Rising grocery bills, power prices, and rental costs have left many Australians searching for extra relief. Recently, social media has been flooded with claims of a Centrelink $1,144 Cash Boost in 2025—a supposed one-off payment to help ease cost-of-living pressures.
But is this real support from the government, or just another online rumour? Let’s break down what’s fact and what’s fiction.
What Is the Centrelink Cash Boost?
The so-called “Cash Boost” is being described online as a one-time, tax-free payment from the government, separate from ongoing benefits such as the Age Pension or JobSeeker.
Historically, similar one-off payments have been made, like the $250 and $750 COVID-19 supplements, which were paid automatically to eligible Centrelink recipients. If a 2025 version were to happen, it would likely follow the same model:
- No application required
- Paid directly into bank accounts
- Automatically available to eligible recipients
Rumoured Amount and Payment Date
- Amount circulating online: $1,144 (not confirmed)
- Suggested rollout date: September 2025
- Payment method: Direct deposit, separate from regular Centrelink payments
At this stage, these figures are speculation only. No official confirmation has been made by Services Australia or the federal government.
Who Would Be Eligible (If It Happens)?
If such a payment were approved, eligibility would likely mirror previous one-off cost-of-living payments:
- Must be an Australian resident or permanent citizen
- Must already receive an eligible Centrelink payment, such as:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension (DSP)
- JobSeeker Payment
- Parenting Payment
- Carer Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Meet existing income and asset test limits
Most people would not need to apply—payments would be automatic.
How to Claim (If Announced)
For those not already on Centrelink, or in rare cases where payments are missed, the process would likely involve:
- Logging into your myGov account linked to Centrelink
- Checking the “Payments and Claims” section for updates
- Uploading documents if requested
- Tracking progress under “Claims”
- Receiving confirmation via SMS, email, or myGov inbox
Reminder: As of now, this payment does not exist.
What’s Actually Confirmed for 2025?
While the $1,144 boost is still just a rumour, the following are confirmed:
- September 2025 indexation: Regular Centrelink payments (Age Pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, etc.) will increase in line with inflation.
- Cost-of-Living Payments: Eligible Australians will receive $700 and $750 one-off payments in 2025.
Fact Check
- Claim: $1,144 Centrelink Cash Boost in September 2025
- Reality: No confirmation from Services Australia or the federal government
- What’s real: Indexed increases + confirmed $700 and $750 payments
Bottom line: Treat the $1,144 Cash Boost as an unverified rumour for now.
FAQs
1. Is the $1,144 Centrelink Cash Boost confirmed?
No, it’s just a social media rumour.
2. What payments are confirmed for 2025?
Indexation increases in September, plus $700 and $750 one-off cost-of-living payments.
3. Do I need to apply for one-off Centrelink payments?
No. If eligible, they are usually paid automatically.
4. Could the government still announce a new payment?
Yes, but only through official channels like Services Australia or the Federal Budget.
5. Where can I check legitimate updates?
Directly at servicesaustralia.gov.au.
Conclusion
While the idea of a $1,144 Centrelink Cash Boost in 2025 is generating excitement online, there’s no official confirmation it will happen. Australians can rely instead on confirmed indexation increases and the $700 and $750 cost-of-living payments scheduled for this year.
To avoid falling for rumours, always check Services Australia’s official website or your myGov account for real updates—not unverified posts on Facebook or YouTube.