Services Australia has issued a stern warning to Australians about widespread misinformation regarding a supposed $1,200 Centrelink cost-of-living payment. Despite numerous social media posts and unofficial websites promoting this payment, officials confirm it does not exist. This fabricated offer is part of a dangerous scam targeting vulnerable Australians, particularly those relying on government assistance during economically challenging times.
The scam preys on people’s financial anxieties by falsely promising substantial government support that simply isn’t coming. Understanding the truth about these claims and learning about legitimate assistance that is available could save you from becoming the next victim of identity theft or financial fraud.
The Truth Behind the $1,200 Payment Claims
In recent weeks, social media platforms and suspicious websites have been flooded with posts claiming Centrelink will distribute a “$1,200 one-off cost-of-living payment” to eligible Australians. According to these false claims, the payment would supposedly help recipients manage rising expenses for essentials like groceries, housing, and utilities.
However, Services Australia has explicitly denied the existence of such a payment. The government agency responsible for Centrelink has confirmed that no such cost-of-living bonus has been approved or announced for distribution in 2025.
As stated in Services Australia’s official warning: “We haven’t made any announcements about any additional ‘one-off’, ‘bonus’, or ‘cost of living’ payments.” They further cautioned that anyone visiting websites promoting these fake payments is at risk of being scammed.
This $1,200 payment scam joins a growing list of similar fraudulent schemes that have targeted Australians with promises of various amounts, including fabricated $750, $890, $1,144, and even $4,100 government payments. None of these payments are real, and they all aim to steal personal information or money from unsuspecting victims.
How the Scam Works and Who’s Being Targeted
The fake $1,200 payment scam operates using several deceptive techniques designed to appear legitimate while harvesting sensitive personal information:
- Creating convincing fake websites that mimic official government platforms but with subtle differences in the URL (not ending in .gov.au)
- Promoting via social media with urgent messages suggesting limited-time availability to create pressure
- Requiring “eligibility checks” that ask for personal details like full name, address, date of birth, Centrelink reference number, and even bank account information
- Promising automatic deposits after verification of your details
The scammers primarily target society’s most vulnerable groups, including:
- Pensioners facing rising healthcare and living costs
- Low-income families struggling with inflation
- JobSeeker recipients and unemployed Australians
- Disability support pension recipients
- Anyone receiving government assistance
These groups are particularly attractive targets because they often rely on legitimate government payments and might be less likely to question what appears to be additional support during difficult economic times.
Red Flags That Expose the Scam
Several warning signs can help you identify this and similar scams:
- Non-government website domains – Legitimate Services Australia information only appears on websites ending in .gov.au
- Poor grammar and spelling in communications claiming to be from official sources
- Requests for personal or banking information through unsecured forms or links
- Pressure tactics suggesting you’ll miss out if you don’t act immediately
- Promises of “automatic” or “guaranteed” payments without proper verification processes
- Payment amounts that seem unusually high compared to typical government assistance
Remember that Services Australia will never send links via email or text message asking you to log in to myGov or your Centrelink account. They also won’t request sensitive personal information through unsecured channels.
What To Do If You’ve Been Targeted
If you believe you’ve encountered this scam or possibly shared information with scammers:
- Stop all communication with the suspected scammer immediately
- Change your passwords for myGov, Centrelink online accounts, and any other potentially compromised accounts
- Contact Services Australia’s Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk at 1800 941 126 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm AEST/AEDT)
- Report the scam to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au
- Forward suspicious emails related to myGov or Services Australia to [email protected]
- Monitor your accounts for any unauthorized activity and report concerns to your financial institutions
- Consider placing a ban on your credit file if you suspect your identity may have been compromised
Taking quick action can help minimize the damage if you’ve already interacted with scammers and can help protect others from falling victim to the same scheme.
Legitimate Centrelink Support Available in 2025
While the $1,200 payment is fictional, there are genuine forms of assistance available through Centrelink that many Australians can access. These legitimate payments have been adjusted through the regular indexation process to help recipients manage rising costs:
Age Pension
The Age Pension supports older Australians in retirement. As of March 20, 2025:
- Single pensioners now receive approximately $1,149.00 per fortnight (increased by $4.60)
- Couples (each) receive about $866.10 per fortnight (increased by $3.50)
JobSeeker Payment
Designed for unemployed Australians actively looking for work:
- Single recipients without children now receive around $789.90 per fortnight (increased by $3.10)
- Single recipients with children receive approximately $850.20 per fortnight (increased by $3.60)
Parenting Payment
This payment assists primary carers of young children:
- Single parents now receive approximately $1,030.30 per fortnight (increased by $4.00)
Additional Support Programs
Beyond these main payments, eligible Australians can access:
- Rent Assistance: Providing additional support of up to $600 annually for eligible renters
- Energy Bill Relief: Various rebates of up to $500 in 2025 for eligible households
- Concession Cards: Providing discounts on utilities, transport, medicines, and other essentials
It’s important to understand that these are the actual, verified payment amounts from Services Australia, not the inflated figures mentioned in scam communications.
How to Safely Check Your Eligibility for Real Payments
To determine if you qualify for legitimate Centrelink support:
- Visit the official Services Australia website at servicesaustralia.gov.au
- Use the Payment and Service Finder tool on the official website to explore options based on your circumstances
- Log in to your verified myGov account at my.gov.au to check your current entitlements
- Call Centrelink directly using the numbers published on the official website
- Visit a Services Australia service center in person for face-to-face assistance
Never rely on third-party websites, social media posts, or emails claiming to help you check eligibility for government payments. Always go directly to the source through official channels.
Protecting Yourself from Future Scams
As scams continue to evolve, protecting yourself requires ongoing vigilance:
- Verify all information through official government channels before taking action
- Be skeptical of “too good to be true” offers – legitimate government announcements don’t usually promise large cash handouts without explanation
- Check website URLs carefully – legitimate government sites always end in .gov.au
- Never click links in emails or texts claiming to be from myGov or Centrelink
- Set up additional security on your myGov account, such as a verbal password
- Keep your contact details updated with Services Australia so they can reach you through legitimate channels
- Stay informed about current scams through the Services Australia and Scamwatch websites
By maintaining healthy skepticism and following these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to government impersonation scams.
Legitimate Ways the Australian Government Helps with Cost-of-Living Pressures
While the $1,200 payment is fictional, the Australian government does implement various measures to help citizens manage rising costs:
- Regular indexation of Centrelink payments to adjust for inflation
- Energy rebates and subsidies available through state and territory programs
- Healthcare subsidies through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
- Rent Assistance for eligible recipients of Centrelink payments
- Family Tax Benefits to help with the cost of raising children
- Low Income Health Care Card providing concessions on healthcare costs and some state-based benefits
- Community and crisis support services for those facing financial hardship
These legitimate programs provide targeted assistance to those who need it most, following proper qualification processes and verification. Unlike scams promising instant cash with minimal verification, these programs require appropriate documentation and assessment.
The Broader Impact of Payment Scams
The fake Centrelink payment scam is part of a troubling trend that extends beyond individual victims:
- Undermining trust in legitimate government communication
- Creating false hope among vulnerable populations
- Overwhelming support services with inquiries about non-existent payments
- Diverting attention from genuine assistance programs
- Contributing to financial anxiety during already stressful economic times
By staying informed and reporting scams when you encounter them, you help protect not only yourself but also your community and the integrity of Australia’s social support systems.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
The claimed $1,200 Centrelink cost-of-living payment circulating online is entirely false. Services Australia has confirmed no such payment exists, and similar claims about various other amounts are equally fraudulent. These scams target vulnerable Australians seeking financial relief during challenging economic times.
While this particular payment is fictional, legitimate assistance remains available through official channels. By understanding how to identify scams, knowing where to verify official information, and reporting suspicious activity, you can protect yourself and help others avoid becoming victims.
Remember that real government support will never require you to provide sensitive information through unsecured channels or click on links in emails or text messages. When in doubt, go directly to servicesaustralia.gov.au or call Centrelink’s official helplines to verify any claims about payments or eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a $1,200 Centrelink payment being distributed in 2025?
No. Services Australia has confirmed that no such payment exists. This is a scam designed to steal personal information.
How can I verify if a Centrelink payment announcement is legitimate?
Only trust information from the official Services Australia website (servicesaustralia.gov.au) or their verified social media accounts. Legitimate government websites always end in .gov.au.
What should I do if I’ve already shared my information with a suspicious website?
Contact Services Australia’s Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk immediately at 1800 941 126, change your passwords, and monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity.
Are there any legitimate cost-of-living increases for Centrelink payments in 2025?
Yes. Regular indexation has resulted in small increases to existing payments like Age Pension, JobSeeker, and Parenting Payment, but there is no special one-off payment of $1,200.
How can I report a Centrelink payment scam?
Forward suspicious emails to [email protected] and report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.