Australia Centrelink Guide

Centrelink is the welfare and payments service run by the Australian Government (Services Australia). Even as a foreigner living in Australia, you may be able to receive some support depending on your visa type and residency requirements. Eligibility and amounts vary with your situation and change often, so always check your own eligibility on the official site before claiming.

This page is general guidance and does not replace an individual eligibility assessment. Payment types, amounts, residency requirements and waiting periods change often with government policy. Check whether you can claim and the exact amount at Services Australia (servicesaustralia.gov.au) for your own situation.

What is Centrelink?

Centrelink is the payments agency under Services Australia, handling a range of payments including income support, family support and student support. Most payments are primarily for Australian citizens or permanent residents, but some temporary visa holders can also claim things like family or crisis support under certain conditions. Below is an overview of the main payment types.

Main payment types

JobSeeker Payment — income support for people looking for work (if residency, age and eligibility requirements are met)
Youth Allowance — support for young people who are students, apprentices or job-seekers
Austudy — study support for people aged 25 and over in full-time study or an apprenticeship
Family Tax Benefit / Parenting Payment — family support for households raising children
Rent Assistance — rent help paid on top to eligible payment recipients

The list above is only a sample, and each payment's name, eligibility and amount can change. The most accurate way to check which payment applies to you is the official 'Payment and Service Finder'.

Residency Requirements and Waiting Periods

Residence requirements

Most income-support payments require you to be residing in Australia and usually to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Temporary visa holders (working holiday, student, some bridging visas, etc.) often aren't eligible for general income support, but some items such as child-related family support or crisis support may be claimable under separate conditions. Always check officially what's possible on your visa.

Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period

Even if you've just received permanent residency, some payments have a 'newly arrived resident's waiting period' where you can only claim after a set time has passed since arriving in Australia (or obtaining PR). The length of the waiting period and which payments it applies to vary with policy, so check the exact period in official guidance.

The payments affected and any exemptions differ per payment (refugees, humanitarian visa holders and some others may be exempt).
Some support (e.g. certain family payments) may be available even during the waiting period.
Check the latest specifics on the period and exemption requirements on the official 'Newly arrived residents waiting period' page.

Visa conditions and payment eligibility are closely linked. Claiming with incorrect information can cause processing delays or affect your visa, so it's safest for temporary visa holders to check their own eligibility through official channels before claiming.

Linking myGov

Centrelink online services are accessed through the government's integrated portal, myGov. After creating a myGov account and 'linking' the Centrelink service, you can claim, submit documents and check payment history online. You can also do many tasks via the mobile apps (myGov, Express Plus Centrelink).

Linking Centrelink to myGov

Create or sign in to a myGov account at my.gov.au.
Select 'Centrelink' from the list of services to link it.
Complete the identity verification needed to link (e.g. a CRN or direct identity verification).

What is a CRN (Customer Reference Number)?

A CRN is the personal customer number issued by Centrelink, used to link your account and make claims. If you don't have a CRN, you can get a new one through identity verification in myGov or, if needed, by visiting a service centre. See the official guidance for how to get one.

Claim Process

Documents to prepare before claiming

Proof of identity and residency status, such as passport and visa details
Tax File Number (TFN) and bank account details (BSB and account number)
Income and asset documents (for payments with an assets test)
Any extra evidence required by the payment you're claiming (enrolment certificate, tenancy agreement, etc.)

The online claim flow

You usually sign in to myGov, link Centrelink, select the payment you're eligible for, fill in the claim and upload the required documents. After submitting, you can track the status online, and if more information is requested you must respond within the deadline. Processing time varies with the payment and the time of year.

Reporting accurately is important. If your income or circumstances change, report it promptly to avoid overpayment or a debt. If you need an assessment of your own situation, contact Services Australia directly.

Support by Situation (Students, Job-seekers, Families, etc.)

Students

Study support

Eligible people in full-time study or an apprenticeship can claim study support such as Youth Allowance or Austudy, depending on age and eligibility (if residency requirements are met). A student visa alone generally may not make you eligible, so checking is needed.

Job-seekers

Job-seeker support

Eligible job-seekers receive income support through payments like JobSeeker Payment along with job-search obligations (mutual obligation). Eligibility includes residency, age and income requirements.

Families

Family & parenting support

Households raising children can look into family support such as Family Tax Benefit, Parenting Payment and the Child Care Subsidy. Some items may apply to temporary visa families conditionally.

Crisis

Crisis & emergency support

In crisis situations such as a disaster or family violence, separate crisis support or an emergency payment may be available. Eligibility and the process differ by situation, so check with a nearby service centre or official guidance.

The categories above are general guidance to aid understanding, and the payments and amounts you can actually claim depend on your situation, visa and income. We recommend checking the support that suits you with the 'Payment and Service Finder'.

Useful Links

Centrelink In-Depth Guide — Mutual Obligations, Means Testing, Visa-Based Eligibility and Claiming Online

Going beyond the payment overview and claim process covered in the basic guide, this section unpacks the practical details you'll actually run into as a recipient — mutual obligations, income and assets testing, visa-based eligibility, waiting periods, and the ins and outs of claiming online. All figures and eligibility criteria change regularly with government policy, so always base your final decisions on the official guidance from Services Australia (servicesaustralia.gov.au).

Mutual Obligations and JobSeeker Conditions in Depth

What Are Mutual Obligation Requirements?

If you're on JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance as a job seeker, you need to complete job search and employment preparation activities in return for your payment — these are known as 'mutual obligations'. Your activities are managed through your online account with Workforce Australia (workforceaustralia.gov.au), the government employment service, or through a contracted employment services provider. Requirements can be adjusted or waived based on personal circumstances such as illness or caring responsibilities, so always check your own account to see exactly what applies to you.

The Initial Appointment and Your Job Plan

Once your payment starts, you'll have an initial appointment with Workforce Australia or your provider, where you'll agree to and sign a Job Plan covering things like how many jobs to apply for, training participation and interview attendance. If you don't agree to a Job Plan, your payment may not start or may be stopped. Missing an appointment without notice is the most common reason payments get suspended, so if you need to change a time, reschedule in advance through the app or by phone.

Points Based Activation System (PBAS)

If you manage your requirements online through Workforce Australia, you'll work towards a monthly points target made up of various activities — job applications, completing courses, attending interviews and more. The standard target sits around 100 points a month with a minimum number of job applications, but it can be lowered for your individual circumstances, such as where you live, caring responsibilities or your health. Your Workforce Australia account is the place to confirm your exact target and the list of activities that count.

Penalties for Non-Compliance (Targeted Compliance Framework)

If you don't meet your requirements, you accrue demerits — your payment is initially suspended, and it usually resumes once you re-engage. If non-compliance is judged to be repeated or deliberate, it can escalate to payment reductions or cancellation for a period. If you're unwell or dealing with an emergency, let your provider or Centrelink know beforehand and keep a record of the reason to avoid penalties.

Exemptions and Reduced Requirements

Your mutual obligations can be temporarily waived or scaled back for reasons such as illness (a Medical Certificate from your doctor is required), caring for children, caring responsibilities, family and domestic violence, or natural disasters. Exemptions aren't applied automatically — you need to apply to Centrelink with supporting evidence. Some groups, such as older job seekers, may be able to meet part of their requirements through volunteering, so check with Services Australia to see whether this applies to you.

Common Mistakes — Missed Reporting Days and No-Shows

If you don't report your income and activities on your scheduled reporting day each payment period, that period's payment will be held. Delaying contact after missing an appointment also drags out the suspension, so if something comes up, let them know straight away via the app or phone. Doing an activity but not recording it can still count as non-compliance, so get into the habit of logging your job applications in your account as you go.

Income and Assets Testing and How Payments Are Reduced

How the Income Test Works

Income support payments assess your income each fortnight, with an income free area — an amount you can earn before your payment is affected. Income above that is generally tapered, reducing your payment by 50 or 60 cents for every dollar depending on the bracket, but the exact amounts and thresholds change regularly. Your partner's income is assessed together with yours, so check the 'Income test' page for your specific payment on Services Australia to see the real impact.

The Assets Test

Assets limits differ depending on whether you're single or partnered and whether you're a homeowner, and exceeding the limit can mean your claim is knocked back altogether. Vehicles, savings and investments are all assessable. The limits are adjusted every year, so go by the latest figures on the Services Australia 'Assets test' page rather than any numbers in this guide.

Exempt Assets — Your Home and Super

As a rule, the home you live in (your principal home) is exempt from the assets test. Superannuation balances are usually exempt while you're under Age Pension age, but counted once you reach it. If you're unsure how an asset is classified, you can use the Financial Information Service (FIS), a free financial information service run by Services Australia.

Liquid Assets Waiting Period

If your readily available funds — cash, savings and the like — exceed the threshold, a waiting period of up to 13 weeks may apply before your payment starts, depending on how much you hold. Waiting until your savings run down before claiming can actually work against you, so it's safer to claim as soon as you're eligible and let Centrelink work out any waiting period. Check the official page for the thresholds and how it's calculated.

Working Credit and Income Reporting

Starting work doesn't mean your payment stops in full straight away — Working Credit built up during periods when you weren't working can offset part of your employment income and delay the reduction. You must report your income accurately on every reporting day, and it's automatically cross-checked against the Single Touch Payroll data your employer lodges with the ATO. If under-reporting is picked up, the overpaid amount becomes a debt you'll have to repay, so stick to the rule of reporting your gross (before-tax) income.

Use the Official Tools (Payment and Service Finder)

What you actually receive after reductions depends on the combination of your income, assets and family situation, so figures floating around community forums are an easy way to get it wrong. Services Australia's Payment and Service Finder and the rates information on each payment page are the only reliable references. Keep in mind that your visa status can also change your eligibility even in otherwise identical circumstances.

Support Pathways and Special Payments for Temporary Visa Holders

Special Benefit — the Payment of Last Resort

Special Benefit is for people in severe financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control who aren't eligible for any other income support payment. Some temporary visa holders may be able to apply depending on their visa type, but the income and assets testing is very strict and approval rates are known to be low. Check the Special Benefit page on Services Australia first to see whether your visa allows you to apply.

Crisis Payment — a One-Off Payment in a Crisis

This is a one-off payment for extreme situations, such as having to leave your home due to family and domestic violence or losing your home in a disaster. However, you generally need to already be receiving an income support payment — or be eligible for one at the same time — so it isn't open to all temporary visa holders. Even if you don't qualify, non-government avenues like Emergency Relief below are still there, so don't give up.

Emergency Relief — Community Support Regardless of Visa

Rather than a Centrelink payment, this is food, vouchers and small amounts of emergency assistance run by community organisations such as the Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society and Anglicare, funded by the government (Department of Social Services). Help is often available regardless of your visa status, making it a genuine safety net for working holiday makers and international students. You can find services near you through Ask Izzy (askizzy.org.au).

Disaster Support (Disaster Recovery Payment / Allowance)

For people affected by government-declared disasters such as floods and bushfires, a lump sum (Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment) or short-term income support (Disaster Recovery Allowance) may be made available. Residence requirements usually apply, but depending on the disaster, separate ex-gratia support for visa holders is sometimes announced. If a disaster hits, check the Services Australia disaster support pages to see what's available on your visa.

Family Assistance May Be Possible in Some Cases (Family Tax Benefit and Others)

Family assistance applies different residence rules from general income support, so some temporary visa holders (for example, on a provisional partner visa) can be eligible for Family Tax Benefit and similar payments. Eligibility comes down to your visa subclass, so don't assume 'temporary visa means no' — run your situation through the Payment and Service Finder. Claims lodged with incorrect information can be delayed, so make sure your visa details are accurate.

Residence Rule Exemptions and Special Visa Categories

Refugee and Humanitarian Entrants

People who arrive on a permanent humanitarian visa are exempt from the newly arrived resident's waiting period and can claim most income support payments straight after arrival. They can also access early settlement help through the Humanitarian Settlement Program, contracted out by the Department of Home Affairs. Exemptions are assessed by visa subclass, so submit accurate visa evidence with your claim.

Provisional Partner Visas (subclass 820/309)

Provisional partner visa holders — those not yet at the permanent stage — have limited access to general income support, but some family assistance may apply, and Special Benefit can be considered in hardship. Note that even within 'partner visas', the provisional and permanent stages (801/100) carry different entitlements, so check against the subclass you currently hold. Special protections may apply in situations such as relationship breakdown or family and domestic violence, so contact Services Australia directly.

Watch Out for Assurance of Support (AoS)

Some family migration visas come with an Assurance of Support (AoS) condition, where an assurer takes responsibility for the applicant's living costs for a set period. If the person being assured receives certain Centrelink payments during that period, the amount becomes a debt the assurer must repay to the government. Before claiming, make sure you know whether AoS applies to your visa and which payments are recoverable.

New Zealand Citizens (Special Category Visa, subclass 444)

New Zealand citizens live in Australia on a Special Category Visa (SCV) granted automatically on arrival, but entitlements differ between 'protected SCV' holders who arrived before 26 February 2001 and those who arrived later. Later arrivals have limited access to payments, though the direct pathway to Australian citizenship that opened in July 2023 can broaden entitlements once citizenship is granted. Check which category you fall into, and your eligibility payment by payment, on the Services Australia pages for New Zealand citizens.

Bridging Visas

Bridging visa holders generally aren't eligible for income support, with Special Benefit and the like considered only in very limited cases. Circumstances vary with the type of bridging visa (A/B/C/E) and the visa previously held, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer. If you're waiting on a permanent visa decision, it's worth checking in advance how the waiting period rules will apply once your visa is granted.

Eligibility at a Glance by Visa Type

Broadly, the picture looks like this — citizens and permanent residents: eligible (though a newly arrived resident's waiting period may apply) / refugee and humanitarian visas: eligible (waiting period exempt) / provisional partner visas: limited (some family assistance; Special Benefit considered) / New Zealand SCV: varies by arrival date and whether citizenship has been taken up / students and working holiday makers: not eligible for general income support (use non-government avenues like Emergency Relief) / bridging visas: very limited. This table is an overview to aid understanding — actual eligibility differs by payment and subclass, so official confirmation is essential.

The Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period in Detail

How Long the Wait Is (Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period, NARWP)

The waiting period for new permanent residents has been progressively extended from the old two years, with current guidance indicating up to four years (208 weeks) for most payments. The period differs by payment, though, and this is an area where policy changes often, so confirm the exact waiting period for the payment you're after on the Services Australia 'Newly arrived residents waiting period' page.

How the Period Is Counted — Accumulated Residence

The waiting period is generally counted by adding up the time you've actually lived in Australia as an Australian resident. Time spent here on a temporary visa before becoming a permanent resident usually doesn't count, and even after you become a resident, long stints overseas can be excluded for some payments. Movement records are cross-checked automatically, so if you've travelled in and out frequently, it's worth reviewing your accumulated time in advance.

Support Still Available During the Waiting Period

Not everything is off the table — Medicare is a separate system from Centrelink waiting periods, and some family and child care assistance has no waiting period or a shorter one. The most common own goal is assuming 'I can't get anything for four years' and never lodging a claim at all. Put your circumstances into the Payment and Service Finder to see what's available during the wait.

Exemption Grounds and How They're Assessed

Refugee and humanitarian visa holders and their family members, and people whose circumstances change after becoming an Australian resident — such as becoming a single parent — may be exempt from the waiting period for some payments. There's no separate pre-application process; exemptions are assessed as part of your payment claim, so the key is attaching supporting documents to your claim if a ground applies to you. The list of exempt payments and grounds is updated from time to time on the official page, so check the latest version.

A Common Misconception — Differences by Migration Pathway

It's not so much that your migration pathway — skilled, family or business — changes the waiting period in itself; what matters is your accumulated residence, the type of payment and any exemption grounds. That said, some family migration visas carry an Assurance of Support, which adds real-world constraints on top. Stories from the community like 'I got it straight away' may involve a different visa, timing and payment, so always judge your own case against the official criteria.

myGov, Your CRN and the Online Claim Process in Detail

Digital Identity — myID (formerly myGovID)

Setting up myID, the government's digital identity app (renamed from myGovID in 2024), and linking it to myGov expands what you can verify online. Your identity strength depends on the documents you register, and a foreign passport linked to an Australian visa can count as an accepted document. The higher your strength, the more you can sort out online without visiting a service centre.

Getting a CRN Online (Customer Reference Number)

The usual flow is to sign in to myGov, start linking Centrelink, and have a CRN issued online once your identity is confirmed. If online verification fails, you'll need to visit a service centre with ID, or you can get a linking code over the phone instead. If you've dealt with Centrelink before, you may already have a CRN — track down your existing number first rather than creating a new one.

Combining Identity Documents

Centrelink identity verification requires a combination of documents rather than a single one — for non-citizens, your passport plus visa details are the core, with an Australian driver licence, bank card or rental agreement usable as supporting documents. The accepted documents and combination rules are set out on the Services Australia 'Identity documents' page. If your name appears differently across documents (passport spelling vs bank account), verification can be held up, so keep the spelling consistent.

Uploading Documents and Deadlines

After you lodge a claim, 'Next steps' in your online account lists any extra documents required and their due dates. Miss the deadline and your claim can be rejected or cancelled, forcing you to start from scratch, so if time is tight, ask in advance whether an extension is possible. The Express Plus Centrelink app lets you photograph and upload documents, but check the file format and size limits and make sure the whole document is clearly legible.

Tracking Your Claim and Contact Channels

Once lodged, you can follow progress through the claim tracker in your online account, and requests for more information arrive in your myGov Inbox. A common mistake is relying on the email notification and never opening the myGov Inbox itself, then missing a deadline. If English is a barrier, you can call the Centrelink multilingual line on 131 202 (to speak in your own language) or go through the interpreting service TIS National on 131 450.

If Your Claim Is Rejected (Review of Decision)

If your claim is rejected or you disagree with a decision, you can ask for a free internal review, and if you're still unhappy with the outcome, you can take it to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART, formerly the AAT). Review requests can have time limits, so don't sit on a rejection notice — check the process straight away. If the rejection came down to missing documents, fixing the paperwork and lodging a fresh claim can sometimes be faster than a review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Centrelink payments on a Working Holiday visa?▾

Working Holiday and other temporary visa holders often aren't eligible for most general income-support payments. That said, some items such as child-related family support or crisis support may be possible under separate conditions. Check what's possible on your visa with Services Australia.

Can international students claim study support (Austudy, etc.)?▾

Study support such as Austudy and Youth Allowance generally targets citizens and permanent residents who meet the residency requirements. A student visa alone may not make you eligible, so it's accurate to check your own situation with the official eligibility tool.

Once I get permanent residency, can I claim payments straight away?▾

Even after obtaining PR, some payments have a 'newly arrived resident's waiting period' where you can only claim after a set time. Which payments and how long it applies vary with policy, so check the latest on the official guidance.

How do I get a CRN?▾

A CRN (Customer Reference Number) can be obtained through identity verification in myGov or, if needed, by visiting a Centrelink service centre. See the official page for how to get one.

Do I have to claim online only?▾

Most claims and management can be done online via myGov or the Express Plus Centrelink app. However, identity verification or complex cases may need a service-centre visit or a phone enquiry.

My English isn't great — can I get help in another language?▾

Services Australia provides information in multiple languages and an interpreter service. On the 'Information in your language' page you can find materials in your language and how to connect to an interpreter.

Where can I check the payment amount?▾

The amount paid depends on the payment type, income, assets and personal circumstances, and is adjusted regularly. For the exact amount, check the latest figures on the relevant payment's page on the official Services Australia site, not in this guide.