The $750 One-Off Cost of Living Payment remains one of the most talked-about government relief measures in Australia. Originally introduced in 2020 as part of the COVID-19 Economic Support Package, the payment aimed to help households manage soaring costs and economic uncertainty.
Five years later, many Australians are still asking whether another payment will be issued in October 2025. While officials have denied any fresh rollout, some residents who missed the original 2020 support may still qualify to claim it now.
Why the $750 Payment Was Introduced
The payment was a direct response to the COVID-19 crisis, when households across Australia faced:
- Job losses and reduced working hours
- Rising grocery and household costs
- Economic instability and inflation pressures
To cushion the blow, the government announced a one-off $750 payment to eligible residents. It was intended as an emergency measure, not an ongoing or annual support.
Key Features of the One-Off Cost of Living Payment
The scheme was officially managed by Services Australia (Centrelink) and included the following features:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Services Australia (Centrelink) |
| Program Name | One-Off Cost of Living Payment (COLC) |
| Country | Australia |
| Amount | $750 (one-time payment) |
| Original Payment Dates | March 2020 and July 2020 |
| Current Status | Not confirmed for 2025; only backdated eligibility applies |
| Official Website | Services Australia |
Who Was Eligible in 2020?
Eligibility for the original 2020 payment included:
- Residency in Australia at the time of payment
- Registration with Centrelink and tax compliance
- Financial hardship due to COVID-19 impacts
- Meeting income thresholds set by Services Australia
Each eligible household member received $750 directly into their bank account, and the money was tax-free.
Who Can Still Claim in 2025?
While no new rollout has been announced, there is one exception:
- Individuals who missed their payment in 2020 due to application errors or incomplete records may still be deemed eligible.
- Backdated claims must go through Services Australia and will only be processed if the applicant met the criteria at the time.
This means while most Australians will not receive new payments, a limited group may still be entitled to claim the original support.
Rumours About an October 2025 Payment
Recent speculation has suggested a new $750 payment may arrive in October 2025. However, the Australian government has denied these claims, clarifying:
- The payment was a COVID-19-era measure only.
- No current budget or legislation includes another one-off payout.
- News circulating about an October 2025 rollout is false.
For most households, this means no new relief is planned under this scheme.
Why the Payment Still Matters
The $750 one-off payment continues to resonate because it provided:
- Immediate relief during an unprecedented crisis
- Direct help with essentials like rent, food, and utilities
- A financial lifeline for low-income and vulnerable families
Even though it was a one-time measure, its impact has created lasting expectations among Australians facing ongoing inflation and high living costs.
How Services Australia Managed the Payment
Services Australia, better known as Centrelink, distributed the funds. Payments were:
- Deposited directly into bank accounts
- Clearly marked as “Economic Support Payment”
- Issued in two rounds: March and July 2020
This streamlined approach ensured millions of Australians received money quickly without needing to apply.
Why No New Payment Is Planned
The government has made it clear that:
- The payment was tied specifically to COVID-19 emergency relief
- It was never designed as an ongoing cost-of-living scheme
- Current cost-of-living support comes from other programs, such as energy rebates and targeted welfare increases
Campaigners argue for new one-off payments to tackle today’s inflation, but for now, official policy remains unchanged.
Lessons from the $750 Payment
The scheme showed that direct cash support can be:
- Quick to deliver
- Easy to manage
- Highly effective in short-term crises
However, its temporary nature also highlights the limits of one-off support in addressing long-term affordability issues.
Preparing for Financial Support in 2025
For households still struggling, alternatives to the $750 payment include:
- Energy rebates for low-income families
- Rent and housing support via Centrelink
- Childcare subsidies and family tax benefits
- Pension increases for seniors and disability recipients
Australians should stay updated via Services Australia’s official channels rather than relying on rumours.
FAQs
Q1: Is there a new $750 Cost of Living Payment in October 2025?
No. The government has confirmed there is no new payout planned.
Q2: Who can still claim the original $750 payment?
Only those who missed the 2020 payment but were eligible at the time may still claim through Services Australia.
Q3: Was the $750 payment taxable?
No. The payment was tax-free and did not affect other benefits.
Q4: When were the original payments made?
Payments were distributed in two rounds – March 2020 and July 2020.
Q5: What support is available instead of the $750 payment in 2025?
Australians can access energy rebates, housing support, pension increases, and family assistance programs through Services Australia.
