In a move to combat soaring living costs, the Australian Government has confirmed a $256 Cost of Living Cash Boost for eligible residents.
This one-time payment, issued in December 2024, was part of a broader national effort to ease pressure on low-income households, pensioners, carers, and concession cardholders.
As cost-of-living pressures continue into 2025, this financial relief has brought timely support to millions of Australians.
What is the $256 Cost of Living Bonus?
The $256 Cost of Living Bonus is a government-funded, tax-free payment provided to help Australians manage escalating expenses in areas such as rent, groceries, healthcare, and utility bills.
It was initially planned as a $128 boost, but was doubled to $256 following a policy review in late 2024.
This payment was aimed primarily at Centrelink beneficiaries and those holding concession cards, offering direct relief to those most impacted by inflation and economic uncertainty.
Who Is Eligible for the $256 Payment?
To receive the $256 Cost of Living Cash Boost, individuals had to be receiving at least one of the following Centrelink payments in December 2024:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- JobSeeker Payment
- Parenting Payment
- Youth Allowance
- ABSTUDY
- Carer Payment
Additionally, the following concession cardholders were eligible:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Low-Income Health Care Card
Household income thresholds and family size were also factors in eligibility, as determined by Centrelink’s income test criteria.
Payment Process and How It Was Delivered
The $256 payment was automatically deposited into eligible recipients’ bank accounts in December 2024. No application was needed for those already receiving qualifying benefits.
For those not already receiving Centrelink benefits:
- Create a MyGov account and link it to Centrelink using their CRN.
- Submit an online application or visit a Centrelink Service Centre.
- Provide documentation confirming income, identity, and eligibility.
The application deadline was 31 December 2024, and all approved applicants received payments directly via electronic transfer.
Government Support Programs Extended into 2025
In addition to the $256 boost, the government has rolled out other support initiatives for 2025 to further assist Australians with rising costs:
- Energy Bill Relief
- State-level rebates are being provided to help households lower electricity and gas bills.
- Rent Assistance
- The Commonwealth Rent Assistance program may offer higher payouts, with rental subsidies likely to be extended in the next federal budget.
- Healthcare Benefits
- Cheaper medications through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
- Expanded bulk billing services for GP visits
- Increased Medicare rebates for concession cardholders
- Grocery Discount Programs
- Government partnerships with supermarkets and charities to provide grocery vouchers and discounts to pensioners and low-income families.
Summary Table of Available Support
| Support Program | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost of Living Cash Boost | One-time $256 payment delivered in December 2024 |
| Energy Bill Assistance | State rebates to lower electricity and gas costs |
| Rent Assistance | Higher rent subsidies and potential 2025 budget expansions |
| Healthcare & PBS Savings | Bulk billing GP visits, cheaper medications, and increased Medicare rebates |
| Grocery Discounts | Special vouchers and price cuts for low-income Australians |
The $256 Cost of Living Bonus was a welcome relief for millions of Australians grappling with financial hardship.
By providing direct, automatic payments and launching supportive 2025 programs, the government aims to ease the burden of high living expenses.
Eligible individuals are advised to keep MyGov and Centrelink accounts updated and stay informed about future relief announcements in upcoming federal updates.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the $256 payment?
No. If you were receiving eligible benefits, the payment was automatically credited in December 2024.
What if I was eligible but didn’t receive the payment?
You should have contacted Services Australia before the application deadline to review eligibility and submit the required documents.
Will there be another payment in 2025?
While there is no confirmation of a repeat $256 payment, additional energy and rental subsidies are being considered for the 2025 federal budget.