In response to the rising cost of living, the Australian government is introducing a one-time $600 per child payment in 2025 aimed at supporting low-income families.
The assistance is targeted primarily at families with children under 16 years old, helping to reduce financial pressures caused by everyday expenses.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Centrelink $600 per child payment, including eligibility criteria, payment dates, and the process to claim.
What is the Centrelink $600 per Child Payment?
The Centrelink $600 per child payment is a financial relief measure designed to help Australian families, especially those with low incomes, manage the increasing costs of living.
Families with children aged 16 or younger (or up to 17 if still attending school) are eligible for this payment. It is meant to provide extra support for parents to cover essential expenses such as food, housing, and utilities.
Why is the Centrelink $600 Payment Being Offered?
The payment is being offered to ease the financial strain on families due to inflation and rising costs. Many households in Australia are struggling with expenses related to daily needs, making it difficult to manage their budgets.
The $600 per child payment aims to provide much-needed financial relief to help alleviate some of the pressure families are facing.
Eligibility for the Centrelink $600 Payment
To qualify for the Centrelink $600 per child payment, families must meet certain eligibility criteria. Here are the key factors that will determine if a family is eligible:
1. Income and Asset Test
The payment is targeted towards low-income families, and Centrelink will assess your family’s income and assets. Families already receiving Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A or B are more likely to qualify for the $600 payment.
2. Age of Children
Children under the age of 16 are eligible. However, if your child is aged 16-17 and still attending school, they may also qualify.
3. Residency Requirements
Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or hold certain temporary visas to qualify for the payment.
4. Other Centrelink Payments
If your family receives payments like Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance, or JobSeeker, you may also be eligible. Centrelink will assess your situation individually.
Payment Details and Schedule
Payment Amount
Eligible families will receive $600 per child to assist with the increasing costs of daily life.
Payment Dates
The payment is expected to be rolled out by April 2025 for eligible families. Disbursements will be made via Centrelink and are expected to reach most families by late April 2025.
Notification
Centrelink will notify families about the payment through text messages, emails, or the MyGov app.
How to Claim the Centrelink $600 Payment
For Existing Centrelink Recipients:
If you are already a recipient of Centrelink benefits such as Family Tax Benefit (FTB), you do not need to apply separately for the $600 per child payment.
Centrelink will automatically process the payment and deposit it into the bank account you have registered with them.
For New Applicants:
New applicants will need to register through MyGov. To do so, sign up for other entitlements, such as Family Tax Benefit (FTB), and provide any necessary documents such as income statements and child dependency details. Make sure your bank account details are up to date in the Centrelink system.
Summary of Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $600 per eligible child |
| Eligibility | Low-income families, FTB recipients, children under 16 |
| Payment Method | Automatically paid through Centrelink |
| Payment Start Date | April 2025 |
| Notification Method | Text message, email, or MyGov app |
Important Steps to Follow
- Verify Bank Account: Make sure your bank account details are current in Centrelink’s system.
- Monitor Payments: Log into your MyGov account to check the status of the payments.
- Submit Documents: If applying for FTB or other entitlements, submit any required documents through MyGov.
The Centrelink $600 per child payment in 2025 offers essential financial support to low-income families, easing the burden of rising living costs.
Eligible families can expect automatic payments or claim through MyGov. Stay updated on eligibility and ensure your details are current to receive timely assistance.
FAQs
When will the Centrelink $600 per child payment be made?
The payment is scheduled to be issued by late April 2025.
How can I check my eligibility for the payment?
Eligibility is based on your income, asset test, and Family Tax Benefit status. Centrelink will send notifications if you qualify.
Do I need to apply for the $600 payment?
Existing Centrelink recipients do not need to apply. New applicants should register through MyGov.