If you’ve been scrolling through social media or stumbled across online ads about a $1,144 Centrelink cash boost in 2025, you’re probably wondering if it’s legit. With cost of living pressures hitting Australian households hard, the idea of extra cash sounds brilliant—but is it too good to be true?
Let’s cut through the confusion and get you the facts straight from the official sources.
The Short Answer: Be Very Careful
Services Australia has officially warned that there are unofficial websites and social media accounts spreading false information about Centrelink payments that don’t actually exist. These misleading sites often advertise varying amounts of money, including $750, $950, $1,800, and $4,100 in so-called “one-off bonus payments.”
The $1,144 figure being thrown around online appears to be part of this misinformation campaign. As of September 2025, Services Australia has confirmed there is no specific “one-off cash boost” of this amount for Centrelink recipients.
What’s Actually Happening with Centrelink Payments
While there’s no $1,144 lump sum payment, Centrelink recipients are still getting financial support through other legitimate means:
Regular Payment Increases
Millions of Australians receiving Centrelink payments received increased rates in September 2025 as part of the government’s regular indexation process, which adjusts payments in line with changes to the cost of living, wages, and inflation. For example, singles on the Age Pension, Carer Payment, and Disability Support Pension received an extra $29.70 per fortnight, while couples got an additional $44.80 combined.
Energy Bill Relief
While not a Centrelink payment per se, eligible households are receiving energy bill relief credits split into two $75 rebates—one on bills between July–September, the other from October–December 2025.
How to Spot Fake Centrelink Information
Services Australia emphasises that if a website URL doesn’t end in .gov.au, it isn’t an official government website and could be a scam. The only genuine Services Australia and myGov websites are servicesaustralia.gov.au and my.gov.au.
Red flags to watch for:
- Claims of secret or exclusive payments
- Websites that don’t end in .gov.au
- Requests for personal banking details via email or text
- Promises of amounts like $1,144, $1,831, or other specific figures not announced officially
- Clickbait headlines designed to get your attention
What Real Centrelink Payments Are Available
| Payment Type | Details | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Indexation | Twice-yearly payment increases (March & September) | Automatic for existing recipients |
| Energy Bill Relief | $150 total in bill credits for 2025 | Automatic if eligible |
| Crisis Payment | One-off payment for extreme circumstances | Apply through myGov |
| Disaster Recovery Payment | For those affected by natural disasters | Apply through myGov |
What You Should Do
If you’re a Centrelink recipient:
- Only trust information from servicesaustralia.gov.au
- Check your myGov account regularly for official updates
- Keep your contact and banking details up to date
- Don’t click on suspicious links or provide personal details to unofficial websites
- If you’re unsure about something you’ve seen online, call Services Australia directly
Services Australia always announces changes to payments or services on their official website and official social media channels first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the $1,144 Centrelink cash boost payment real?
No, there is currently no official $1,144 one-off payment from Centrelink. This appears to be misinformation spread through unofficial websites and social media. Always check Services Australia’s official website for accurate payment information.
Q: How do I find out about genuine Centrelink payment increases?
Log into your myGov account linked to Centrelink, or visit servicesaustralia.gov.au for official announcements. Centrelink also sends notifications through your myGov inbox when there are changes to your payments.
Q: What should I do if I receive a text or email about a Centrelink payment I wasn’t expecting?
Don’t click any links or provide personal information. Centrelink will never ask for your personal details via text or email. Contact Services Australia directly through their official website or phone lines to verify any communication.
Q: Are there any legitimate one-off Centrelink payments available in 2025?
Yes, but they’re limited to specific circumstances. Crisis Payment is available for people in extreme circumstances and severe financial hardship, and Disaster Recovery Payment is available for those affected by declared natural disasters. These require applications through myGov.
Q: How can I tell if a Centrelink website is official?
Official government websites always end in .gov.au. For Services Australia and Centrelink information, only trust servicesaustralia.gov.au and my.gov.au. Any other website is not official and could be spreading false information or attempting to scam you.
