Centrelink Double Orphan Pension: Are you caring for a child whose parents are no longer in this world or are unable to take care of them for some reason? If yes, then a special scheme of the Australian government can be helpful for you. The name of this scheme is the Centrelink Double Orphan Pension, which provides financial assistance to the families caring for such children.
This article will give you easy and detailed information about this scheme, such as what is the purpose of this scheme, how much money is being given in 2025, who is eligible for it, how to apply and what important things to keep in mind so that there is no delay in payment.
What is the purpose of this scheme?
The Centrelink Double Orphan Pension is a type of tax-free financial assistance provided through Services Australia. Its main purpose is to help relatives or guardians who are raising children whose parents:
- are no longer alive
- or are unable to care for the children due to a serious circumstance such as long-term imprisonment, admission to a mental institution, or disappearance
The purpose of this assistance is to enable the caregivers to provide good education, nutrition, clothing, medicine, and a safe environment to the children.
Who can apply under this scheme?
There are some necessary eligibility to get help under this scheme, which are divided into two parts:
1. Caregiver conditions:
- Citizenship or visa status: You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or living under a special valid visa (such as a Protected Special Category Visa).
- Level of care: You must care for that child for at least 35% of the time i.e. about two and a half days a week.
- No other assistance: You are not receiving money for the same child under any other government scheme (such as Parenting Payment).
- FTB eligibility: You must be eligible for Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A for the child or be exempt due to higher income, or be on another education benefit such as ABSTUDY.
2. Child conditions:
- Age: The child must be under 16, or up to 19 if attending full-time secondary education.
- Family status:
- Both parents are dead
- Or one parent is dead and the other:
- Sent to prison for at least 10 years
- Permanently admitted to a mental institution
- Missing for the past 6 months
- The child is a refugee and the parent is not present or in contact in Australia
How much is the payout in 2025?
In 2025, the Double Orphan Pension amount will be increased to $79.90 per fortnight (2 weeks) per child. In 2024, this amount was $77.00, which has been increased to take into account 3.8% inflation.
If you are caring for more than one child, you will be given an amount of $79.90 for each child.
This payment will be sent directly to your bank account or can also be received through Centrelink’s Black Card.
Importantly, this amount is tax-free, meaning you will not have to pay any tax on it. Also, it does not depend on your income or assets.
Read more: $1702 Alaska Stimulus Checks 2025: Stimulus for Everyone? Eligibility & Payment Dates
What other benefits can it be combined with?
You can also take advantage of several other schemes along with Double Orphan Pension:
- Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A or B: For example, if the child is under 13, you can get an additional $182.84 per fortnight.
- Child Care Subsidy
- Health Care Card
By combining all these schemes, you can get better financial support in raising a child.
Payment dates in 2025
This Centrelink amount is paid once every two weeks. But people who have different regular Centrelink dates will get payment according to their schedule.
If you are outside Australia, you will get this amount every 4 weeks.
Some estimated payment dates:
- 9 January 2025: First payment (for most beneficiaries)
- 23 January 2025: Second payment
- 26 June 2025: 4-week payment for people living abroad
- 18 December 2025: Early payment possible due to Christmas
Keep in mind, if a payment falls on a public holiday (such as Australia Day – 27 January 2025), you may get the money a day or two earlier.
How to apply?
1. Check if you are eligible first:
Read all the eligibility conditions mentioned above carefully.
2. Gather the required documents:
- Identity proof (e.g. passport, driving licence)
- Child’s birth certificate
- Parent’s death certificate or other legal documents (e.g. prison sentence, refugee status)
- Guardianship certificate (e.g. court order)
- Proof of residence (e.g. electricity bill or visa document)
3. Application process:
Online:
Log into myGov, link Centrelink account and fill out the Double Orphan Pension form (FA011) under the “Payments and Claims” section.
By contact or in person:
Go to a Centrelink office and fill out the form (SC003) and submit it with documents.
By phone:
Call Centrelink Families Line on 136 150.
4. Processing and tracking:
Applying online is the fastest. After submitting the application, you will get a reference number, through which you can check the status of your application.
The process usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Important tips to get timely payment
- Update details:
Update your bank account, mobile number and address on myGov before 31 December 2024. - Report change in circumstances:
If there is any change in the child’s education, residence or care
If you notice a payment, let Centrelink know immediately. - Monitor payments:
Check your bank account every two weeks. There may be slight delays, especially around holidays (such as Easter – 18 to 21 April 2025). - Avoid fraud:
Only use the official website servicesaustralia.gov.au or the @ServicesAustralia social media handle. In 2024, more than 2000 people reported fraudulent SMSes.
Why is this pension important?
Raising a child with no or no parents present is a huge responsibility. It is not only emotionally challenging, but it can be financially burdensome too.
The amount of $79.90 may seem small, but it can help with school needs ($150–$300 per term), medical check-ups ($80–$100), and daily expenses. Over 10,000 children received this pension in 2024, with 60% of carers spending it on education and health.
The Government has shown they want to support carers by increasing this amount in 2025. There is also a plan to increase it further in 2026.
Conclusion: Can you get this support?
If you are caring for a child who is without their parents and meet the conditions above, the Centrelink Double Orphan Pension 2025 could be very beneficial to you.
Not only will you receive $79.90 in support, but this financial support can increase even more when combined with other schemes (such as FTB, Child Care Subsidy).
Login to myGov today, check your eligibility, update details and apply so that the first instalment for 2025 will arrive in your account on time.