Australian families receiving the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) have been eagerly watching for end-of-year updates, and Centrelink has now confirmed a special $400 payment scheduled for 12 December 2025. This additional support is intended to help households manage rising living costs during the busy holiday period. The one-off payment will be automatically processed for eligible FTB recipients, offering timely relief at a crucial moment for many families.
What Is the $400 Family Tax Benefit Payment?
The special $400 top-up is designed to support low and middle-income families who already receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or Part B. The goal is to ease financial pressure as families manage school holiday expenses, higher grocery bills, and increased seasonal costs.
This payment is not a loan, does not need to be applied for, and will be deposited automatically for eligible families. Centrelink will issue payment confirmations through myGov and SMS notifications after processing.
Eligibility Rules for the $400 December Payment
Centrelink has outlined clear eligibility for families expecting the December top-up. To receive the payment, you must:
- Be receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A or Part B for the 2025 financial year
- Have your income details and tax return up to date
- Ensure your bank account information is current
- Continue to meet standard FTB residency and care requirements
Families who share care arrangements or have fluctuating income should check their updated assessment in myGov to confirm final eligibility before the payment date.
Why the Payment Matters for Families
The $400 payment comes at a time when many Australian families face increased expenses. With ongoing cost-of-living challenges, this additional support is expected to help with:
- Grocery and household bills
- School holiday activities
- Travel and transport costs
- End-of-year financial pressures
The top-up will also support families still recovering from higher inflation throughout 2025.
When Will Payments Arrive?
Centrelink has confirmed the official payment date: 12 December 2025. Funds will generally arrive:
- Same day for major banks
- Within 1–3 business days for smaller institutions
Families should monitor their myGov inbox for confirmation letters and processing updates.
Expected December Payment Schedule
| Payment Type | Deposit Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $400 FTB One-Off Payment | 12 December 2025 | Automatic for eligible families |
| Regular FTB Payments | 12–15 December 2025 | Timing varies by bank |
| Supplement Adjustments | After tax return lodgement | Based on final income assessment |
How to Make Sure You Get Paid
To ensure seamless processing on 12 December, Centrelink recommends that families:
- Check and update banking details in myGov
- Confirm FTB entitlement and care arrangements
- Submit any overdue income reports or tax returns
- Ensure your contact information is correct
Families who do not receive their payment by 15 December should contact Centrelink or review their myGov messages.
Conclusion
The confirmed $400 Family Tax Benefit payment on 12 December 2025 provides meaningful relief for millions of Australian families heading into the holiday season. With automatic deposits and clear eligibility rules, the payment is designed to reach households quickly and efficiently. Families are encouraged to review their details in myGov to ensure there are no delays in receiving this support.
Disclaimer
Details may be updated by Centrelink if policy or payment schedules change. Always refer to official Centrelink communication through myGov for the latest information.