First published 11 Nov 2026, 6:03am
Big cut: Centrelink change next week hits Aus
A Melbourne mother of three has copped “abuse” online after revealing how much money she earns through Centrelink payments following redundancy and a divorce.
Jenn, who goes by the user name lessonsinfrugality on Instagram, claimed in a video online she earned more than $4,000 a month through government assisted payments.
“In total I made $4,132 (this month) which in this age in this economy with three kids, is not a lot of money,” she said.
“I would like to increase my income to a liveable wage so that I can afford clothes for my kids and increase our standard of living.”
Online commenters were not happy with Jenn’s use of the word “make” and her claim that $4,000 per month was not a “liveable wage,” clapping back at the creators video.
“In very poor taste to use the phrase “you MAKE”. No babe, you RECEIVE,” one commenter wrote.
“I’m a registered nurse with three kids, I earn the same amount working. That is some bulls***,” a second commented.
Jenn share what she claims to earn from Centrelink payments in a video online, sparking backlash with many working Australians. Photo: Instagram
MORE: Common $14k habit killing Aussie dream
“(You’re) ‘making’ $164 more a month than me …. Who is actually working and pays $800 a month in childcare. Why even bother going to work!? [sic],” another wrote.
The payments Jenn said she received included family tax benefits, rent assistance, single parenting payments, energy supplements and pension supplement.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, as of March 2025, 2.4 million people – 14 per cent of the population aged 16-64 – received income support payments in Australia.
Jenn posted a response on her account that she was shocked that many Australians didn’t understand how the public welfare system worked.
She revealed she had only recently begun getting Centrelink payments for a matter of months after navigating redundancy from her marketing career and a divorce.
Jenn was shocked that many didn’t seem to understand how welfare payments in Australia work. Photo: Instagram
MORE: Urgent warning: Aussies hit in dodgy scam
“Anyone that navigated redundancy or divorce will tell you how destabilising these events are, let alone when they occur concurrently,” she said.
“I am humbled and down trodden enough. I don’t need thousands of strangers on the internet piling on top of that.
“Even if I’d been earning this for years, I still don’t deserve the abuse I copped in the comments.”
In Jenn’s video, a $70 one-litre Frank Green drink bottle is visible in the background. In another moment, she pours $33 MooGoo body wash into a bath for her children, and elsewhere speaks about severe financial strain while standing in front of a Barbie Dreamhouse that can retail for as much as $300.
She also says she sets aside $1,000 a month for groceries while receiving government payments — details that have sparked outrage among her online followers.
Jenn also claimed that she didn’t “rort the system” but it did “exactly what it’s supposed to do – allowing my family the opportunity to turn our situation around without being plunged into homelessness overnight.
“Your anger is misdirected … I didn’t design Centrelink, I’m not a politician, and I’m not in charge of your salary,” she responded.
“I’m going to earn this again next month, and you’ll earn what you earn next month, and your choice of words doesn’t change that.
“It doesn’t change the cost of living crisis, the cost of housing, the current interest rate or how much you spend on childcare.”
Family tax benefit (part B): $384.16
Jenn totals the amount she receives on Centrelink payments per month. Picture: Instagram
Jenn breaks down the exact amounts she receives from Centrelink. Picture: Instagram
MORE: Where you should’ve bought in Aus 10yrs ago
Aus’ shock most in demand suburbs revealed
Help us improve your reading experience
Got a minute? Your feedback will help us build a better experience for you.
