The amount is usually the same as JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance.
We update payment rates for Special Benefit on both of the following:
- 1 January each year if you’re under 21 and have no children
- 20 March and 20 September each year if you have dependent children or are 21 or older.
Special Benefit is a taxable Centrelink payment if you’re 16 or older. Read about paying tax on your payment.
If you’re in financial hardship, you may be eligible for other support.
For more information, you can either:
- call the Employment services line.
- visit a service centre.
Contact numbers available on this page.
Centrelink employment services line
Use this line if you need help with JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance for job seekers, Assurance of support for visa applicants, Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or to talk with a social worker.
There are other ways you may want to contact us.