Claim Your $1,490 Centrelink Payment for Low Income: In recent weeks, reports have surfaced online about a $1,490 Centrelink payment supposedly being issued in May 2025 for low-income Australians. These claims, widely circulated through social media and blog articles, have left many wondering if they’re eligible and when the funds will arrive. However, as of now, Services Australia — the official agency that administers Centrelink payments — has not confirmed any such payment. This article aims to clarify the facts, debunk the misinformation, and provide a clear, trustworthy breakdown of what support is currently available through Centrelink.
Claim Your $1,490 Centrelink Payment for Low Income
The rumor of a $1,490 Centrelink payment for low-income Australians in May 2025 is unfounded and unverified by official government sources. While Centrelink does offer valuable financial support, it’s crucial to distinguish between legitimate assistance and misleading or fraudulent claims.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | No official $1,490 Centrelink payment announced |
| Confirmation Status | Not verified by Services Australia |
| Official Sources | servicesaustralia.gov.au |
| Common Scams | Phishing emails, fake websites, misleading social media posts |
| What to Do | Verify through myGov, report scams to Scamwatch |
| Alternative Support | JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Disability Support Pension, Age Pension, Austudy |
| Last Verified Payments | $400 Cost of Living Bonus (April 2025), $1,144 top-up payments, $250–$750 Cost-of-Living relief |
Understanding the Rumor: Is the $1,490 Payment Real?
There’s currently no evidence from Services Australia, the Department of Social Services, or myGov that a $1,490 Centrelink payment is scheduled for May 2025.
Where Did the Rumor Come From?
The claim appears to have originated from third-party websites that often publish speculative or misleading articles to drive traffic. These articles sometimes mention actual Centrelink payment amounts, such as the $400 Cost of Living Payment or $1,144 one-off boosts provided in early 2025, but misattribute them as part of a new $1,490 benefit.
Be cautious: These types of headlines can often lead to phishing scams or data harvesting websites mimicking government portals.
How to Protect Yourself from Centrelink Scams?
Centrelink scams are unfortunately common, and they can come in many forms — emails, text messages, social media posts, and fake websites.
Here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Only trust government websites: Make sure the URL ends in
.gov.au. - Don’t share personal details via email or SMS: Centrelink will never ask for sensitive information this way.
- Use myGov for official correspondence: Log in directly at my.gov.au to check for any legitimate updates.
- Report scams: Use the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s official platform, Scamwatch.gov.au, to report suspicious activity.
What Payments ARE Available from Centrelink in 2025?
While the $1,490 claim is unfounded, Centrelink has provided other legitimate financial support in 2025, including:
1. $400 Cost of Living Bonus – April 2025
This one-off payment was issued to:
- Age Pension recipients
- Disability Support Pensioners
- Carer Payment recipients
- JobSeeker and Youth Allowance recipients
2. $250–$750 Relief Payments
Issued based on household income and dependency levels. These were designed to ease inflation pressure.
3. $1,144 Cost-of-Living Boost
A larger top-up package was paid to multiple Centrelink customers who met income thresholds.
4. Ongoing Payments
If you’re struggling financially, you may be eligible for:
- JobSeeker Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Austudy (for students over 25)
- Parenting Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Allowance
Step-by-Step: How to Check for Real $1,490 Centrelink Payment for Low Income
Step 1: Log in to myGov
- Go to my.gov.au
- Use your username and password or link your account to Centrelink if it’s your first time
Step 2: Review Correspondence
- Check your inbox for any new messages about upcoming payments
- Real announcements will show up here, not via random social media messages
Step 3: Visit the Payment Calendar
- Services Australia provides a Payment and Reporting Calendar to check upcoming scheduled payments
Step 4: Contact Centrelink if in Doubt
- Call the official Centrelink number: 132 850
- Use the Centrelink contact form for general inquiries
$400 Centrelink Payment Coming This April – Check If You Qualify!
Centrelink Payment Dates In 2025 – Know Full Year Centrelink Payment Schedule
Centrelink’s $2,897 Payment for Students in 2025: Check Eligibility Criteria!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is there a real $1,490 Centrelink payment in May 2025?
A: No. As of now, no such payment has been announced or confirmed by Services Australia.
Q2: Can I still get other Centrelink payments if I’m on a low income?
A: Yes. You may qualify for payments like JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, or Parenting Payment, depending on your age, income, and family situation.
Q3: What do I do if I see a post claiming I can apply for the $1,490 payment?
A: Do not click on links or share any personal information.
Q4: Where do I find official information about Centrelink payments?
A: Visit the official site at servicesaustralia.gov.au or log into your myGov account.
Q5: Can Centrelink payments change over time?
A: Yes. Centrelink payment amounts and eligibility rules can change based on legislation and the federal budget.