Fake information about Centrelink payments
There are unofficial websites and social media accounts online sharing information about Centrelink payments that isn’t real.
Advance payment
You may get part of your income support payment or Family Tax Benefit (Part A) early. This is an advance payment. You pay it back later out of your payments from us.
Robodebt class action appeal settlement
The Commonwealth, and the applicants represented by Gordon Legal, have reached a settlement of the 2024 robodebt class action appeal.
Centrelink scams
There are different types of Centrelink scams.
Centrelink online account help - Apply for an advance payment
Instructions to apply for an advance payment using your Centrelink online account.
Centrepay is changing
We’re updating Centrepay so it works better for you. You can use Centrepay to pay for goods and services from approved businesses.
Centrelink online account help - Manage your income and assets details
Instructions to update your income and assets details using your Centrelink online account.
Centrelink online account help - Manage your advance payments
Instructions on how to repay or adjust your advance payments using your Centrelink online account.
Residence descriptions
You usually need to be an Australian resident or hold a specific visa type to get a Centrelink payment or concession card.
Income support payment
An income support payment is a regular payment that helps you with living costs.