Centrelink Paying $5,048 to Workers—Here’s the Truth

The number looks tempting, doesn’t it? A neat $5,048 payment supposedly from Centrelink—circulating on Facebook groups, WhatsApp forwards, and random TikTok clips. But here’s the hard truth: it doesn’t exist. No Centrelink program pays that amount as a single lump sum to “workers” in Australia. What we’re seeing here is another classic case of social media misinformation mixed with scam tactics.

Where the $5,048 Claim Falls Apart

When you break down actual Centrelink rates for 2025, the numbers don’t even come close. Take the JobSeeker Payment for example: singles over 22 without kids currently receive about $780 per fortnight. Across three months, that adds up to a little over $2,000, nowhere near $5,048.

Even the biggest payments—like the Age Pension or Disability Support Pension—max out at under $2,000 per fortnight, including supplements. At best, you’d need several fortnights’ worth of payments added together to even approach $5,000. That’s a far cry from the idea of a one-off bonus being sent to workers.

Payment Type (2025)	Single (Fortnightly)	Notes
JobSeeker (22+, no kids)	~$780	Higher for over 55s or partial capacity
Parenting Payment Single	~$968	Plus supplements for rent, FTB
Age Pension	~$1,100 base + supplements	Still under $2,000 total
Disability Support Pension	~$1,100 base + supplements	Similar to Age Pension
Family Tax Benefit (per child)	Varies	Paid fortnightly, not lump sums

Put simply: $5,048 isn’t a standard Centrelink payment. It’s either a misreading of quarterly totals, or more likely, a fake number cooked up to lure people into scams.

The Programs That No Longer Exist

Some confusion might come from past support schemes. During the pandemic, workers had access to the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment—$750 per week if forced to isolate. But that program wrapped up in 2023. Since then, no federal replacement exists offering lump sums to workers.

The only payments available now are ongoing support programs: JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, Age Pension, Disability Pension, and Family Tax Benefits. Each has eligibility rules, income tests, and strict compliance requirements. None hand out surprise $5,000 cheques.

The Scam Playbook

The way these rumours spread is pretty textbook. Scammers float a big, oddly specific number ($5,048), then back it up with fake “lists of eligible names” supposedly showing who qualifies. People are directed to shady websites or Facebook groups where they’re asked for:

• Customer Reference Numbers (CRNs)
• myGov logins and passwords
• Bank details

Some sites even charge “processing fees” or install malware when you click. And let’s be clear—Centrelink never publishes recipient lists. That would violate strict privacy laws. If such a list were ever leaked, it would dominate national headlines and trigger a government investigation. No such breach has happened.

How to Verify Real Payments

There are only three legitimate ways Centrelink communicates:

1. Through your myGov inbox.
2. By official letter to your registered address.
3. Over the phone, but only when you’ve called them or verified their identity first.

Anything else—social media posts, WhatsApp messages, “check your name on this list” websites—are scams. Services Australia is very clear about this on its official site.

If you’re not sure what you’re entitled to, the Payment and Service Finder tool on servicesaustralia.gov.au is the safest place to check.

Fact Check

• Claim: Centrelink is paying $5,048 lump sums to workers in 2025.
• Reality: False. No such program exists. The figure doesn’t align with any official payment rates.
• Scam Warning: Fake websites and social media posts are using this claim to steal personal details. Always verify through Services Australia.

FAQs