There has been widespread confusion about $750 Centrelink payment. However, it is important to clarify that no such payment has been officially announced by the Australian Government. Various sources, including Services Australia and reliable news outlets, confirm that there is no planned $750 one-off payment at this time. Instead, the government has implemented routine increases to various benefits to help Australians cope with inflation and the rising cost of living
How Did This Rumor Start?
The rumors about a $750 Centrelink payment started from misinformation shared online and on social media. People confused past payments with new, non-existent bonuses. Many websites spread this false news, making it go viral. To avoid falling for these rumors, always verify news with official sources. The rumor spread through word of mouth, online searches, and potentially fraudulent messages. These messages often include links that claim to provide more information or an application process for the non-existent bonus.
Current Government Payments and Increases
The Australian Government has announced various payment increases due to routine indexation to help with the rising cost of living. These adjustments took effect from July 1, 2024:
- Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment: Recipients will see an increase in their payments due to changes in income and asset thresholds.
- Family Payments: The Family Tax Benefit Part A and Part B, along with other supplements such as the Newborn Supplement and Multiple Birth Allowance, have also been increased.
- Rent Assistance and Other Supplements: Increases in these areas are designed to provide additional support to those affected by the cost of living crisis (Services Australia) (7NEWS).
Current Government Payments
The only confirmed additional payment for 2024-2025 is a $300 energy supplement, which will be applied directly to household energy bills.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
Here are some steps to protect yourself:
- Verify Communications: If you receive a suspicious call or message, do not provide personal information. Verify the source by contacting the organization directly using official contact details.
- Avoid Clicking on Unverified Links: Do not click on links from unsolicited messages or emails. These could lead to scam.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspected scams to your bank, local authorities, and the ACCC SCAMWATCH.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
- Contact Your Bank: Inform them immediately to potentially stop or recover unauthorized transactions.
- Change Your Passwords: Update passwords for your online banking and other important accounts.
- Seek Support: Contact IDCARE for assistance with identity and cyber security concerns, and reach out to financial counselors for additional support.
FAQ: $750 Centrelink Payment
1. Is there a $750 Centrelink payment for pensioners?
No, there is no $750 Centrelink payment for pensioners. The Australian Government has not announced any such bonus payment (Services Australia)
2. How can I verify if a Centrelink payment is real?
To verify the authenticity of any Centrelink payment, check the official Services Australia website or other government websites ending in ‘gov.au’. You can also contact Centrelink directly using verified contact details (Services Australia).
3. What should I do if I receive a message about the $750 payment?
Do not click on any links or provide personal information. Report the message to your bank, local authorities, and ACCC SCAMWATCH. It is important to be cautious and verify any unsolicited communications regarding financial payments
4. Are there any other one-off payments or bonuses planned by the government?
Currently, the only confirmed one-off payment is a $300 energy supplement to help with household energy bills for 2024-2025. There are no other bonus payments announced at this time (Services Australia).