Centrelink One-Off Payment: Are the $750, $1,800, and $4,100 Bonus Payments Real?

In recent months, there has been a surge in misinformation about so-called “bonus Centrelink payments,” including claims of one-time payments like the $890 bonus payment.

These rumors have been widely circulated on social media, fraudulent websites, and even through phishing scams. However, Services Australia, the official government body managing Centrelink payments, has confirmed that these claims are entirely false.

This article aims to clarify the facts, debunk the myths, and provide you with reliable information about Centrelink payments while helping you avoid falling victim to scams.

What Are the Claims About Bonus Centrelink Payments?

The false claims include promises of one-off payments such as:

• A $890 bonus payment for cost-of-living relief
• Financial aid for concession cardholders
• Various other amounts ranging from $750 to $1,800

These rumors often suggest that the payments are designed to help Australians cope with rising living costs or provide extra support for seniors and low-income households.

Fraudulent websites and social media posts claim these payments will be deposited automatically or can be accessed by entering personal details into an online “eligibility checker.”

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The Truth Behind These Claims

Official Statement from Services Australia

Services Australia has categorically denied the existence of these bonus payments. The agency has clarified that any updates regarding Centrelink benefits or new government initiatives are only published on their official website (servicesaustralia.gov.au) or their verified social media accounts.

If a website URL does not end in “.gov.au,” it is not an official government site and could be a scam.

Common Tactics Used in Scams

Scammers often use clickbait headlines like “Centrelink Cash Relief Payment” or “One-Off Bonus Payment” to lure unsuspecting individuals.

These fraudulent sites may:

• Ask for personal information, including MyGov login credentials
• Provide fake calculators to “check eligibility”
• Lock users out of their accounts or file fraudulent claims using stolen credentials

How to Identify Fake Information

To protect yourself from misinformation and scams:

1. Verify Sources: Always check if the information comes from an official government website (ending in “.gov.au”).
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Details: Do not enter your MyGov credentials or personal information on unofficial websites.
3. Look Out for Red Flags: Be cautious of websites offering unusually large sums of money with little to no official verification.
4. Contact Services Australia: If you’re unsure about a claim, visit Services Australia’s website or call their helpline for clarification.

Why Do These Scams Exist?

These scams primarily aim to steal personal information for identity theft or fraudulent activities. In some cases, they are designed to generate advertising revenue by attracting high traffic through misleading headlines.

According to Scamwatch, Australians lost over $134 million to scams in 2024 alone, with phishing scams accounting for significant losses.

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FAQs