How to Qualify for Government Benefits in Australia: A 2025 Eligibility Guide

A breakdown of the most common government benefits and how to qualify for them in Australia.

1. Centrelink Benefits Overview

Centrelink provides most government payments in Australia. Eligibility depends on factors such as:

• Residency status
• Age
• Income and assets
• Employment status
• Family circumstances

2. JobSeeker Payment (Unemployment Support)

This payment supports people who are unemployed or have reduced hours.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age: 22 years or older, and under Age Pension age
• Australian resident and physically present in Australia
• Looking for work or completing approved activities
• Meet income and asset tests

3. Youth Allowance

Supports students, apprentices, and young job seekers.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age: 16 to 24 for students/apprentices; 16 to 21 for job seekers
• Studying full-time, undertaking training, or looking for work
• Meet residency rules
• Parental means testing may apply

4. Parenting Payment

Financial support for the main caregiver of a young child.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Main carer of a child under 8 (single) or under 6 (partnered)
• Meet income and asset tests
• Australian residency status

5. Family Tax Benefit (FTB A & B)

Payments for families raising children.

FTB Part A:

• Based on family income
• Child must meet age and study requirements

FTB Part B:

• Supports single parents or families with one main income
• Income test applies

6. Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

Helps with the cost of child care.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Using an approved child care service
• Meeting the activity test (work/study/training hours)
• Income determines subsidy percentage

7. Disability Support Pension (DSP)

Supports people with permanent medical, intellectual, or psychiatric conditions.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Permanently medically diagnosed condition
• Condition must stop you from working 15+ hours per week
• Impairment rating of 20 points or more
• Residency rules apply

8. Age Pension

Support for older Australians.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age Pension age (66.5 to 67 depending on birth year)
• Australian resident for at least 10 years
• Meet income and asset test thresholds

9. Commonwealth Rent Assistance

Helps low-income households with rental costs.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must already receive a qualifying Centrelink payment
• Paying rent above the minimum limit

10. How to Improve Your Chances of Approval

• Prepare identity documents (passport, visa, Medicare card)
• Provide accurate income and asset information
• Update Centrelink when your situation changes
• Submit all medical evidence for disability-related claims
• Apply early to avoid processing delays

11. Residency Rules Summary

Most payments require:

• Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
• Living in Australia while claiming
• Some payments require 2–10 years’ residency

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can temporary visa holders get Centrelink? Generally no, unless holding specific protected visas.
• Can international students receive benefits? No, most Centrelink payments require permanent residency.
• Do I need a MyGov account? Yes, most applications are submitted through MyGov linked to Centrelink.
• How long does a Centrelink claim take? Anywhere from 1 to 12 weeks depending on the payment.
• Does my partner’s income affect eligibility? Yes, partner income can reduce or cancel payments like JobSeeker or Parenting Payment.
• Can I get benefits while working? Yes, as long as your income stays below the threshold.

13. Disclaimer

This information is general only and not financial advice. Eligibility rules may change, and you should check official government resources or speak to a registered adviser.