Lately, social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp have been buzzing with claims that Centrelink is paying $5,048 to Australian workers. The number sounds appealing—but here’s the reality: no such payment exists. This is another case of misinformation being used by scammers to trick people into giving away personal details.
Where the $5,048 Claim Comes From
When you look at actual Centrelink payment rates in 2025, the numbers don’t match up:
- JobSeeker Payment: Around $780 per fortnight for singles over 22 without children.
- Parenting Payment Single: Roughly $968 per fortnight.
- Age Pension & Disability Support Pension: Around $1,100 base plus supplements, still under $2,000 per fortnight.
- Family Tax Benefit: Paid fortnightly, varies per child—not lump sums.
Even if you add several months together, the numbers don’t equal a one-off $5,048 Centrelink payment.
Example Table of 2025 Rates
| Payment Type | Fortnightly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JobSeeker (22+, no kids) | ~$780 | Slightly higher for older or limited work capacity |
| Parenting Payment Single | ~$968 | Plus rent & family supplements |
| Age Pension | ~$1,100 + supplements | Still under $2,000 total |
| Disability Support Pension | ~$1,100 + supplements | Similar to Age Pension |
Clearly, the $5,048 figure doesn’t come from any official program.
Old Programs Causing Confusion
During the pandemic years, workers could access temporary payments like:
- Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment – $750 per week if you had to isolate.
- JobKeeper – Support for employees via employers.
But these schemes ended years ago. As of 2025, no such lump sum is available for workers.
How Scammers Use This Rumour
The scam playbook usually looks like this:
- Share a big, specific figure ($5,048) to grab attention.
- Post fake “lists of names” claiming people are eligible.
- Direct victims to shady websites asking for:
- myGov logins
- Centrelink CRNs
- Bank details
- “Processing fees”
Some even install malware on your phone or computer. Remember: Centrelink never publishes recipient lists—that would breach privacy laws.
How to Check Real Centrelink Payments
There are only three official ways Centrelink communicates:
- Through your myGov inbox.
- By letter to your registered address.
- By phone, but only after you’ve confirmed identity or contacted them.
Anything else—especially WhatsApp forwards, social media posts, or random websites—is a scam. If unsure, use the official Payment and Service Finder tool on servicesaustralia.gov.au.
Fact Check
- Claim: Centrelink is paying $5,048 lump sums to workers.
- Reality: False. No such program exists.
- Scam Warning: Fake websites are using this number to steal information.
FAQs
Q1. Is the $5,048 Centrelink payment real?
No. There is no official program offering this lump sum in 2025.
Q2. Could the amount just be combined benefits?
Possibly, if you add up months of payments. But it’s not a one-off bonus.
Q3. What should I do if I gave my details to a fake site?
Immediately contact Services Australia, change your myGov password, and notify your bank.
Q4. How do I know if a Centrelink payment is real?
Check only through myGov or the official Services Australia website.
Q5. Does Centrelink ever publish eligible names online?
No. This would break strict privacy laws. Any such “list” is fake.
Conclusion
The viral claim of a $5,048 Centrelink payment in 2025 is a scam. It doesn’t match real payment rates and is being used to trick Australians into handing over sensitive details. To stay safe, always rely on official Centrelink or Services Australia channels and ignore social media rumours. Protect your information, verify payments, and share the truth to stop others from being misled.