$260 Cost-of-Living Rebate For these people: As living costs continue to stretch Australian households, the federal government has rolled out a range of support measures to help. One such initiative that has gained attention is the $260 Cost-of-Living Rebate in 2025. If you’ve heard about this rebate and are wondering who’s eligible, when it’s paid, and how you can ensure you get it—this guide breaks it all down in simple, clear terms. This article is for everyone—from single parents juggling bills to professionals keeping an eye on policy updates. Let’s dive in.
$260 Cost-of-Living Rebate For these people
The $260 Cost-of-Living Rebate in 2025 is more than just a handout—it’s a practical way to return unclaimed Medicare funds to everyday Australians. Whether you’re a student, retiree, or working parent, this rebate is a timely reminder to keep your government records up to date. With cost pressures affecting households nationwide, every dollar counts. Make sure you check your eligibility, update your details, and claim what’s rightfully yours.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rebate Amount | $260 one-time payment |
| Target Group | Australians with unclaimed Medicare refunds due to missing or outdated bank details |
| Eligibility Requirement | Must have updated bank details with Medicare before the government’s payment processing deadline |
| Payment Start Date | February 2025 (ongoing through April 2025 for pending cases) |
| How to Claim | No formal application required; automatic payment if Medicare account is updated |
| Official Sources | Services Australia, myGov, Medicare |
What Is the $260 Cost-of-Living Rebate?
The $260 cost-of-living rebate is part of the Australian government’s broader attempt to provide financial relief amid rising expenses. Specifically, this rebate is targeted at individuals who had unclaimed Medicare refunds due to banking details that were either outdated or not provided.
Instead of a new welfare payment, this rebate is a return of what was already owed—with the government bundling eligible refunds into a single, simplified payment to ease cost pressures in 2025.
Why This Matters: Real-World Context
A 2024 audit revealed that over 930,000 Australians had not claimed their Medicare refunds—some worth hundreds of dollars—because their bank details hadn’t been updated in government systems.
In many cases, people had changed banks, closed old accounts, or never added details to begin with. As a result, money owed to them from doctor visits, scans, and other services went unclaimed. The $260 rebate addresses this issue directly.
For example:
- Sarah, a university student, moved twice and never realized she missed linking her new bank account to Medicare. She received the $260 after updating her information in early 2025.
- James, a pensioner, had money sitting unclaimed since 2022. His daughter helped him update his details through the Express Plus Medicare app, and the rebate was processed shortly after.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the $260 rebate, you must meet all the following conditions:
1. You have unclaimed Medicare benefits.
This means Medicare owes you a refund for medical services you paid for out-of-pocket. If you didn’t receive it because of incorrect or missing banking information, you may be eligible.
2. You updated your bank details before the cut-off date.
The government issued notices encouraging Australians to update their Medicare details through myGov, the Express Plus Medicare app, or in-person services.
3. Your identity is verified and your account is active.
Your Medicare and myGov accounts should be active, linked, and have verified identification.
Payment Timeline: When Will I Get Paid?
The government began issuing payments in February 2025, and many recipients have already reported receiving them. However, some payments are still rolling out, especially for those who updated details closer to the deadline.
If you updated your details late, you might still receive your payment in April 2025 or later.
How to Update Your Bank Details for $260 Cost-of-Living Rebate (Step-by-Step)
If you think you’re eligible but haven’t received the rebate, follow these simple steps to ensure your account is ready:
Via myGov:
- Visit myGov and log in.
- Select Medicare from your linked services.
- Go to Profile, then Bank Details.
- Enter your current bank account information and save.
Using the Express Plus Medicare App:
- Download the app from your phone’s app store.
- Log in securely with your myGov credentials.
- Tap on Update Details and input your new bank info.
By Phone or In-Person:
- Call Medicare directly at 132 011.
- Visit a Medicare service center if you prefer face-to-face help.
Other Financial Assistance to Know About
The $260 rebate is just one of several support initiatives. Depending on your situation, you might also qualify for:
1. Energy Bill Relief Fund
Offers rebates of up to $300 on power bills.
2. Family Tax Benefit Supplements
Additional payments for eligible families.
3. Rent Assistance
If you receive certain Centrelink payments and pay rent, you may be eligible for this supplement.
4. Youth and Student Payments
Includes Youth Allowance and Austudy for students, apprentices, and jobseekers.
Youth Allowance to Rise by $19.80 in 2025 – Find Out Exactly When and How You’ll Get It
Aussies Could Get $250 or $750 in Pension Support in April – Are You on the List?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is this rebate taxable?
No. The $260 rebate is not taxable and does not count as income for other government payments.
Q2: I moved recently. Will that affect my eligibility?
Not if you updated your Medicare details, especially your address and bank info.
Q3: What if I missed the deadline?
You might still be able to claim the unclaimed Medicare refund—just not under the rebate program. Contact Medicare at 132 011.
Q4: Can I get more than $260?
No. This is a one-time, flat payment, regardless of how much you were originally owed.
