Australia’s Centrelink offers various financial relief payments to support its citizens, including both regular and one-off payments.
These payments are crucial for helping Australians navigate unexpected financial challenges and stabilize their economic situation.
This article will explore the one-off payments set to be made by Centrelink between July and September 2024, explaining why they are provided, who is eligible, and how much they can receive. If you’re looking to understand Centrelink’s one-off payments this quarter, you’re in the right place.
Centrelink One-Off Payments 2024
Centrelink provides various one-off payments aimed at specific groups of Australians in need of financial assistance.
These payments are designed to address particular circumstances, whether it’s an unforeseen disaster, educational expenses, or a crisis at home. Let’s break down five key one-off payments that Centrelink is offering from July to September 2024.
Carer Adjustment Payment
The Carer Adjustment Payment is intended for households with children under seven years old who have suffered significant medical issues requiring extensive care.
This payment is vital for families who suddenly find themselves needing to provide full-time care without prior preparation. To qualify, the carer must already be receiving the Carer Allowance, and the child’s condition must require at least two months of attention.
Importantly, claims must be made within two years of the child’s medical condition. The payment for this quarter is $10,000.
Tertiary Access Payment
The Tertiary Access Payment supports students from regional or remote areas who must relocate for their studies. This payment helps ease the financial burden of moving away from home to pursue higher education.
To qualify, students must be under 22 years old, meet Australian residency rules, and have a family income below $250,000 per year.
The amount varies depending on the student’s location, with Outer Regional students receiving $5,000 and Inner Regional students receiving $3,000.
Crisis Payment
The Crisis Payment is for individuals who find themselves in sudden, dire need of financial assistance, such as those fleeing domestic violence or other critical situations. This payment provides immediate financial relief to help individuals regain stability.
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents and have experienced an extreme event that forces them to leave their home. The payment equals one week’s basic rate of income support.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
This payment supports individuals affected by a declared disaster, such as floods, fires, or other natural calamities. It is intended to help cover immediate expenses following such events.
To qualify, the individual must be over 16 years old and have suffered significant personal loss, such as injury, the death of a family member, or the destruction of their home. The payment amount is $1,000 for adults and $400 for children under 16 years.
New Zealand Disaster Recovery Payment
Similar to the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment, this payment is specifically for New Zealand residents living in Australia who are affected by a declared disaster.
The eligibility criteria are the same, but recipients must also have contributed to the Australian tax system for at least one year out of the past three financial years. The payment amounts are $1,000 for adults and $400 for children under 16 years.
Eligibility
Centrelink one-off payments are targeted to specific needs, and eligibility varies depending on the payment type.
Factors such as age, income, assets, residency, and specific circumstances like medical conditions or disaster impacts play a crucial role in determining who qualifies.
Summary Table
| Payment Type | Eligibility Criteria | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Carer Adjustment Payment | Carer for child under 7 with medical needs, receiving Carer Allowance | $10,000 |
| Tertiary Access Payment | Students under 22 from regional/remote areas, income < $250,000 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Crisis Payment | Immediate financial need due to crisis, Australian citizen or permanent resident | One week’s income |
| Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment | Affected by declared disaster, over 16 years old | $1,000 adults; $400 children |
| New Zealand Disaster Recovery Payment | Affected by disaster, NZ resident, contributed to Australian tax system | $1,000 adults; $400 children |
These payments are designed to provide financial support during challenging times, offering relief and helping individuals and families get back on their feet. If you think you might be eligible for one of these payments, be sure to check the specific requirements and apply as soon as possible.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Carer Adjustment Payment?
Carers of children under 7 with significant medical needs.
What is the Tertiary Access Payment for?
To support regional students relocating for tertiary education.
How much is the Crisis Payment?
Equivalent to one week’s basic income support rate.
Who can receive the Disaster Recovery Payment?
Those over 16 affected by a declared disaster.
What is the New Zealand Disaster Recovery Payment?
For NZ residents in Australia affected by a disaster.
