Starting March 20, 2025, millions of Australians will receive a boost in Centrelink payments due to the biannual indexation process. This adjustment aligns with inflation to help recipients manage cost-of-living pressures, ensuring financial assistance remains relevant.
Millions of Australians
| Payment Type | Increase (Per Fortnight) | New Total Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | +$4.60 | $1,149 |
| Age Pension (Couple) | +$7.00 (combined) | $1,732.02 |
| JobSeeker (Single) | +$3.10 | Varies based on situation |
| JobSeeker (Couple) | +$2.80 | Varies based on situation |
| Commonwealth Rent Assistance (Single) | Up to +$23.00 | Varies |
| Commonwealth Rent Assistance (Family) | Up to +$27.02 | Varies |
For official details, visit the Services Australia website.
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Millions of Australians: Why Are Centrelink Payments Increasing?
The Australian government adjusts Centrelink payments twice a year (March and September) to keep up with inflation. This ensures welfare recipients don’t fall behind financially due to rising living costs.
How Does Indexation Work?
The increase is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and other economic factors, ensuring payments reflect real-world expenses.
Millions of Australians: Breakdown of Payment Increases
Age Pension
The Age Pension is a crucial source of income for older Australians. From March 20, single pensioners will see an increase of $4.60 per fortnight, while couples (combined) will receive an additional $7.00 per fortnight.
Eligibility for Age Pension:
- Must be 67 years or older.
- Must meet income and assets tests.
- Must be an Australian resident.
Check Age Pension eligibility here.
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Millions of Australians: JobSeeker Payment
The JobSeeker Payment is a financial aid for unemployed individuals actively seeking work.
- Single recipients will receive an extra $3.10 per fortnight.
- Couples will get an additional $2.80 each per fortnight.
Eligibility for JobSeeker Payment:
- Must be actively looking for work.
- Must meet income and asset limits.
- Must be under Age Pension age.
Check JobSeeker eligibility here.
Commonwealth Rent Assistance
Renters receiving welfare benefits will also see an increase:
- Singles: Up to $23.00 more per fortnight.
- Families: Up to $27.02 more per fortnight.
Eligibility for Rent Assistance:
- Must be receiving an income support payment.
- Must be paying rent in the private market.
- Rent must exceed the minimum threshold.
Check Rent Assistance eligibility here.
Millions of Australians: How to Check Your New Payment Amount
You can check your updated payment details by:
Logging into your myGov account linked to Centrelink. Using the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. Contacting Services Australia via phone or visiting a local Centrelink office.
Access myGov here.
Millions of Australians (FAQs)
When will the increased payments start?
March 20, 2025. The adjustments will automatically reflect in your Centrelink payment cycle.
Do I need to apply for the increase?
No, the increase will be automatically applied based on your current eligibility.
Will Youth Allowance or Disability Support Pension increase?
Yes, all income support payments undergo indexation, meaning some increases will apply to Youth Allowance and Disability Support Pension as well.
Can these payments change again in the future?
Yes. The government reviews payments every March and September to adjust for inflation.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the Services Australia website for full details.
