These days, having internet access and the right devices isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. To help lower-income households stay connected, the Australian Government will provide a one-off $600 Digital Inclusion Payment. This payment can be used to help cover internet costs, buy digital devices, or pay for essential online services.
The aim is to ease the financial burden of staying connected—whether it’s paying your internet bill, purchasing a device for study or work, or accessing vital online services. It’s part of a broader effort to ensure all Australians, including families, pensioners, and individuals on tighter budgets, can fully participate in our increasingly digital society.
Administered by Services Australia, the $600 payment will start arriving in eligible bank accounts, helping ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.
Who Is Eligible for the $600 Digital Inclusion Payment?
Eligibility primarily depends on whether you receive certain income support payments. You’re likely to qualify if you currently receive any of the following:
- JobSeeker Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Parenting Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- Age Pension
- Family Tax Benefit (Part A or Part B)
Additional eligibility criteria include:
- Residency: You must be an Australian resident and living in Australia at the time the payment is made.
- Digital exclusion risk: Priority may be given to households without reliable internet access or digital devices.
Important: You don’t need to be tech-savvy to qualify. The payment is specifically designed for individuals and families facing digital exclusion or hardship.
Check Also: Family Tax Benefit Boost – Australians to Get $1,000
How to Claim the $600 Payment:
For most people, no application is required.
If you’re already receiving an eligible Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs payment, Services Australia will automatically deposit the $600 into your bank account.
However, if your circumstances have recently changed—or you believe you might qualify but are not yet receiving any payments—follow these steps:
- Log in to myGov:
Go to my.gov.au and sign in. - Go to Centrelink:
From your myGov dashboard, select “Centrelink,” then go to “Payments and Claims.” - Check Your Details:
Ensure your income details, contact information, and bank account details are up to date. - Submit a Claim (if needed):
If you’re not yet on an eligible payment, you can lodge a claim for JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, Family Tax Benefit, or other relevant payments depending on your situation.
Important: If you’re claiming a new Centrelink payment, you must submit your application to be considered for the Digital Inclusion Payment.
When Will the Payment Be Made?
- Start Date: From 1 July 2026
- Roll-Out Period: Most eligible recipients will receive their payment between 1 and 31 July 2026, depending on their regular payment cycle.
There’s no need to contact Centrelink unless your details have changed or you believe you’ve become newly eligible.
What Can the $600 Be Used For?
While there are no strict spending rules, the $600 Digital Inclusion Payment is intended to help with:
- Home internet connection fees
- Monthly broadband or Wi-Fi bills
- Purchasing a laptop, tablet, or other digital devices
- Paying for online learning platforms
- Enrolling in digital literacy training
Pro tip: Keep receipts or a spending plan to ensure the funds go toward digital needs. Some community programs may even offer device discounts for payment recipients.
The Digital Inclusion Payment is one more step toward ensuring all Australians can access the digital tools they need for work, study, and daily life. Check your eligibility early to make sure you don’t miss out!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I have to pay tax on the $600 payment?
No. The payment is tax-free and will not count as income for tax or Centrelink purposes.
What if I don’t receive my payment by the end of July?
First, check that your bank details in myGov are current. If your details are correct and you still haven’t received the payment, contact Centrelink for assistance.
Will this payment affect my other Centrelink payments?
No. It’s a one-off support payment and won’t reduce or replace any of your regular entitlements.