In 2025, the Australian government is providing seniors with several financial assistance schemes to help them cope with rising inflation. However, there is no official confirmation of a one-time $3,100 Centrelink payment. Instead, seniors can avail of schemes such as an increase in the Age Pension, Cost Assistance Payment, and Energy Supplement.
This article provides detailed information on all these assistance schemes, including eligibility, payment dates, and the application process.
Will seniors get a one-time payment of $3,100 in 2025?
Despite the buzz on the internet, the Australian government has not made any official announcement of a one-time payment of $3,100 for seniors in 2025. However, eligible seniors can avail of the following assistance schemes:
- Increase in Age Pension – The pension amount will be increased from March 2025.
- Cost Assistance Payment – A one-time payment of $1,144 in 2025.
- Energy Supplement – an additional payment to help with electricity and gas costs.
- If you want to receive government assistance, keep an eye on official announcements from Centrelink.
Age Pension in 2025: new rates and eligibility
The Age Pension is a regular financial support provided by the Australian Government to seniors to help keep their income stable after retirement.
New Age Pension rates in 2025
The amount of the Age Pension from March 2025 will be the following:
| Pensioner Type | Per Fortnight | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single Pensioner | $1,148.92 | $29,872 |
| Couple (Combined Payment) | $1,732.02 | $45,032 |
These amounts include the Basic Pension, the Pension Supplement, and the Energy Supplement. The next review will be in September 2025.
Eligibility for the Age Pension
The following conditions must be met to receive the Age Pension in 2025:
- Age limit: Must be at least 67 years of age.
- Residence requirement: Must be an Australian resident and have lived in Australia for at least 10 years.
- Income and asset test: Income and assets must be below a set limit.
Income and asset limits (2025)
Income limits:
- Single pensioner:
- Full pension: Income less than $190/fortnight.
- Partial pension: Up to $2,115.20/fortnight.
- Couples:
- Full pension: Combined income less than $336/fortnight.
- Partial pension: Up to $3,237.60/fortnight.
Asset limits (homeowners):
- Single:
- Full pension: Assets less than $280,000.
- Partial pension: Up to $609,250.
- Couples:
- Full pension: assets less than $419,000.
- Partial pension: up to $915,500.
Asset limits (without a home):
- Singles:
- Full pension: assets less than $504,500.
- Partial pension: up to $833,750.
- Couples:
- Full pension: assets less than $643,500.
- Partial pension: up to $1,140,000.
Cost assistance payment in 2025 ($1,144): Important information
This one-off payment will be paid to seniors to help them cope with rising inflation.
- Payment details:
- Amount: $1,144 (one-off payment).
- Payment date: Mid 2025 (exact date to be announced).
- Eligibility:
- Recipients of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, JobSeeker Payment, and some veteran payments.
How to get a payment?
- Automatic deposit: Most eligible people will receive this payment automatically.
- Update details: Make sure your Centrelink and bank account details are correct.
How to apply for a Centrelink payment?
If you are eligible for the Age Pension, Cost Assistance Payment, or other support schemes, follow these steps:
- Get documents ready:
- Proof of identity, proof of residence, income, and asset documents.
- Create a myGov account:
- Link your myGov account to Centrelink.
- Apply online:
- Apply through myGov or visit a Services Australia office.
- Wait for assessment:
- Application processing may take a few weeks.
Conclusion
In 2025, there is no one-off payment of $3,100 available to Australian seniors, but schemes such as the Age Pension increase, Cost Assistance Payment and Energy Supplement will help them financially. Eligible seniors should keep an eye on government announcements and keep their bank and Centrelink details up to date.
FAQs
Q1. Will seniors get a one-off payment of $3,100 in 2025?
A1. No, there is no official confirmation of this. However, there will be a cost support payment of $1,144.
Q2. How much will the Age Pension be in 2025?
A2. Single pensioners: **1,148.92/fortnight∗∗(1,148.92/fortnight∗∗(29,872/year). Couples: **1,732.02/fortnight∗∗(1,732.02/fortnight∗∗(45,032/year).
Q3. When will the cost assistance payment be available?
A3. In mid-2025, but the exact date is yet to be announced.
Q4. Who is eligible?
A4. Recipients of Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, JobSeeker Payment, etc.
Visit Services Australia’s official website for more information.