The Double Orphan Pension, provided by Centrelink in Australia, is a vital financial aid for carers who are caring for children whose parents have died or who are unable to care for them due to exceptional circumstances.
Changes in the amount of the Double Orphan Pension in 2025
This pension has been increased to $79.90 per fortnight in 2025, which reflects the government’s commitment to helping helpless and vulnerable families. This payment is exempt from taxes; this means that no income tax is levied upon it.
Qualification Criteria for Double Orphan Pension in 2025
The pension is awarded under certain requirements for both the carer and the child:
Requirements across the carer:
- The child must be under the care of the carer for at least 35% of the time during the entire year.
- The carer must follow Australia’s citizenship or residency rules.
- The child must not be receiving any other Centrelink payment or the Orphan Pension from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
- They must have claimed Family Tax Benefit (FTB) or be ineligible due to high income or receiving an education payment such as ABSTUDY for the child.
Conditions for the child:
- Both parents are dead, or
- One parent is dead and the other:
- Incarcerated for at least 10 years, or
- Indefinitely in a mental hospital or old age home, or
- Their status is unknown.
- The child is a refugee, and their parents live abroad or are unknown.
There is no income or asset test, ensuring that the support reaches those who need it most.
Application Process
Follow the following steps to apply for the Double Orphan Pension:
1. Prepare the required documents:
- Child’s birth certificate.
- Proof if the child is a refugee.
- Parent’s death certificate, proof of being in prison/institution or document of unknown status.
2. Fill in the application form:
- Print the application form from the Services Australia website.
- Call the Child Bereavement and Double Orphan Pension helpdesk.
- Visit the nearest Centrelink service centre.
3. Submit the application:
- Online: Through the Centrelink online account or the Express Plus Centrelink app (myGov account required).
- By post: Send to Services Australia Families Reply Paid 7802 Canberra BC ACT 2610.
- In person: Submit at the nearest service centre.
4. Wait for processing:
- After submitting the application, you will be given a receipt.
- The decision will be informed via mail.
- Centrelink will contact you if additional information is required.
No information in the application should be incorrect or incomplete so that processing is not delayed.
Additional Support for Carers
Apart from the Double Orphan Pension, there are many other support schemes from Centrelink and Services Australia, such as:
- Family Tax Benefit (FTB): Financial assistance to families with children.
- Carer Allowance: Additional payment to those who care for a sick, disabled or elderly person.
- Child Care Subsidy: Help with the cost of child care.
- Healthcare Cards: Concessions on health services and medicines.
To avail these options, apply after knowing the eligibility.
Managing Your Payment
If there are any major changes in your or your child’s life after you receive the pension, notify Centrelink immediately:
- A change in childcare arrangements.
- If the child is aged 16 to 19 and leaves full-time study.
- A change in immigration status.
- Any other significant change that may affect payments.
It’s important to report early so your payments aren’t interrupted.
Conclusion
The Double Orphan Pension in 2025 is a lifesaver for families raising children who are parentless or whose parents are unable to support them. Its simple eligibility, no income test support and increased funding from the government all empower carers. If you or someone you know is caring for a child, apply for this pension and ensure that the child has a safe and happy future.
FAQs
Q.1 Can I receive other Centrelink payments alongside the Double Orphan Pension?
A. Yes, you can receive other payments such as the FTB, but no other child-specific payments.
Q.2 Is this pension subject to an income or asset test?
A. No, there is no income or asset test.
Q.3 How often does this pension come in?
A. This payment is made every fortnight.
Q.4 Can I apply for the Double Orphan Pension if I’m a grandparent or other relative caring for the child?
A. Yes. You can apply as long as you are the primary caregiver of the child (caring at least 35% of the time) and meet the other eligibility criteria.
Q.5 What if I’m not eligible for the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) – can I still receive the Double Orphan Pension?
A. Yes. If you are not receiving FTB due to high income or because the child receives another education-related payment like ABSTUDY, you can still qualify.
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