The government of Australia provides a payment to those citizens who are eligible for it to offer them financial support. These payments are managed by Centrelink. There are various types of payments provided by Centrelink to different people with different problems. These payouts offer monetary aid to many people, including children, parents, adults, and senior citizens. This amount is paid to help them keep pace with inflation and the rise in the cost of living.
Centrelink Payments That Are Not Available for Everyone
The payments provided by Centrelink are not meant for everyone. Only those individuals who are eligible can apply for them and start receiving it. These payments are the only source of income for many individuals. The payments are provided by the Australian government on the respective dates announced by the government or Centrelink.
These payments are not available to everyone because of the eligibility criteria. Payments can only be received by those who will qualify the eligibility criteria given by Centrelink. Some of these payments are:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- Jobseeker Payment
All these pensions have different eligibility criteria, payment amount, and payment date. An individual who qualifies the eligibility criteria can apply for these payments.
Age Pension
As the cost of living and inflation continue to rise, more problems for senior citizens and retirees are created. Age pension aims to provide them with monthly payouts so they can live a respectable life and achieve their basic needs of food, power, rent, etc.
Eligibility:
- Your age must be 67 years or older.
- You must be a citizen of Australia or a permanent resident, or you must hold an eligible visa.
- Your income must not be more than $180 per fortnight. For couples, it must not be more than $320 per fortnight.
- The assent limit must be as follows:
| Category | Asset Limit |
| Single (homeowner) | $270,500 |
| Single (non-homeowner) | $487,000 |
| Couples (homeowner) | $405,000 |
| Couples (non-homeowner) | $621,500 |
You will have to give and pass an income and assets test in order to prove your eligibility. After this, you can apply for this pension if you pass the test.
Disability Support Pension
A disability support pension is a payment that is provided to those eligible individuals who are not able to work due to mental or physical disability, permanent blindness, or any other permanent illness. Though there are certain rules regarding this pension, like the disability should be long-term and the individual must provide the medical records of the disability.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Your age must be at least 15 years and 9 months
- You must be a citizen of Australia or a permanent resident. You must be physically present at the time of the claim.
- An income and assets test will be conducted in order to prove your eligibility.
Carer Payment
A carer’s payment is provided to an individual who gives constant care to someone with a disability or a medical condition or an adult who’s frail. This care can be given in either of the houses of the caregiver or the person they are taking care of.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be a citizen of Australia or a permanent resident.
- There is no requirement for asset details and limitations.
- The person you are caring for must need care for at least 6 months.
- The applicant of care must have a medical condition assessed by a qualified professional healthcare provider.
Jobseeker Payment
This payment is provided for those who are low-income individuals and are currently looking for a job. If an individual is sick or injured and is not able to earn or study for a short time, he may be eligible for this payment.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Your age must be between 22 and Age pension age
- You must be a citizen of Australia or a permanent resident.
- You must meet the income and assets tests conducted by Centrelink.
- You’re either currently unemployed and finding work or you’re sick or injured, due to which you are not able to earn or study for a short time.