Understanding Centrelink advance payments

If you're strapped for cash and receive a Centrelink payment, you might be able to request an "advance payment" to help you get by.

The option is available if you're receiving Austudy, youth allowance, the age pension, carer payment, family tax part A and a number of other payments.

Whether you can access an advance payment also depends on how long you have been receiving the other payment.

Generally you have to be receiving some form of income support for three months before you're eligible but for Abstudy, Austudy, youth allowance (students) and family tax benefit there is no minimum time.

Just how much of an advance you can get also varies depending on the type of payment you're receiving.

For example, if you are paid Abstudy, Austudy, Newstart allowance, parenting payment, widow allowance or youth allowance, the minimum advance amount is $250 while the maximum is $500. You can get only one advance payment per 12 months.

You will need to pay this back and repayments are taken out fortnightly by reducing the amount of your other payment. See humanservices.gov.au to find out more.

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