Here is information about the $700 Cost-of-Living Cash Boost provided by the Australian Government in 2025. The government is providing this assistance to citizens who are struggling with rising inflation and the rising cost of everyday needs. If you are wondering who will get this assistance, how to get it, and what to do if you don’t get it—then this article is for you.
Australia’s $700 Cost-of-Living Cash Boost 2025
To provide relief from inflation, the Australian Government has decided to provide a one-time cash assistance of $700 in 2025. This payment is being given with the aim of providing financial support to pensioners, low-income people and the unemployed. If you are eligible and are already receiving a payment from Centrelink (the government social service department), then this amount will automatically come to your bank account from March 1, 2025.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $700 (one-time payment) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Australian residents receiving government support payments, including Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Parenting Payment, and veteran pensions. |
| Application Process | Automatic for most eligible recipients; others may need to apply via myGov |
| Disbursement Date | From March 1, 2025 |
| Official Resource | Services Australia – Cost of Living Payment |
What is the $700 living assistance?
This assistance is part of a wider effort by the Australian Government to tackle rising inflation and provide financial support to those in need.
In the past few years, rent rates in Australia have risen by up to 10% and electricity bills have risen by up to 20%. This has left many families struggling financially. Through this one-time payment, the Government wants to help low-income families and individuals to meet their essential expenses.
This payment is similar to the inflation assistance schemes made earlier and will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
Who is eligible for this $700 assistance?
You must meet two conditions to get this payment:
1. You must be a resident of Australia
You must be legally living in Australia and receiving payments from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
2. You must be a recipient of one of these government assistance (as of 28 February 2025)
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- Unemployment Allowance
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy, ABSTUDY – Living Allowance
- Parenting Payment – Single & Partnered
- Veterans’ Service Pension and some DVA payments
If you are not included in these government assistance schemes as of 28 February 2025, you will not receive this payment.
How to claim $700 assistance?
Most beneficiaries under this scheme do not need to make any application.
If you are eligible, this amount will be automatically deposited into your account from 1 March 2025. However, if you don’t receive a payment by 15 March 2025, you should take the following steps:
- Check your eligibility – Make sure you were receiving eligible government payments by 28 February 2025.
- Update your information – Update your bank account and contact details with Centrelink or DVA.
- Log in to myGov – Check for any information or updates there.
- Contact Centrelink – If you still haven’t received a payment, contact Services Australia (Centrelink) or DVA.
Who will benefit the most from this payment?
1.Seniors and pensioners
Older people are facing difficulties due to rising health care costs, high rent rates and electricity bills. This amount will help them meet their basic needs.
2. Unemployed and low-income people
Many people receiving JobSeeker and Youth Allowance are struggling to meet their rent and food expenses. This $700 will provide temporary relief, although many are demanding that the government increase these allowances in the long term.
3. Family and caregivers
People receiving Parenting Payment and Carer Payment will benefit greatly from this payment, as expenses related to children and family are constantly increasing.
How is the government raising funds for this scheme?
This $700 payment is part of a $3 billion relief package included in the Australian Government’s 2025-26 federal budget. The government will deliver this relief amount directly to those in need using funds obtained from tax revenue and surplus collections.
Experts say that one-time cash payments do not contribute much to increasing inflation, while permanent increases in government assistance schemes can have a greater impact on inflation.
What are other support options if you do not get a $700 payment?
If you are not eligible for this scheme, you can take advantage of other government schemes:
1.Energy Bill Relief Rebates
- For low-income families and pensioners
- Up to $350 per year discount on electricity bills
2. Rent Assistance
- Low-income tenants receiving Centrelink payments
- Up to an additional $193 per fortnight
3. Emergency Financial Assistance
- Provided by various states and territories
- Includes food vouchers, utility bill subsidies, and short-term financial assistance
You can find out about your eligibility by visiting the official website of Services Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will I receive this $700 payment?
The payment will be credited to bank accounts between 1 March 2025 and 15 March 2025.
Do I have to apply for this amount?
No. Eligible beneficiaries will receive this amount automatically in their bank account.
What to do if you don’t receive the amount by 15 March?
Log in to myGov, update your information, and contact Centrelink or DVA.
Is this amount taxable?
No. This $700 payment is completely tax-free and will not affect other government benefits.
Will people receiving disability support get this payment?
Yes. People receiving Disability Support Pension are eligible under this scheme.
Will there be more such payments after 2025?
So far the government has not confirmed any further such payments in the future. But if inflation remains high, further support schemes may come.