What Centrelink payments does Money3 accept?

We accept a wide range of Centrelink payments, including Parenting Payment, Age Pension, Child Care Subsidy (CCS), Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Veterans’ Affairs Pension, T&PI Pension, JobSeeker Payment (when combined with family benefits or as a supplement), and NDIS-related transport payments. The payment must be stable and ongoing.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Borrowing Money on Centrelink

Q: Can I get a loan if my only income is from Centrelink?

Yes, it is possible. But if all of your income is from Centrelink, the maximum loan you may be approved for is $12,000, if you're a first-time customer. For higher loan amounts, you’ll need additional income such as part-time or casual work.

Q: How much can I borrow with Money3 on Centrelink?

If more than 50% of your income comes from Centrelink, you may only be eligible for a loan up to $12,000. For higher loan amounts, Centrelink must make up less than 50% of your total income. Personal Loans go up to $30,000 and Car Finance goes up to $75,000.

Q: Can I get a loan if I have bad credit?

Yes, it is possible. We consider customers with a range of credit histories. If you can show regular income and stable finances, we may be able to help.

If you get Centrelink payments and need a loan, you’re not alone. Many people on Centrelink need help paying for important things like a car, emergencies or repairs, or larger expenses.

The good news? It’s possible to get a personal loan or car loan even if all (or some of) your income comes from Centrelink. But it’s important to know the right way to do it. This guide explains what you should do and what you shouldn’t do when applying for a loan⁵.

5. This information is general in nature and is for information purposes only. It is not financial advice.

Do: Know Which Centrelink Payments Lenders Accept

Some Centrelink payments are more likely to be accepted than others. Payments like:

Parenting Payment (Single or Partnered)
Disability Support Pension
Age Pension
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Carer Payment
Veterans’ Affairs Pension
Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (T&PI) Pension
NDIS or Transport Supplement

These are seen as stable income. At Money3, we consider many Centrelink payments when you apply. If you also earn money from a full-time, part-time or casual job, that can help too.

Don’t: Think You Can Only Get a Small Loan

Some people believe they can only get very small loans if they are on Centrelink. This isn’t always true.

If you get regular payments and can show you can afford the repayments, you may be able to get a larger loan — like a car or personal loan. Money3 offers secured vehicle finance up to $75,000 and personal loans up to $30,000, even if your income is from Centrelink.

Do: Choose a Lender That Works with Centrelink Customers

Not every lender will help people on Centrelink. Many will say no straight away.

The most important thing is to find a lender who does accept Centrelink as income. At Money3, we look at your full situation — not just your job or credit score. So even on Centrelink, we'll give you a fair go!

Don’t: Apply with Lots of Lenders at the Same Time

If you apply with many lenders in a short time, it could damage your credit score.

It’s better to:

Check which lenders accept Centrelink income
Check you meet all their loan criteria, if possible
Apply with the one that fits your needs

Do: Borrow Only What You Can Afford

Only borrow what you really need. Make sure the repayments will fit your budget.

Before you apply:

Make sure you account for all your income and expenses
Make sure you can make the repayments without stress
Use a loan calculator to see what the payments will be

Don’t: Use Payday Loans for Big Expenses

Payday loans (also called SACCs) are small loans - under $2,000 - and must be repaid quickly (in a few weeks).

Money3 does not offer payday loans. We offer bigger loans with longer terms, so your regular payments are more manageable.

Do: Keep Your Bank Account in Good Shape

Most lenders will check your bank statements from the last 90 days. To improve your chances:

Avoid overdrafts or missed payments
Limit gambling or risky spending
Show regular income and sensible spending
Avoid lots of loan repayments

Don’t: Trust Unlicensed or Suspicious Lenders

Be careful of scams. Warning signs include:

Promises of “guaranteed approval”
Requests for upfront payments before giving you a loan
Poor online reviews
Unclear fees or repayment terms

Always check that the lender has an Australian Credit Licence (ACL) and is regulated by the government.

Money3 is a licensed and trusted lender.
We hold Australian Credit Licence number 389067 and are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Business Name: Money3 Loans Pty Ltd
ABN: 36 108 979 406
ACL: 389067
AFCA Membership: Yes – Money3 is a member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)

Final Thoughts

Yes — it’s possible to get a personal or car loan while receiving Centrelink¹.

To give yourself the best chance:

Apply with a lender who works with Centrelink customers
Only borrow what you can afford
Keep your bank account clean and avoid risky loans

Need Help? Talk to Money3

Money3 could help with car loans on Centrelink and personal loans on Centrelink.

We look at more than just your credit history - it's more important for us and you, if we look at your current financial situation and affordability for managing a loan with us.

1. Subject to verification, suitability and affordability
2. Your income from Centrelink must be less than 50% of your total income in order to qualify for an unsecured personal loan over $12,000.
3. Vehicle loans up to $75,000 with Centrelink income less than 50% of your total income.
4. The maximum vehicle loan with 100% of your income from Centrelink is $12,000 for first time customers.
5. This information is general in nature and is for information purposes only. It is not financial advice.

FAQs for Loans on Centrelink Payments with Money3

Yes, it is possible¹. But if all of your income is from Centrelink, the maximum loan you may be approved for is $12,000, if you're a first-time customer. For higher loan amounts, you’ll need additional income such as part-time or casual work.

We accept a wide range of Centrelink payments¹, including:

Parenting Payment (Single or Partnered)
Age Pension
Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
Disability Support Pension
Carer Payment
Veterans’ Affairs Pension
Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (T&PI) Pension
JobSeeker Payment (When accompanied by Family Benefits (A & B) or when as a low income supplement)
NDIS or Transport Supplement (for mobility-related support)

The payment must be stable and ongoing.

Not necessarily. However, if you want to borrow more than $12,000, yes — your Centrelink income must be less than 50% of your total income. This means you’ll need to be earning additional income through employment or another source.

In some cases, yes. We may check your credit report, but we focus more on your current income, expenses, and ability to manage and repay the loan.

If more than 50% of your income comes from Centrelink income, you may only be eligible for a loan up to $12,000. For higher loan amounts, Centrelink must make up less than 50% of your total income.

Personal Loans go up to $30,000
Car Finance goes up to $75,000

Yes. We require 90 days of bank statements to help assess your income, spending, and ability to afford repayments. With Money3, you can do this securely via our online partner, illion, digitally, in minutes.

Yes, it is possible¹. We consider customers with a range of credit histories. If you can show regular income and stable finances, we may be able to help.

Learn more:

Try to keep your bank account in good shape. Avoid overdrafts, dishonours, multiple payday loans or heavy gambling transactions in the 90 days before applying.

Also check out some related articles below:

10 Tips for Bad Credit Loan Approval

Tips for Bad credit loans to help you improve your chances a successful loan approval.

Loans When Receiving Centrelink Payments

See whether you could qualify for a loan on Centrelink benefits *.

See How It Works with Money3?

How it Works: At Money3, we'll give you a fair go, whether you have bad credit, receive Centrelink Payments or are self-employed.

1. Subject to verification, suitability and affordability
* Money3 is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, Services Australia, but does provide personal loan and vehicle finance options which are available to recipients of benefit payments