Centrelink’s $77 Double Orphan Pension for 2025 – Eligibility, Application Process and Who Qualifies

Centrelink’s $77 Double Orphan Pension provides crucial financial support for carers of orphaned children or those whose parents cannot care for them due to exceptional circumstances. If you are a guardian, grandparent, or foster parent, understanding how to apply and receive this benefit is essential.

This guide explains who qualifies, how much you can receive, and the step-by-step application process. Whether you’re a caregiver or a professional in child welfare, this article will ensure you have the necessary information to secure this financial aid for children in need.

Overview

Feature	Details
Payment Amount	$77 per fortnight per child
Eligibility	Orphaned children or those unable to be cared for by parents (e.g., imprisonment, refugee status)
Who Can Apply?	Legal guardians, relatives, or carers of eligible children
How to Apply?	Online via Centrelink, in person, or by phone
Processing Time	4 to 6 weeks
Review Period	Periodic re-evaluation by Centrelink
Official Website	Services Australia – Double Orphan Pension

Caring for a child who has lost both parents or whose parents cannot provide care is a huge responsibility. Centrelink’s $77 Double Orphan Pension is non-means-tested, meaning your income or assets won’t affect eligibility.

For more details, visit the official Services Australia website or contact Centrelink directly.

Double Orphan Pension

The Double Orphan Pension is a government-funded payment that helps carers of children who have lost both parents or whose parents cannot care for them due to exceptional circumstances.

Payment Amount

• As of 2025, eligible carers receive $77 per fortnight per child.
• This payment is not means-tested, so your income or assets do not affect eligibility.

Support

Caring for an orphaned child can be financially challenging, especially with unexpected expenses. The Double Orphan Pension helps cover essential costs such as:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Daily living expenses

Additional Benefits

• Not means-tested: You can receive this payment regardless of income level.
• Can be combined with other benefits: Eligible recipients may also receive Family Tax Benefit (FTB) and Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
• Education Support: Some states offer additional educational assistance for orphans and children in care.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for the Double Orphan Pension, the child in your care must meet one of the following criteria:

Orphaned Children

• The child has lost both parents due to death.
• Proof required: Death certificates of both parents.

Children with One Parent Deceased

If one parent has passed away, and the other is unable to care for the child, you may still qualify. Examples include:

• The surviving parent is missing, and their whereabouts are unknown.
• The surviving parent is institutionalized or imprisoned.
• The surviving parent cannot provide care due to severe disability or illness.

Refugee or Humanitarian Visa Holders

• If a child has been granted a refugee or humanitarian visa and neither parent is present or available, they may be eligible.
• Applies to children separated from their parents due to war, persecution, or displacement.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply for this payment if you are:

• The child’s legal guardian or carer.
• A grandparent, relative, or foster parent responsible for the child’s daily needs.
• An authorized representative for a child under government protection.

How to Apply

Applying for Centrelink’s Double Orphan Pension is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Gather Required Documents

To avoid delays, ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Birth certificate of the child.
• Death certificates (if both parents are deceased).
• Proof of refugee status (if applicable).
• Legal documents showing your guardianship or custody arrangement.
• Medical or prison documentation if the surviving parent is incapacitated or incarcerated.

Apply Online, In-Person, or by Phone

• Online: Log in to MyGov and navigate to Centrelink services. Select Double Orphan Pension and follow the prompts.
• In-Person: Visit your nearest Services Australia Centrelink office and apply with the help of a staff member.
• By Phone: Call Centrelink’s Families Line at 136 150 for assistance.

Wait for Approval & Payments to Begin

• Processing times vary, but most applications are approved within 4 to 6 weeks.
• Payments are made fortnightly into your nominated bank account.
• Centrelink may request additional documentation during the review process.

FAQs