With March 2025 on the horizon, most individuals in Australia are expecting the $1,170 Centrelink Cost of Living Payment to be made. This is a critical cost of living payment that is being provided in order to bring relief to those facing increasing inflation and economic burdens.
In this article, we will provide a full overview of this payment – what it is, who is eligible for it, how to access it and what it means for Australians nationwide.
What is the $1,170 Centrelink Cost of Living Payment?
This payment is being provided by the Australian Government to give monetary assistance to people who are getting impacted because of inflation. It is a one-time and tax-free payment, which will assist the needy in basic needs like electricity, groceries, and housing costs.
Key features of the payment
- Amount: $1,170 for each eligible person
- Payment date: March 2025
- Format: One-off tax-free payment
- Purpose: Assist with higher cost of living
Who will be eligible?
There are some eligibility criteria laid down for getting this payment. Under the rules of the government, individuals in the following groups will be eligible:
- Age Pension recipients (until 28 February 2025)
- Disability Support Pension recipients
- Carer Payment recipients
- JobSeeker Payment recipients
- Young people on Youth Allowance
- Students on Austudy and ABSTUDY assistance
- Parents on Parenting Payment
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders
- Eligible Veterans’ Affairs Payment recipients
Also, the persons eligible should be present in Australia at the date of payment
How to check your account status?
If you wish to find out if you would be paid this payment, you may verify your payment status in the following easy steps:
- Login to myGov – Visit my.gov.au.
- Link your Centrelink account – Ensure your Centrelink account is linked to myGov.
- Visit Payments & Claims section – You can view your payment history here.
- Check myGov Inbox – You will be notified in your myGov inbox if you are eligible to receive this payment.
- Use the Centrelink mobile app – This is an easy option to check your payment status on mobile.
If you are experiencing issues online, you can phone the Centrelink Helpline or attend your local Centrelink Service Centre for assistance.
Payment process and timeliness
The $1,170 payment will be made in stages from March 2025. Not everyone who is eligible will get a payment at the same time, but it will be made methodically.
Anticipated timelines:
- Early March: The initial stage of payments will start.
- Mid March: Payments will generally be made.
- End March: Payments will be made.
If you do not receive this payment by the beginning of April 2025 and you’re entitled, you should call Centrelink.
Will this payment impact your other Centrelink benefits?
Most people are worried about whether this payment will impact their usual Centrelink benefits. The good news is that:
✅ This payment will not lower your usual Centrelink help.
✅ It is tax-free, and you will not need to pay tax on it.
✅ This will not be added in your income test calculation.
How to use this payment properly?
Though $1,170 is a big amount of money, it is extremely important to use it properly. You may take the following tips into consideration to utilize this payment in the best way possible:
- Pay for necessary expenses – Use it for necessary expenses such as rent, electricity, and necessary medicines.
- Pay off high-interest debt – If you have any high-interest debt, use this money to pay it off.
- Build an emergency fund – Set aside some money to cover any unexpected expenses in the future.
- Spend on energy-saving – This will be a saving on your upcoming electricity bills. ???? Take financial guidance – If you are in any confusion regarding proper utilization of this amount, take guidance from a financial advisor.
What to do if you have not been paid?
If you believe you are entitled but have not yet received a payment by April 2025, follow these steps:
- Double check your eligibility – Ensure you are meeting all of the requirements.
- Update your information – Correct your bank and contact details with Centrelink.
- Check myGov messages – You should get a notice.
- Contact Centrelink – If you have not been paid, contact Centrelink in person.
Australia’s current economic state and government initiatives
Australia’s economy has a lot of issues in 2025:
- Inflation on the rise
- Exorbitant housing expenses
- Rising electricity and other utility charges
- Increasing cost of food
This amount of $1,170 is included in the government’s decision to offer assistance to the poor. Even though it is for one-time help, it will come in handy for those who are facing financial strain now.
Conclusion
The $1,170 Centrelink living payment to be received in March 2025 is a great move by the government to support the financially disadvantaged. If you qualify, spend it wisely and invest in future economic stability.
In case of any uncertainty, verify your payment status at myGov or call Centrelink. Not only will this payment bring instant relief, but it can also boost your financial stability. ????
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for the $1,170 Centrelink Cost of Living Payment?
Eligible recipients include Age Pensioners, Disability Support Pension recipients, Carer Payment recipients, JobSeeker Payment recipients, Youth Allowance beneficiaries, Austudy and ABSTUDY recipients, Parenting Payment recipients, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders, and eligible veterans.
Q2. When will the payment be made?
The payment will be distributed in phases throughout March 2025, with most recipients receiving it by the end of the month.
Q3. Will this payment affect my regular Centrelink benefits?
No, the payment is tax-free and will not impact your regular Centrelink payments or income test calculations.
Q4. How can I check my payment status?
You can check your payment status by logging into your myGov account linked to Centrelink, using the Centrelink mobile app, or contacting Centrelink directly.
Q5. What should I do if I don’t receive the payment?
If you haven’t received your payment by early April 2025, double-check your eligibility, ensure your bank and contact details are updated, and contact Centrelink for assistance.