Services Australia has rejected recent claims circulating online that suggest Centrelink is preparing to send out substantial one-off payments to millions of Australians. These unsubstantiated rumours have sparked confusion and concern among recipients, but the government agency insists no such announcement has been made.
The speculation of bonus payments, reportedly ranging from $250 to $1,300, has been dismissed as misleading. While there are no immediate financial boosts on the horizon, Services Australia urges the public to be cautious of such scams.
The False Rumours Circulating Online
Over the past week, social media and various websites have been flooded with articles claiming that Centrelink would issue two separate payments—$250 and $1,300—designed to alleviate the pressures of high rent, utilities, food, and other living expenses. According to these reports, the payments would be distributed to a broad range of recipients, including pensioners, jobseekers, and students, in September and October.
However, Services Australia has swiftly debunked these claims. Spokesperson Hank Jongen stated, “We haven’t made any announcements about any one-off or additional bonus payments, and I’m worried this might be a scam.” The agency further warned that these misleading articles are often used to direct users to fraudulent websites or generate advertising revenue.
Jongen advised Australians to be vigilant when encountering such claims, emphasising the importance of checking official government sources. He encouraged the public to always verify the legitimacy of websites by looking for the “.gov.au” domain, which denotes an official government site.
Growing Concerns Over Online Scams
As these rumours continue to spread, Services Australia has also raised concerns about the growing number of scams targeting Centrelink recipients. In addition to fake news articles, scammers have been using emails, text messages, and fraudulent websites to deceive individuals into providing personal information.
These scams often threaten that payments could be cancelled, fines imposed, or debts incurred if recipients fail to comply with new, non-existent rules. According to Services Australia, people should ignore any communication that claims to change Centrelink’s requirements or threatens penalties.
Centrelink Payments to Increase in September
Although no one-off cash boost is on the way, many Centrelink recipients will see their payments increase in September. From the 20th, more than five million people—including those receiving the Age Pension, JobSeeker, and Disability Support Pension—will benefit from a scheduled rise in payments. This increase is designed to help individuals keep up with inflation and the rising costs of living.
While the increase may not align with the false rumours of large one-off payments, the additional $29.70 per fortnight provides vital support for those facing financial hardship, particularly pensioners and jobseekers grappling with soaring living expenses.
