The Australian government has introduced a financial relief initiative aimed at supporting families with children amidst rising living costs. Through Centrelink, eligible families can receive a one-time payment of $600 per child in 2025. This measure is part of the broader Family Tax Benefit scheme, designed to alleviate financial pressures on households.
Overview of the $600 Child Payment
- Program Name: Centrelink $600 Per Child Payment
- Administered By: Services Australia
- Beneficiaries: Eligible families with dependent children
- Payment Amount: $600 per qualifying child
- Category: Government Financial Aid
- Official Website: servicesaustralia.gov.au
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the $600 payment, families must meet the following conditions:
- Residency: Must be an Australian resident for tax purposes.
- Dependent Child: Must have a dependent child or a full-time secondary student aged 16 to 19 who is not receiving other government benefits such as Youth Allowance.
- Care Requirement: Must care for the child for at least 35% of the time.
- Income Test: Must meet specific income thresholds as determined by Services Australia.
Payment Schedule
- Disbursement Method: Fortnightly payments.
- Expected Start Date: End of April 2025.
- Nature of Payment: One-time payment per eligible child.
Payments will be made directly to the bank accounts of eligible families. Those already receiving the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) will receive this payment automatically.
How to Claim
For families not currently receiving the Family Tax Benefit:
- Register: Create an account on MyGov and link it to Centrelink.
- Apply: Submit an application for the Family Tax Benefit.
- Await Approval: Once approved, the $600 payment will be processed accordingly.
It’s essential to ensure all personal and financial information is up-to-date to facilitate a smooth application process.
Additional Information
- Tax Implications: The $600 payment is non-taxable and will not affect other government benefits.
- Multiple Children: Families with more than one eligible child will receive $600 for each child.
- Monitoring: Stay informed by regularly checking the Services Australia website for updates and further details.