment scheduled for 10 September 2025
Eligibility Criteria for the $256 Payments in 2025
Eligibility is determined based on the benefits you are receiving as of two official assessment dates set by Services Australia. If you are receiving a listed benefit during that period and your details are up to date, you will likely qualify for both payments. The qualifying benefits are broad and cover a wide spectrum of Australians, including senior citizens, students, job seekers, and families. Even those who receive multiple benefits under the same Centrelink account may qualify, although the payment itself is issued only once per individual.
To qualify, you must be actively receiving one or more of the following:
Eligible Benefit Types:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- Carer Allowance
- JobSeeker Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Parenting Payment
- Austudy
- Abstudy
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Family Tax Benefit Part B
Other eligibility conditions include:
- You must be living in Australia during both assessment periods
- Your payment must not be suspended due to compliance or review issues
- Your Centrelink record must include up-to-date identity verification and banking details
Who is Not Eligible:
- Individuals whose payments are paused or under investigation
- People who have moved overseas during the eligibility windows
- Australians earning above the income test thresholds for their benefit type
- Individuals not linked to Centrelink via MyGov
Eligibility Income Limits for Common Payments
| Benefit Type | Maximum Fortnightly Income | Still Eligible for Boost |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | Up to $204 | Yes |
| Age Pension (Couple) | Combined up to $360 | Yes |
| JobSeeker (Single) | Up to $300 | Yes |
| Youth Allowance (Student) | Up to $437 | Yes |
| Parenting Payment | Up to $180 | Yes |
| Family Tax Benefit A | Annual up to $80,000 | Yes |
| Family Tax Benefit B | Annual up to $100,000 | Yes |
| Carer Payment | No income test | Yes |
Important Eligibility Dates:
- First Assessment Cut-off: 15 March 2025
- Second Assessment Cut-off: 30 August 2025
Payment Disbursement Dates for Double Cost of Living Boost
| Payment Round | Payment Date | Payment Amount |
|---|---|---|
| First Payment | 28 March 2025 | $256 |
| Second Payment | 10 September 2025 | $256 |
Notes:
- Payments will be credited automatically into bank accounts linked with Centrelink
- Ensure your account details are verified and active
- If details are missing or incorrect, payment may be delayed or rejected
Action Steps to Receive the Payment
To make sure you receive both cost of living boosts without delay:
- Login to your MyGov account
- Verify your Centrelink link is active
- Check your payment summary section for eligibility
- Update your banking information if necessary
- Confirm that no compliance or identity issues are pending
What If You’re Not Auto-Enrolled?
If you believe you’re eligible but haven’t received the payment:
- Log in to MyGov
- Navigate to Centrelink > Payments > Supplementary Claims
- Locate the Cost of Living Boost Application – 2025
- Upload proof of eligibility (e.g., Centrelink reference, benefit approval)
- Submit your request before the extended cut-off date
- Monitor your inbox for status updates
Contact Centrelink if
- Your payment is delayed or missing
- You believe you qualify but haven’t received the payment
- You changed your address, account, or other personal details recently
- You need help applying manually
How to Track Your Payment
You can track your boost payment by:
- Logging into MyGov
- Selecting Centrelink
- Navigating to Payment History or Inbox
- Confirming scheduled payment status
The Double $256 Cost of Living Boost represents a critical financial relief effort designed to assist Australians who are already managing on limited incomes. By offering two structured payments, the government is addressing both short-term and long-term pressures on household budgets. Make sure your Centrelink records and MyGov links are up to date, and that your bank account details are accurate. Delays or missed payments can usually be resolved quickly if you reach out to Services Australia through the provided channels.
Government Contact Information
Services Australia (Centrelink Division)
- Website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
- General Phone (Australia): 132 300
- Youth and Students: 132 490
- Multilingual Services: 131 202
- TTY Services: 1800 810 586
- Operating Hours: 8am – 5pm, Monday to Friday
You can also visit your nearest Centrelink Service Centre for in-person assistance with documentation or payment updates.
FAQs about Double Cost of Living Boost
Q: Can I receive both payments if I qualify for multiple benefits?
You will still receive only one $256 payment per round, even if you receive multiple qualifying payments.
Q: Are these payments taxable?
No. The $256 cost of living boosts are tax-free and won’t affect other Centrelink payments.
Q: Do I have to apply?
In most cases, no application is needed. If you are already receiving qualifying payments, the boost is automatically processed.
Q: What happens if I miss the eligibility date?
Unfortunately, you will not receive that round’s payment if you were not receiving benefits on the assessment date.
Q: Will the payment be in my regular Centrelink deposit?
Yes, it will arrive with or near your standard Centrelink benefit payment in your linked bank account.
Q: Can students get this payment?
Yes, students receiving Austudy, Abstudy, or Youth Allowance are eligible.
Q: What if my MyGov is not linked to Centrelink?
You must link them as soon as possible to manage and track your payment effectively.
