Amid swirling viral claims and social media chatter, many Australians are asking if a $750 one-off cost-of-living payment is scheduled for September 2025.
This article clarifies the reality, debunks the rumors, and provides a detailed breakdown of what actually happened, who did receive such payments in the past, and why no new one-off payment is forthcoming.
We break it all down with clear facts, a handy table, bullet-pointed summaries, and three FAQs to address common questions.
What Was the $750 One-Off Cost-of-Living Payment?
The $750 Economic Support Payment was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of stimulus efforts. It was disbursed in two rounds to eligible Australians already receiving welfare or holding concession cards—once in March 2020 and again in July 2020.
The purpose was to provide relief amid rising living costs and economic uncertainty.
Who Was Eligible & When Were Payments Made?
Eligibility hinged on whether a person:
- Was residing in Australia
- Held an eligible welfare payment or concession card, such as Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Allowance, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Family Tax Benefit, and others
- Did not receive the Coronavirus Supplement, which disqualified recipients from automatic payment
Payment was automatic—no application was required. Reference dates determined eligibility, such as 10 July 2020 for the July payment. Over $750 was paid twice to those eligible (once per round), totalling up to $1,500 in this scheme.
What’s the Reality for September 2025?
By September 2025, Services Australia (Centrelink) and official channels have confirmed:
- There is no announcement of a new $750 one-off payment for cost of living.
- Rumours circulating online—often via clickbait or scammy sites—claim such payments are coming. These have been firmly debunked by Centrelink. Any headline about a “one-off cash boost” is false.
- Instead, beneficiaries are receiving standard scheduled adjustments—semi-annual indexation of social security payments—to keep pace with inflation.
Scheduled Indexation Is Happening Instead
From September 2025, eligible welfare recipients will receive modest increases to regular payments. This is indexation, not a bonus or one-off grant:
- Centrelink payments like Age Pension, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, etc., are adjusted twice yearly to reflect inflation.
- For example, earlier that year, recipients saw increases—$4.60 extra per fortnight for single Age Pensioners; $3.10 extra for single JobSeeker recipients—not one-off lumps sums.
Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Past $750 Payment Rounds | March 2020 and July 2020, paid automatically to eligible welfare/concession card holders |
| Eligibility Criteria (2020) | Resident, eligible welfare payment or concession card, not receiving Coronavirus Supplement |
| Application Requirement (2020) | None—payments were automatic |
| September 2025 Status | No new $750 one-off payment announced; rumours debunked |
| What Is Happening Instead (2025) | Regular scheduled indexation of welfare payments to reflect inflation |
| Where to Verify Info | Always check official .gov.au sources to avoid scams or misleading claims |
Why Rumours Spread & How to Stay Safe
It’s easy to be misled by clickbait claiming surprise payments. Scammers prey on financial fears by using terms like “one-off payment” or “cash relief” to hook readers. Always verify via official .gov.au sources:
- Scam red flags: asking for login info, unfamiliar URLs, pressure to act fast
- Always double-check announcements via the Services Australia website or verified social media channels
In summary, the much-talked-about $750 one-off cost-of-living payment in September 2025 is not real—it’s a myth circulating online.
The last legitimate installments occurred in March and July 2020. What Australians receive in 2025 are scheduled, modest indexation increases to ongoing welfare payments, not surprise cash injections.
To stay informed, always rely on trusted official sources and be wary of anything promising free money with no precedent or verification.
Stay safe, stay informed, and keep an eye on reliable announcements—not rumor mills
FAQs
Will I receive a $750 cost-of-living payment in September 2025?
No. Centrelink has confirmed no such one-off payment is planned or approved.
What was the $750 payment during COVID-19, and who got it?
It was an Economic Support Payment paid in March and July 2020, automatically issued to welfare recipients or concession card holders meeting eligibility at the time.
How can I trust official information and avoid scams?
Always rely on official government sources ending in .gov.au. Avoid links from social media or unfamiliar websites and never enter personal or myGov credentials on suspicious pages.
