In April 2025, Centrelink issued a blunt warning to the public after false claims emerged online regarding a $1,200 ‘one-off’ cost-of-living payment. This misinformation has caused confusion among benefit recipients and raised concerns about potential scams.
Centrelink is urging Australians to “be mindful” and verify information through official sources before taking any action.
Understanding the $1,200 Payment Rumors
The online rumors suggest that Centrelink would distribute a $1,200 lump sum payment to assist households with rising living costs. These posts quickly gained traction, especially on social media, causing widespread speculation.
However, Centrelink has since refuted these claims, confirming that no such initiative has been approved by the government.
Centrelink’s Official Statement
Statement:
“We haven’t made any announcements about any additional ‘one-off,’ ‘bonus,’ or ‘cost-of-living’ payments.”
This public statement serves to dispel any misinformation and highlight the importance of relying on verified sources.
Recent Verified Payments
While the $1,200 claim is unfounded, several genuine support payments are being distributed in 2025 to help ease financial burdens for eligible Australians:
| Payment | Amount (AUD) | Eligibility | Payment Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Boost | $1,144 | Age Pensioners, Carers, Job Seekers, Students | March 2025 | Automatically deposited into eligible accounts |
| Economic Support Payment | $400 | Recipients as of April 1, 2025 | April 2025 | No need to apply; automatic transfer |
| Rent/Energy Support Measures | Up to $5,000 | Low-income earners and vulnerable households | Throughout 2025 | Includes rental relief and utility subsidies |
These payments are confirmed by Centrelink and are deposited directly into recipients’ bank accounts without the need for application or external links.
How to Stay Safe from Scams
Due to the rise in cyber fraud and impersonation, Centrelink reminds recipients to exercise caution. Here are some safety tips:
- Double-check announcements on your official myGov account or the Services Australia website.
- Do not trust random messages or emails requesting personal or banking information.
- Report phishing scams or fraud attempts to Scamwatch immediately.
- Use multi-factor authentication on government service accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
Scammers often pose as government agencies to collect sensitive data, and the fake $1,200 payment is the latest tactic used to trick people.
The alleged $1,200 one-off payment is not real. Australians are advised to ignore misinformation circulating online and follow only trusted government communication channels.
With verified cost-of-living relief already in place for 2025, Centrelink continues to support those in need — but warns everyone to remain vigilant and informed.
FAQs
Is there a $1,200 payment scheduled for 2025?
No. Centrelink has not announced any $1,200 one-off payment. Claims of this nature are false.
How can I confirm the legitimacy of Centrelink payments?
Always refer to the official Services Australia website or check your myGov account for updates.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious Centrelink message?
Do not respond. Report the message to Scamwatch and delete it immediately.