A special winter bonus payment of $720 is on the way for older Australians and anyone receiving welfare support, the government has confirmed. The money is meant to ease the financial pressure of rising living costs when the coldest months arrive. Centrelink will begin handling the payment in August 2025.
To receive the August bonus, simply keep receiving your regular Centrelink payments.
As of July 31, 2025, the ones that count are the Age Pension, the Disability Support Pension, the Carer Payment, or if you hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Automatic payment is the rule for the bonus, so you will not need to fill in a form or call Centrelink. If you have a qualifying payment in late July, you will get the amount in your bank account, no extra steps required.
Centrelink plans to start processing the $720 payments on August 12, 2025, and most people should see the boost in their accounts by August 16, although some banks may take an extra business day to clear the funds.
Most importantly, the money is not taxable. It will not affect your Centrelink payment, allowance, or other entitlements. The $720 is yours to keep, no matter your regular payments or the income tests you may have already passed.
Relief from rising living costs
The payment expected in mid-August 2025 is a direct reaction to stubborn inflation hitting key day-to-day expenses. Pensioners and people on income support see rising bills on groceries, power, and health care.
Winter, especially, is tough on many Aussie families, older people, and anyone whose medical needs mean being warmer is a must. The extra $720 has been timed to help lift household budgets just when they drop lowest.
No, this payment isn’t enough to lift every worry, but the $720 at least shows that the struggle of anyone relying on set incomes is being recognised when prices are moving the wrong way.
Australian Pensioners to Receive $720 Bonus Next Month
Please log on to myGov or check bank statements around mid-August to confirm that this help is in