Australian Government Payments Explained for 2026
Centrelink — the service delivery arm of Services Australia — administers income support, family payments, Medicare, and disability supports that millions of Australians rely on. The system is complex, and the rules change twice a year when rates are indexed (on 20 March and 20 September). This site explains each payment in plain English: what you may be entitled to, how the means tests work, and exactly how to claim.
Who is this for? Job seekers, students, parents, carers, people with disability, retirees approaching pension age, and anyone renting privately who may be missing out on Rent Assistance. Start with the payment that matches your situation — use the cards above — and read the eligibility and income test sections carefully, because most rejected claims fail on means test details rather than identity checks.
One thing to know up front: the rates on these pages reflect the figures published by Services Australia for 2026 (indexed 20 March 2026). Payments are re-indexed again in September, so always confirm current rates on the Services Australia website before relying on a figure.
JobSeeker Payment
Rates, eligibility criteria, mutual obligations, and step-by-step guide to claiming JobSeeker Payment in 2026.
Youth Allowance
Financial support for students, apprentices, and job seekers aged 16–24. Rates, parental means test, and how to claim.
Parenting Payment
Single and partnered rates, income and assets tests, and eligibility for parents with dependent children.
Disability Support Pension
DSP eligibility, medical evidence requirements, impairment tables, application process, and appeal rights.
Medicare Rebates
Understanding MBS rebates, bulk billing, the Medicare Safety Net, and how to claim online through myGov.
Medicare Card
How to enrol, add a new baby, replace a lost card, use the digital Medicare card, and understand your card details.
NDIS Guide
National Disability Insurance Scheme overview, eligibility, plan management options (self, plan, or agency managed), and how to apply.
Age Pension
Eligibility age, pension rates, income and assets tests, Work Bonus scheme, supplements, and the Pension Loans Scheme.
Commonwealth Rent Assistance
Rates, qualifying payments, eligibility for private renters, how CRA is calculated, and the Rent Certificate process.
Family Tax Benefit
FTB Part A and Part B rates, income thresholds, Newborn Supplement, annual reconciliation, and how to claim.
Paid Parental Leave
Parental Leave Pay and Dad and Partner Pay rates, work test, income test, how to claim, and 2026 scheme changes.
Low Income Health Care Card
Benefits, income limits, state concessions, and how to apply for the Health Care Card if you're not on Centrelink payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I claim a Centrelink payment?
Almost all claims start in myGov: link your account to Centrelink, select "Make a claim", and complete the online questionnaire for the payment you want. You will need proof of identity, income details, and payment-specific evidence (such as medical reports for DSP or rent details for Rent Assistance). Most claims are processed within a few weeks.
How often are Centrelink rates updated?
Most payments are indexed twice a year, on 20 March and 20 September, in line with CPI or wage growth. In March 2026, for example, the Age Pension and DSP rose to $1,200.90 per fortnight for singles and JobSeeker rose to $808.70 for a single person with no children.
Do I have to pay tax on Centrelink payments?
Most income support payments — JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, Age Pension, Youth Allowance — are taxable and appear on your income statement. Some payments, like Commonwealth Rent Assistance, the Energy Supplement, and most Family Tax Benefit amounts, are not taxable. The ATO and Centrelink share data, so payments are pre-filled in your tax return.
What happens if my income changes while I'm on a payment?
You must report your income — usually every fortnight through the Centrelink app or online — because payments are calculated on your actual income. If your income rises above your free area, your payment reduces under the relevant taper rate, and if you fail to report on time, your payment can be suspended.
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