Centrelink Mobility Allowance April 2025: Up to $168.20/Fortnight for Australians with Disabilities

Centrelink Mobility Allowance April 2025: Good news for Australians with disabilities or medical conditions! Those who are unable to use public transportation because of chronic conditions are still supported by the Centrelink Mobility Allowance 2025. In April 2025, qualified individuals may receive up to $168.20 every two weeks to assist with their transportation expenses for volunteer work, training, education, or employment.

This detailed guide provides everything you need to know about the Centrelink Mobility Allowance April 2025, including eligibility, payment rates, how to apply, and common mistakes to avoid.

Centrelink Mobility Allowance April 2025 Overview

Centrelink Mobility Allowance

The Mobility Allowance is a crucial support payment provided by Services Australia (formerly known as Centrelink) designed to assist Australians with disabilities who face challenges with transportation. As of April 2025, this vital allowance has been increased to provide eligible recipients with up to $168.20 per fortnight, reflecting the Australian government’s commitment to supporting individuals with mobility restrictions.

This financial assistance helps cover the transportation costs associated with participating in approved activities such as work, vocational training, job searching, or voluntary work. With the rising costs of transportation across Australia, this payment increase represents an important enhancement to disability support services in the country.

For many Australians living with disabilities, transportation presents a significant barrier to employment, education, and community participation. The Mobility Allowance addresses this challenge directly by providing regular financial support specifically earmarked for travel expenses, whether these involve specialized transport services, taxi fares, private vehicle costs, or public transportation fees.

Recent Updates to the Mobility Allowance (April 2025)

The April 2025 adjustment to the Mobility Allowance reflects the most recent indexation of payments in line with Australia’s cost of living increases. The payment rates have increased by approximately 3.8% from the previous rates, representing one of the most substantial increases to this benefit in recent years.

The updated payment rates are:

• Higher rate: $168.20 per fortnight (increased from $162.10)
• Standard rate: $117.40 per fortnight (increased from $113.20)

This increase comes as part of the Australian government’s regular indexation of welfare payments, which typically occurs in March and September each year. The adjustment considers various economic factors, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and specific cost-of-living metrics relevant to individuals with disabilities.

The Minister for Social Services announced these changes in February 2025, emphasizing that the increase aims to help recipients maintain their purchasing power amid rising transportation costs throughout Australia. Particularly noted were the increased costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and specialized transport services which have seen above-average price growth in the past year.

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Eligibility Criteria for Mobility Allowance

Applicants must fulfill a number of important eligibility requirements in order to be eligible for the Mobility Allowance in April 2025.

Disability Requirements

Applicants must have a disability, illness, or injury that:

• Makes it impossible or difficult to use public transport without substantial assistance
• Is expected to last for at least Twelve months
• Is recognized by a healthcare professional

The disability does not need to be permanent, but it must be long-term in nature. This distinguishes the Mobility Allowance from temporary assistance programs and ensures that support is directed to those with ongoing mobility challenges.

Activity Requirements

Eligible recipients must be engaged in qualifying activities for at least 32 hours every 4 weeks. These activities include:

• Paid employment (including supported employment and self-employment)
• Vocational training or approved educational courses
• Job seeking activities, including attendance at interviews
• Voluntary work in the community
• A combination of the above activities totaling at least 32 hours per 4-week period

These activity requirements highlight the program’s focus on supporting active participation in work and community life, rather than serving as a general disability support payment.

Residency Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be an Australian resident
• Currently live in Australia
• Intend to remain Australia for the foreseeable future
• Not be subject to a waiting period

Temporary visa holders generally do not qualify for this payment, with exceptions made for certain protected visa categories and humanitarian entrants.

Age Requirements

The applicant must be:

• 16 years of age or older
• Under Age Pension qualifying age (currently 67), or
• If over Age Pension age, must have been receiving the Mobility Allowance continuously since before reaching pension age and still be actively engaged in qualifying activities

This age restriction aligns the Mobility Allowance with other working-age payments in Australia’s social security system.

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How to Apply for Mobility Allowance?

The application process for the Mobility Allowance involves several steps to ensure that support reaches those who genuinely need assistance with mobility:

Step 1: Gather Required Documentation

Applicants will need:

• Proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate)
• Medicare card or healthcare identifier
• Medical evidence regarding disability and mobility limitations (not older than 6 months)
• Bank account details for payment processing
• Proof of activities being undertaken (employment contract, course enrollment, volunteer agreement)

Having these documents prepared before beginning the application will streamline the process considerably.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Applicants can access the Mobility Allowance application form (SA466) through:

• Online via their myGov account linked to Centrelink
• In person at a Services Australia center
• By phone request to have a form mailed
• Download from the Services Australia website

The form requires detailed information about the applicant’s disability, mobility requirements, and the activities they are participating in or planning to participate in.

Step 3: Medical Evidence

A crucial part of the application is the medical evidence supporting the claim. This must be completed by a qualified health professional such as:

• General practitioner
• Medical specialist
• Physiotherapist
• Occupational therapist
• Registered nurse

The healthcare professional must verify the nature of the disability and specifically address how it impacts the individual’s ability to use public transportation without substantial assistance.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Completed applications can be submitted:

• Online through myGov
• In person at any Services Australia center
• By mail to the designated processing center

Processing times typically range from 3-6 weeks, though more complex cases may take longer to assess.

Step 5: Assessment and Determination

Services Australia will assess the application based on:

• The medical evidence provided
• The nature and extent of mobility limitations
• The activities being undertaken
• Whether the standard or higher rate is appropriate

Applicants may be contacted for additional information or documentation during this process.

Payment Schedule

Centrelink pays the Mobility Allowance every fortnight. Payments go directly to your nominated bank account.

FAQs About Centrelink Mobility Allowance April 2025