The amount is usually the same as JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance.
We update payment rates for Special Benefit on both of the following:
- 1 January each year if you’re under 21 and have no children
- 20 March and 20 September each year if you have dependent children or are 21 or older.
From 20 September 2024, you may get a higher rate of Special Benefit if all the following apply:
- you’re getting Special Benefit as a JobSeeker
- you’re single
- we’ve assessed you as having a capacity to work of less than 15 hours per week.
You don’t need to do anything. You may not get the full increase in your first payment from 20 September, this increase may start in the middle of your payment cycle. In your next payment cycle, you’ll get the full increase.
Special Benefit is a taxable Centrelink payment if you’re 16 or older. Read about paying tax on your payment.
If you’re in financial hardship, you may be eligible for other support.
For more information, you can either:
- call the Emergency information line
- visit a service centre.