The $750 one-off cost of living payment made headlines during the COVID-19 era, giving much-needed financial relief to millions of Australians. Now in November 2025, questions are resurfacing about whether this payment is making a comeback — especially for those who didn’t receive it the first time around.
Let’s clear the air: there is no new payment being issued in November 2025. However, individuals who were eligible but missed the original payout between March and July 2020 may still be entitled to receive it, if their case qualifies under specific criteria.
Here’s everything you need to know about the one-off $750 Centrelink payment, who it applies to in 2025, and how to check if you’re still eligible.
Overview
The cost of living support through the $750 one-time payment was introduced during the COVID-19 crisis, specifically between March 2020 and July 2020. Its purpose was to offer financial assistance to households struggling due to lockdowns, job losses, and reduced purchasing power.
The benefit was handled by Services Australia (Centrelink) and was targeted at people receiving various welfare and income support payments. With inflation still a concern, many assumed this support might return in 2025 — but that’s not the case.
The November 2025 version is not a new benefit, but rather a follow-up for those who never received the original payment during the first rollout.
Background
The payment was created as part of the COVID-19 Economic Support Package, giving extra cash to vulnerable Australians during the toughest periods of the pandemic. It aimed to boost the economy while also easing household financial stress caused by rising prices, unemployment, and economic shutdowns.
It was:
- A non-taxable benefit
- Delivered via Centrelink
- Automatically deposited to those eligible
- Issued in two phases: March 2020 and July 2020
Now, in 2025, Services Australia has clarified that no additional round of the payment will be given unless it was missed during the original period.
Eligibility
To qualify for this payment — even retroactively — you must meet the following criteria:
- Lived in Australia during the COVID-19 relief period
- Must have received one of the qualifying Centrelink payments or concessions at the time
- Income must have been below the set limits
- Must have faced financial stress during the COVID-19 period
- Paid taxes on time
- Did not receive the original payment due to technical issues or late eligibility confirmation
Simply put, if you received the payment before, you won’t receive it again. But if you qualified and didn’t get it, there’s still a chance — but it depends on Centrelink’s review and approval.
Amount
| Category | Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Eligible adult (COVID-era) | $750 |
This is a one-time payout per eligible individual. Households with multiple qualifying adults could have received more than one payment during the initial release.
November 2025 Update
The short answer is no. There is no new $750 cost of living payment scheduled for November 2025. Centrelink has officially confirmed that:
- The payment was limited to the COVID-19 support period (March–July 2020)
- Any new cost of living support would need to be announced and approved by the government
- Claims still being reviewed are for people who missed out the first time, not for new applicants
So if you’re hoping for another $750 this November, don’t count on it — unless you’re still waiting on a payment from the earlier phase.
How to Check
If you believe you qualified but didn’t receive the payment back in 2020, here’s what to do:
- Log in to your Centrelink account via myGov
- Check your payment history and eligibility notices
- Contact Services Australia to request a review or correction
- Provide any missing documentation or proof if requested
Keep in mind, payments are not guaranteed. Approval is based on case reviews and timing.
FAQs
Is there a new $750 payment in 2025?
No, only unpaid 2020 payments are being processed in 2025.
Who qualifies for the $750 payment?
COVID-era welfare recipients who missed the 2020 payment.
Can I apply for the $750 again?
Only if you never received it during the original 2020 rollout.
When was the original payment released?
The payment was made between March and July 2020.
How do I check my payment status?
Log into Centrelink via myGov and view payment history.
