What you'll do
- Understand your options when your income is Centrelink
- Know what supports may be available to you
- Propose a payment that fits a fixed, modest income
- Use tools like Centrepay safely if it suits you
- Find free, specialist help
6 min read
You still have options
Being on a Centrelink payment does not mean you are stuck. It does mean your income is fixed and often modest, so the focus is on small, sustainable arrangements and making sure your essentials always come first. We understand budgets are tight, and we will work with what is realistic for you.
Steps to take
- Work out your fortnightly Centrelink income and your essential costs.
- Check what is genuinely left over, even if it is only a little.
- Tell us you are on a Centrelink income when you contact us through the contact form.
- Propose a small, regular payment you can sustain — or ask about a pause.
- Ask Services Australia about supports like crisis or hardship payments if you are eligible.
- Consider Centrepay only if a steady automatic deduction would genuinely help you.
Free specialist help
Financial counsellors are especially helpful when your income is a Centrelink payment, because they know the supports available and can check your entitlements. Call the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. You can also explore more on our Help Centre, and ask Services Australia directly about social work and crisis support.
Good to know
- A Centrelink income still leaves room for small, sustainable arrangements.
- Always put essentials first and propose only what you can truly afford.
- Ask Services Australia about crisis and hardship supports you may qualify for.
- Financial counsellors (1800 007 007) know these supports inside out.
FAQ
Can my Centrelink payment be taken to pay a debt?
We are not asking to take your payment. Any arrangement is something you agree to and can afford. For your specific protections, the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) can advise you.
What is Centrepay?
Centrepay is a free, voluntary bill-paying service for Centrelink recipients that deducts a set amount each fortnight. It only helps if a steady automatic payment suits you — it is entirely your choice.
Are there extra payments if I am in crisis?
Possibly. Services Australia offers crisis and hardship supports for eligible people. Ask them directly, or let a financial counsellor check what you may be entitled to.
Still not sure? Our team is happy to talk it through.