To ease the ongoing burden of rising living costs, the Australian Government has confirmed a $250 cost-of-living payment for eligible pensioners in May 2025.
This one-off supplement is designed to provide timely relief to seniors and vulnerable Australians receiving government income support.
This measure is part of the broader economic support strategy for low-income households as the nation navigates inflationary pressures.
Who Is Eligible for the $250 Pension Supplement?
The $250 payment is not available to everyone — it targets specific groups who are already receiving federal assistance through Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs.
Eligible Pension & Support Payments Include:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- Carer Allowance (not receiving income support)
- JobSeeker Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Parenting Payment
- Austudy/ABSTUDY Living Allowance
- Special Benefit
- Farm Household Allowance
- Double Orphan Pension
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Recipients:
- Service Pension
- Income Support Supplement
- Veteran Payment
- War Widow(er)’s Pension
- Special Rate Disability Pension
- Disability Compensation Payment
Eligible Cardholders:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- DVA Gold Card
Note: You will only receive one payment even if you qualify under multiple categories.
When Will the $250 Be Paid?
The $250 payment will be automatically deposited into the bank accounts of eligible recipients starting mid-May 2025. There is no need to apply. Individuals will receive the funds through their usual Centrelink or DVA payment channels.
Updated Pension Amounts – 2025
Aside from the $250 one-time payment, the federal government has also adjusted pension rates to reflect the rising cost of living. These changes took effect in March 2025 and are reflected below:
Current Pension Rates (Fortnightly)
| Recipient Type | Fortnightly Amount | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Single Pensioner | $1,144.40 | +$28.10 |
| Couple (each) | $862.60 | +$21.20 |
| Couple (combined) | $1,725.20 | +$42.40 |
| Illness-separated couple rate | $1,144.40 | +$28.10 |
These adjusted payments are already in effect and will continue alongside the $250 bonus in May.
How to Make Sure You Get Paid
To ensure you don’t miss the $250 supplement:
- Update your bank details with Centrelink or DVA
- Confirm your eligibility for listed payments or cards
- Watch your bank statement in May for the deposit
Those eligible do not need to take any further action — the process is automatic.
Summary of Key Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $250 (one-off) |
| Payment Date | Mid-May 2025 |
| Application Needed | No – automatic payment |
| Eligibility | Centrelink/DVA recipients, cardholders |
| Repeat Payment? | No – single payment only |
The $250 extra for Aussie pensioners in May 2025 comes as a timely relief amid the economic strain many households are experiencing.
This support targets the most vulnerable — including seniors, veterans, and low-income recipients — offering short-term financial aid without requiring any additional steps to claim it.
With adjusted pension rates and supplemental relief, Australia is taking action to protect those who need it most.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the $250 pension supplement?
No. The payment will be automatically made if you’re eligible.
What if I receive more than one eligible payment?
You will only receive one $250 payment, even if eligible under multiple categories.
Will this $250 be taxed or affect other benefits?
No. The payment is tax-free and does not impact your regular pension or other entitlements.