In recent weeks, social media and various websites have been buzzing with claims about a supposed double $930 Centrelink bonus payment coming to eligible Australians. This news has caught the attention of many citizens who are struggling with rising costs of living and seeking financial relief in these challenging economic times. The prospect of receiving extra funds from the government has created excitement among those relying on welfare support. But before you get too excited, there’s something critically important you need to know about these widely circulated claims.
Many Australians have been sharing these posts and eagerly checking their myGov accounts, hoping to see this bonus payment appear. Some have even been contacting Centrelink directly to ask when they’ll receive their $930. The viral nature of this information has led to confusion and raised hopes for many vulnerable people across the country.
The Truth Behind the $930 Centrelink Bonus Claims
Services Australia, the official government body that manages Centrelink payments, has confirmed these claims are completely false. The supposed $930 double bonus does not exist and has not been approved in any government budget or legislation. This confirmation comes directly from the agency responsible for administering all legitimate welfare payments in Australia.
This misinformation is part of a sophisticated scam network that targets vulnerable Australians who depend on government assistance. Scammers are exploiting economic anxieties and creating false hope through misleading social media posts, fake news websites, and phishing attempts. These deceptive tactics have become increasingly common as financial pressures mount for many households across the country.
Jane Morrison, a 67-year-old pensioner from Brisbane, nearly fell victim to one such scam. “I saw a post on Facebook about the $930 payment and got really excited,” she explains. “I clicked on a link that looked official, but thankfully my daughter warned me it might be a scam before I entered any personal information.”
How These Scams Operate
The mechanics of these scams are clever and constantly evolving. Typically, they begin with seemingly legitimate posts on social media platforms or articles on websites that mimic news outlets. These posts often include official-looking graphics and may even feature the Centrelink or myGov logos to enhance their apparent legitimacy.
The scammers sometimes create websites with URLs that look similar to government domains but contain subtle differences. For example, they might use “my-gov.com.au” instead of the legitimate “my.gov.au” or “centrelink-services.com” rather than “servicesaustralia.gov.au.”
These fake announcements often include specific details about eligibility criteria and payment dates to make them appear more credible. They frequently mention real economic challenges that many Australians are facing, which makes their false promises even more appealing to those struggling financially.
Why These Scams Are Dangerous
These falsified bonus payment claims aren’t just harmless rumors—they represent a serious threat to your financial and personal security. Here’s why:
- Scammers create convincing imitations of official government communications that can fool even cautious individuals
- They build fake websites that closely resemble the myGov or Centrelink portals, complete with similar color schemes, logos, and layouts
- These schemes are designed to steal your personal information, including:
- Bank account details that can be used to withdraw your money
- myGov login credentials that provide access to your sensitive government services
- Tax file numbers that can be used for identity fraud
- Personal identification documents that enable sophisticated identity theft
The end goal is often identity theft or direct financial fraud, leaving victims to deal with the devastating consequences that can take months or even years to fully resolve. In some cases, victims have lost their entire savings or had loans taken out in their names.
According to cybersecurity experts, these government payment scams have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. “These scammers invest significant resources into making their communications look authentic,” explains cybersecurity analyst Michael Thompson. “They study real government communications and replicate their style, formatting, and language with remarkable accuracy.”
Real Centrelink Payments Available in 2025
While the $930 bonus is fictional, there are legitimate financial support options available through Centrelink that many Australians may be eligible for but unaware of. Here are some actual payments that exist and could provide genuine financial assistance:
Energy Bill Support
All Australian households, including those receiving Centrelink payments, can get up to $300 off their electricity bills in the 2024-25 financial year. These credits are applied automatically to your bills each quarter with no application required. This legitimate support measure has been implemented to help households manage rising energy costs without needing to navigate complex application processes.
The energy support payments are distributed differently depending on your state or territory. In some regions, the credits appear directly on your electricity bill, while in others, they may be deposited into your bank account. If you haven’t noticed these credits and believe you should be receiving them, it’s worth contacting your energy provider or checking your myGov account for more information.
Carer Support Payments
Carers receiving Carer Payment or Carer Allowance on July 1, 2025, will automatically receive $600 per eligible person they care for. This annual bonus is typically paid mid-year and serves as recognition for the essential care work being performed by thousands of Australians who support family members with disabilities or serious medical conditions.
For those caring for children under 16 with disabilities who receive Carer Allowance, an additional $1,000 per eligible child is provided. This payment is also automatic and typically processed in July. These payments acknowledge the additional costs often associated with caring for a child with disability and aim to provide some financial relief to these families.
Robert Chen, who cares for his son with autism, shares: “The annual carer supplement makes a real difference for our family. It helps cover specialized therapy sessions that aren’t fully subsidized but make a huge difference to my son’s development.”
Regular Payment Increases
In March 2025, many Centrelink payments received an indexation increase to help recipients manage rising living costs. These included:
- Age Pension rates increased to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index
- Disability Support Pension adjustments to maintain purchasing power
- JobSeeker Payment increases to address rising essential costs
- Youth Allowance adjustments to support young Australians
- Family Tax Benefits updates to assist families with children
These regular indexation increases are built into the social security system to ensure that payment rates keep pace with inflation and the changing cost of living. Unlike one-off bonus payments that are occasionally announced, these adjustments happen systematically and are a reliable part of the Centrelink payment framework.
Family and Parenting Payments
Families with children may be eligible for a range of ongoing support payments through Centrelink. These include:
- Family Tax Benefit Part A: Paid per child to help with the cost of raising children
- Family Tax Benefit Part B: Additional support for single parents or families with one main income
- Parenting Payment: For principal carers of young children
- Child Care Subsidy: To assist with the cost of approved child care
- Double Orphan Pension: For carers of children whose parents have died or cannot provide care
These family payments are designed to acknowledge the additional costs associated with raising children and to ensure that all Australian children have access to essentials regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
How to Verify Legitimate Centrelink Information
Protecting yourself from scams starts with knowing how to identify official information. Here are some essential safeguards to remember:
- Only trust information from websites ending in .gov.au which is the official domain for Australian government websites
- The official Services Australia website is servicesaustralia.gov.au – bookmark this address for future reference
- The only legitimate myGov website is my.gov.au – always type this directly into your browser
- Official Centrelink payments are never contingent on you clicking links in emails or text messages to “claim” or “activate” them
- Services Australia never asks for fees to release payments or process applications
- Always log in directly to your myGov account rather than following links in messages
- Check the Services Australia social media accounts for official announcements
- Call the official Centrelink phone lines if you’re unsure about payment information
Maria Gonzalez, a financial counselor who works with Centrelink recipients, advises: “If you hear about a new payment, always verify it through multiple official channels before getting excited. Check the Services Australia website, call Centrelink directly, or visit a service center in person. Never rely solely on information shared via social media or forwarded messages.”
Red Flags That Indicate a Scam
Learning to identify the warning signs of Centrelink payment scams can save you from becoming a victim. Be alert for these common red flags:
- Messages creating a sense of urgency (“claim before it expires”)
- Offers that seem too good to be true (unusually large payment amounts)
- Requests to pay a fee to receive your payment
- Links to websites with slight spelling variations in the URL
- Poor grammar or spelling in official-looking communications
- Requirements to share personal information via unsecured channels
- Threats that your regular payments will stop if you don’t take immediate action
- Instructions to keep the payment confidential
- Requests to download attachments or applications
Remember that legitimate government communications will never pressure you to act immediately, request fees, or ask you to provide sensitive information through unsecured channels.
What To Do If You’ve Been Targeted
If you’ve encountered these scams or potentially shared information, it’s important to act quickly:
- Change your passwords immediately, especially for myGov and banking services
- Contact your bank to flag potential fraudulent activity and place temporary holds if necessary
- Report scam emails to [email protected] to help authorities track these activities
- Call Services Australia’s Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk at 1800 941 126 for guidance
- Consider reaching out to IDCARE, Australia’s national identity and cyber support service
- Monitor your accounts closely for any unusual activity in the coming weeks and months
- Place a ban on credit applications if you suspect your identity documents have been compromised
- Report the scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) through Scamwatch
- Inform your friends and family about the scam to prevent them from becoming victims
David Wilson, who was targeted by a similar scam last year, shares his experience: “After clicking on a link about a Centrelink bonus, I realized something wasn’t right. I immediately changed all my passwords and called my bank. Thankfully, I caught it before any damage was done, but it was a scary reminder of how convincing these scams can be.”
The Work Bonus: A Real Benefit Worth Knowing About
While many alleged bonus payments are scams, the Work Bonus is a legitimate Centrelink program that helps pensioners who continue working. This program allows eligible pensioners to earn up to a certain amount before it affects their pension rate.
As of 2025, the Work Bonus provides a $300 per fortnight income bank that can accumulate to a maximum of $11,800. This means pensioners can earn more through work without having their pension reduced. This is particularly valuable for those who want to supplement their pension with part-time work.
How the Work Bonus Operates
The Work Bonus reduces the amount of eligible income calculated in the income test for pension payments. When your eligible work income is less than $300 per fortnight, Centrelink reduces it to zero for pension calculation purposes.
Any unused portion of your $300 Work Bonus is added to your Work Bonus balance, which can build up to $11,800. This balance can then offset future work income that would otherwise reduce your pension. For example, if you earn $500 in a fortnight, only $200 would be assessed under the income test after applying the $300 Work Bonus.
Margaret Taylor, 70, works one day a week as a bookkeeper. She explains: “The Work Bonus means I can earn some extra money without losing my pension. It makes a big difference to my quality of life and allows me to stay connected with my profession.”
Who Is Eligible for the Work Bonus?
The Work Bonus applies to people who:
- Receive the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension (if you’re over Age Pension age), or certain Veterans’ Affairs pensions
- Earn income from employment or self-employment
- Are over Age Pension age (currently 67 for most people)
To check your Work Bonus balance, you can log into your Centrelink online account through myGov and view your payment details. The balance information is usually updated after each payment cycle.
Rent Assistance: Supporting Housing Costs
Commonwealth Rent Assistance is another legitimate payment that many Centrelink recipients may be eligible for but aren’t claiming. This payment helps with the cost of renting in the private market and can make a significant difference to your budget.
To be eligible for Rent Assistance, you generally need to:
- Be receiving a qualifying Centrelink payment
- Pay rent above a minimum threshold
- Be renting from a private landlord, community housing provider, or similar
The amount you receive depends on your rent amount, family situation, and payment type. For example, a single person with no children might receive up to $157.50 per fortnight, while a family with three or more children could receive up to $233.80 per fortnight.
Unlike some of the fake bonus payments being promoted online, Rent Assistance is an established, ongoing payment that provides real financial support to thousands of Australians.
Staying Informed About Legitimate Payments
To ensure you receive all the financial support you’re entitled to, it’s important to:
- Keep your Centrelink details updated, including bank account information and current address
- Check your myGov account regularly for notifications about payments and eligibility
- Monitor the Services Australia website for payment changes and updates to payment rates
- Ensure your income reporting is accurate and timely to avoid unnecessary payment reductions
- Respond promptly to any official requests for information or documentation
- Update your circumstances whenever they change, such as starting or ending a relationship
- Subscribe to official newsletters from Services Australia for updates
- Attend regular review appointments if required for your payment type
Financial counselor Lisa Watson recommends: “Set a reminder to check the Services Australia website at least once a month for updates. Changes to payment rates or eligibility criteria happen regularly, and staying informed ensures you don’t miss out on support you’re entitled to.”
Why Scammers Target Centrelink Recipients
Scammers specifically target Centrelink recipients for several reasons:
- Many recipients live on fixed incomes and may be eager for financial relief during difficult economic times
- The complexity of the welfare system can make it difficult to distinguish real from fake offers, especially for those new to the system
- Recipients often have a high level of trust in government communications and may be less skeptical of messages that appear to come from official sources
- Economic pressures create vulnerability to promises of unexpected financial help, particularly during periods of high inflation
- The large number of legitimate updates to Centrelink payments makes it easier for scammers to hide fake announcements among real ones
- Many recipients may have limited digital literacy skills, making them more susceptible to online scams
- The demographic profile of many welfare recipients includes groups that are statistically more vulnerable to scams
Understanding these tactics can help you remain vigilant and protect yourself from exploitation. By recognizing why you might be targeted, you can be more alert to potential scams.
Real Cost of Living Support
The Australian Government continues to implement genuine measures to address cost of living pressures. Rather than waiting for non-existent bonus payments, Australians should stay informed about these legitimate initiatives:
- Regular indexation of payment rates to match inflation, ensuring your payments maintain their purchasing power
- Energy assistance programs at both federal and state levels, which provide direct support for electricity and gas bills
- Rent assistance for eligible tenants, helping to offset the rising cost of housing in many Australian communities
- Healthcare subsidies through various concession cards, reducing the cost of medications and medical services
- Community services that provide practical support, such as food relief, financial counseling, and emergency assistance
- Budget strategies announced in federal and state budgets to address cost of living pressures
- Targeted support packages for specific vulnerable groups within the community
Sarah Jenkins, an economic policy analyst, notes: “While one-off bonus payments make headlines, it’s the systematic, ongoing support measures that make the biggest difference to people’s financial wellbeing. These include regular indexation of payments and targeted subsidies for essential costs like healthcare and housing.”
The Psychological Impact of Payment Scams
Beyond the financial dangers, these fake payment announcements can take a significant emotional toll on vulnerable Australians. Many people experience:
- Disappointment and stress when anticipated payments don’t materialize
- Embarrassment and shame if they’ve fallen victim to a scam
- Increased anxiety about their financial situation after hopes for relief are dashed
- Erosion of trust in legitimate government communications
- Feelings of vulnerability and fear about their online security
Psychologist Dr. Rebecca Chen explains: “The emotional impact of these scams shouldn’t be underestimated. Many people experience genuine distress when they realize they’ve been misled, particularly if they’ve already mentally allocated those promised funds to pressing needs like overdue bills or necessary medical expenses.”
If you’re experiencing distress after encountering a scam, consider reaching out to support services like Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).
Protecting Your Community
One of the most effective ways to combat these scams is through community awareness. Consider sharing accurate information with friends and family, especially those who might be more vulnerable to such scams, such as:
- Elderly relatives who may be less familiar with digital scams and sophisticated phishing techniques
- People with limited English proficiency who might misunderstand official communications
- Those experiencing financial hardship who might be more susceptible to offers of help during difficult times
- New Centrelink recipients who are still learning the system and may not recognize unusual patterns
- People with disabilities who may rely on others to help manage their financial affairs
- Rural and remote communities with limited access to in-person Services Australia offices
Community worker James Lee suggests: “Create a buddy system with friends or family where you check with each other before acting on any Centrelink payment news. Having that second opinion can often help spot red flags you might miss when you’re hoping for good news.”
Teaching Digital Literacy
Improving digital literacy is a powerful tool against payment scams. Consider these approaches:
- Help vulnerable family members recognize secure websites (look for the padlock symbol and https://)
- Demonstrate how to verify news through multiple sources before taking action
- Show others how to check official government sources directly, rather than following links
- Explain the importance of strong, unique passwords for government and financial accounts
- Teach the habit of pausing before clicking on any links or downloading attachments
- Share techniques for identifying phishing attempts in emails and text messages
Local libraries, community centers, and senior citizens’ groups often offer free digital literacy workshops that can help build these essential skills.
FAQs About Centrelink Bonus Payments
Is the $930 Centrelink bonus payment real?
No, Services Australia has confirmed this payment does not exist and is part of a scam targeting vulnerable Australians.
How can I check if a Centrelink payment announcement is legitimate?
Verify all payment information directly through the official Services Australia website or by calling Centrelink’s official helpline at 132 300.
Are there any genuine bonus payments available through Centrelink in 2025?
Yes, there are legitimate payments like energy bill support, carer supplements, and the Work Bonus program, but no $930 bonus.
What should I do if I’ve already clicked on a link about the bonus payment?
Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank, and report the scam to Services Australia through their Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk.
Will Centrelink ever ask me to pay a fee to receive a bonus payment?
No, legitimate Centrelink payments never require fees or payments of any kind to receive them. Any payment request is a clear sign of a scam.
How are genuine Centrelink payments usually delivered?
Legitimate payments are deposited directly into your registered bank account and will appear in your myGov account history. You will never need to click links or provide additional information to receive them.
Do I need to apply for bonus payments if I’m already receiving Centrelink benefits?
Most legitimate bonus payments or supplements are applied automatically if you’re eligible. If an application is required, you’ll be notified through official channels like myGov.
Should I share news about bonus payments with friends and family?
It’s best to verify information through official sources before sharing to avoid spreading potential scams. If you do share information, include links to official government sources.
Can I report websites that are promoting fake Centrelink bonuses?
Yes, report suspicious websites to the Australian Cyber Security Centre at cyber.gov.au or to the ACCC’s Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.