A juicy $5,048 Centrelink payment for workers? It’s been buzzing on WhatsApp, TikTok, and Facebook, but here’s the truth: it’s fake. No such lump sum exists in 2025. Scammers are using this to trick Aussies into sharing personal details. Let’s break down why this claim is nonsense and how to spot real Centrelink payments.
Why the $5,048 Claim Is Fake
Centrelink doesn’t offer a $5,048 one-off payment to workers. 6 Compare it to real rates: JobSeeker pays about $823.30 fortnightly for singles, totaling roughly $2,140 over three months. 16 Even top pensions, like Age or Disability Support, max out at $1,178.70 fortnightly—far from $5,048 in one go. 13
No Lump Sums in 2025
Past programs like the $750 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment ended in 2023. 6 Current Centrelink payments—JobSeeker, Parenting, Age Pension—are fortnightly and means-tested. No surprise $5,000 cheques are coming, despite what social media says.
How Scammers Trick You
Scammers push this fake $5,048 claim with shady tactics:
- Fake Lists: They post “eligible names” online, which Centrelink never does due to privacy laws. 6
- Dodgy Websites: Links ask for your Customer Reference Number, myGov login, or bank details.
- Fees or Malware: Some sites charge “processing fees” or infect devices with malware.
If it’s not on servicesaustralia.gov.au, it’s not real. Protect your info.
Real Centrelink Payments in 2025
Here’s a look at actual maximum fortnightly rates as of September 20, 2025: 13
| Payment Type | Single (Fortnightly) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JobSeeker (22+, no kids) | $823.30 | Varies by age, work capacity |
| Parenting Payment (Single) | $1,037.60 | Includes supplements |
| Age Pension | $1,178.70 | Base + energy supplement |
| Disability Support Pension | $1,178.70 | Same as Age Pension |
| Family Tax Benefit (Part A) | Varies | Per child, fortnightly |
No payment hits $5,048 in one shot. You’d need months of combined benefits to get close.
How to Check Legit Payments
Centrelink only contacts you via:
- myGov inbox.
- Official letters to your registered address.
- Verified phone calls (you call them first at 132 490). 6
Use the Payment and Service Finder on servicesaustralia.gov.au to see what you’re eligible for. Ignore social media posts or random links claiming “check your eligibility.”
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Clicked a bad link or shared details? Act fast:
- Change your myGov password.
- Contact your bank to secure accounts.
- Call Centrelink at 132 490 to report the issue. 6
Report scam sites to Scamwatch for investigation.
Stay Safe and Informed
This $5,048 rumor preys on hope during tough times. Stick to official channels to avoid losing money or data. Centrelink’s real payments, like JobSeeker or pensions, are steady but won’t make you rich overnight. Check your eligibility properly to get what you’re owed.
FAQs
Is Centrelink paying $5,048 to workers in 2025?
No, it’s a scam. No such lump sum exists in Centrelink programs. 6
Could $5,048 be a combined payment?
Possibly, but only over months of benefits like JobSeeker ($823.30 fortnightly). It’s not a single payment.
How do I verify Centrelink payments?
Check via myGov, official letters, or servicesaustralia.gov.au’s Payment Finder tool.
What if I gave details to a scam site?
Reset your myGov password, secure your bank account, and contact Centrelink at 132 490 immediately.
Are there any new Centrelink payments in 2025?
No new lump sums; only regular indexations for pensions, JobSeeker, and other benefits. 12