Government services

Understanding Centrelink

A clear, independent explanation of what Centrelink is, who it supports, and where to confirm the official details.

What is Centrelink?

Centrelink is an Australian government service delivered through Services Australia. Centrelink provides social security payments and support services for eligible individuals and families, including job seekers, students, parents, older Australians, and people experiencing financial hardship. Services include income support, family assistance, employment support, and other government payments. Users should always verify eligibility, payment details, and application requirements through the official Services Australia website.

Learn more at Services Australia

Opens the official Services Australia website in a new tab.

Before you apply

Check eligibility rules for the specific payment you need.
Gather identity documents and income details in advance.
Confirm reporting and payment dates through your official account.
Never share your myGov password or bank details with anyone who contacts you.

Independent community service. Aura Hub is not affiliated with the Australian Taxation Office, Services Australia, Centrelink, or any Australian Government department. We provide educational guidance only and never request your TFN, myGov password, or bank details.

Types of support

Centrelink payments are grouped by circumstance. Eligibility, rates, and obligations differ for each — always confirm the current rules officially.

Income support

Regular payments for eligible job seekers, students, carers and older Australians who meet income and assets tests.

Family assistance

Support for parents and carers raising children, including family payments and help with the cost of care.

Employment support

Programs and obligations connected to looking for work, training, and returning to the workforce.

Financial assistance

Additional help for people experiencing financial hardship, crisis, or unexpected changes in circumstances.

Payments

Payments, in pictures

Real, everyday moments of the help we provide with payments and statements.

A woman reviewing her government payment statement on a laptop at her kitchen table — Check your payment statements
We help you read payment summaries and understand what each line means.

Close-up of hands holding a smartphone showing a secure payment confirmation screen — Pay and verify safely
Only use official government or bank channels — we never ask for payment details.

A community volunteer explaining a payment schedule printout to an older man at a community centre — Sit down with a volunteer
Bring your payment schedule and we will walk through it together, free of charge.

Reminder: we never ask for payment details, card numbers, bank logins, or myGov passwords. Only pay through official government or bank channels.