Millions of Australians are now checking their accounts as the $273.90 Centrelink Cost of Living Concession (COLC) payment begins to roll out in 2025. This one-time financial support is designed to assist vulnerable households in coping with rising costs for daily essentials like groceries, energy bills, and medical expenses.
If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible, when you’ll receive it, or how it works—this guide covers it all.
What Is the $273.90 Centrelink COLC Payment?
The $273.90 payment is a non-taxable, one-off benefit provided to eligible Australians under the Cost of Living Concession program. This concession aims to provide financial relief to those most impacted by inflation and the general increase in cost-of-living pressures across the country.
Who Is Eligible for the $273.90 Payment in 2025?
To receive the $273.90 COLC payment, you must meet the following criteria as of July 1, 2025:
- Be a resident of South Australia
- Hold a valid Centrelink or DVA concession card, such as:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Health Care Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Receive one of the following payments:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- JobSeeker Payment
- Parenting Payment
- Meet low-income household thresholds set by the government
Note: If you received the COLC in the previous financial year and your circumstances haven’t changed, the payment will be issued automatically.
When Will You Receive the $273.90 Payment?
The 2025 COLC payment is being processed from August to December 2025. The payment is deposited directly into your bank account, usually aligning with your regular Centrelink payment cycle.
Depending on processing times, you can expect to see $273.90 listed as “Concessions COLC” on your bank statement.
How to Ensure You Receive the Payment
To guarantee the timely receipt of your $273.90 Centrelink payment, follow these steps:
- Update Personal Information: Log in to your myGov account and ensure that your personal details, including your bank account information, are current.
- Check Eligibility: Confirm that you were receiving an eligible Centrelink payment as of March 31, 2025.
- Monitor Communications: Keep an eye on official communications from Centrelink regarding payment confirmations and any required actions.
- Be Aware of Public Holidays: Understand that public holidays in April may lead to early payments.
Impact on Households
This financial assistance aims to alleviate the strain on household budgets caused by rising costs. By providing additional funds, the government seeks to help individuals and families manage their expenses more effectively, ensuring better financial stability during challenging economic times.
Recent Developments
In addition to the $273.90 payment, there have been other financial assistance measures:
- $255.60 Cost of Living Concession: Approximately 210,000 South Australian households received this payment directly into their bank accounts, targeting pensioners, Centrelink recipients, and low-income earners
- $243.90 Cost-of-Living Payment: Eligible recipients received this payment as part of the state budget boost, providing immediate relief to those facing financial challenges.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $273.90 (non-taxable, one-off) |
| Eligibility Date | Must be eligible by July 1, 2025 |
| Payment Period | Between August and December 2025 |
| Application Needed? | No – automatic if previously eligible |
| Who Qualifies? | Pensioners, low-income households, concession card holders |
The $273.90 Centrelink Cost of Living Concession for 2025 offers vital support to Australians dealing with continued cost pressures. If you meet the criteria and have up-to-date details on file, you should receive the payment automatically between August and December 2025.
Be sure to keep your records current and monitor your bank account for the deposit. Every dollar counts—especially when it’s designed to help you breathe a little easier.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the $273.90 COLC payment?
If you received the payment in 2024 and your situation hasn’t changed, you will receive the 2025 payment automatically. New applicants may need to register via Centrelink or the state’s concession services.
I haven’t received the payment yet—what should I do?
Double-check your bank account, make sure your details are updated with Centrelink, and contact their support team if the payment hasn’t arrived by December 2025.
Will the COLC payment affect my other Centrelink benefits?
No. This payment is separate and does not affect your regular Centrelink entitlements.