Australians feeling the pressure from rising grocery prices, energy bills, and housing costs will soon get a helping hand. A $497 cost of living relief payment is set to be distributed in April 2025 to millions of eligible Australians.
This one-time boost is part of the government’s continued effort to support vulnerable residents through economic challenges.
Let’s break down who qualifies, when to expect the payment, and what steps to take to ensure you receive it.
Who Is Eligible for the $497 Relief Payment?
The $497 payment will be made to individuals receiving certain government welfare and support payments. Eligibility is based on your payment status as of March 31, 2025.
You may qualify if you currently receive:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension (DSP)
- Carer Payment
- JobSeeker Payment
- Parenting Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy
- Veterans’ Payments
- Hold a Pensioner Concession Card
There’s no need to apply—if you’re eligible, the payment will be made automatically to your registered bank account.
Payment Timeline and Delivery
The $497 relief payment will be deposited between April 15 and April 30, 2025, alongside your regular Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments.
Important Reminder: Make sure your banking and contact information in your myGov and Centrelink accounts is accurate before April 10 to avoid delays.
Relief Payment Breakdown
Here’s a look at how the $497 bonus will supplement existing payments for various groups:
| Benefit Type | Regular Fortnightly Payment (Single) | $497 One-Time Relief | Total Received in April |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | $1,149.00 | $497 | $1,646.00 |
| Disability Support Pension | $1,149.00 | $497 | $1,646.00 |
| Carer Payment | $1,149.00 | $497 | $1,646.00 |
| JobSeeker Payment | $789.90 | $497 | $1,286.90 |
| Parenting Payment | $1,030.30 | $497 | $1,527.30 |
| Youth Allowance (18+, at home) | $477.10 | $497 | $974.10 |
| Austudy | $602.80 | $497 | $1,099.80 |
Will This Impact Other Payments?
The $497 cost of living payment is tax-free and will not reduce or affect your ongoing benefits or entitlements. It is also excluded from income and asset testing, ensuring you receive the full amount without any deduction from other payments.
How to Prepare
To make sure you don’t miss out:
- Log into myGov to check that your bank details are current
- Review your Centrelink messages for confirmation
- If needed, call Centrelink for clarification before the payment window begins
Additional Government Support in 2025
This payment adds to several other government measures introduced to support low-income households:
- Age Pension Increase: Raised by $4.60 per fortnight for singles from March 2025
- Rent Assistance Boost: Eligible recipients receive up to $37 more per fortnight
- Energy Assistance: Expanded utility subsidies for concession holders
The $497 cost of living relief is a welcome financial boost for many Australians during a challenging economic period. If you’re on a qualifying payment, make sure your details are up to date to receive your funds without any delays.
This payment reflects the government’s commitment to providing timely and targeted support where it’s needed most.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the $497 payment?
No, if you meet the eligibility criteria as of March 31, 2025, the payment will be made automatically.
When will I receive the payment?
Payments are scheduled between April 15 and April 30, 2025, depending on your payment cycle.
Will this payment affect my other Centrelink benefits?
No, it is a tax-free one-time payment and does not impact other entitlements.