From September 2025, Australian seniors will see a welcome boost in their income as the Age Pension rises to $1,179 per fortnight for single pensioners. This adjustment comes under the government’s regular indexation process to help retirees cope with rising living costs such as rent, groceries, and healthcare.
What is the Age Pension?
The Age Pension is a government support payment designed for older Australians who have reached retirement age and meet certain eligibility conditions. It provides a stable income to those with limited savings or assets. Pension rates are reviewed twice a year—in March and September—to keep up with inflation and wage growth.
New Pension Rates from September 2025
The latest increase means both single and partnered retirees will benefit.
| Category | Current Fortnightly Rate | New Rate (Sept 2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,116 | $1,179 | +$63 |
| Couple (each) | $841 | $888 | +$47 |
This uplift provides extra financial relief, especially for retirees struggling with essential expenses.
Who is Eligible for the Age Pension?
To qualify for the Age Pension and benefit from the increase, seniors must meet these conditions:
- Age Requirement: Must be at least 67 years old (from July 2023 onwards).
- Residency Rule: Must have lived in Australia for at least 10 years, with some exceptions.
- Income and Assets Test: Centrelink reviews your financial situation to decide eligibility.
For those already receiving the Age Pension, the increase will be applied automatically from the first payment date in September 2025—no need to reapply.
Why the Increase Matters
The additional $63 for singles and $47 for couples may seem modest, but it makes a real difference for seniors facing rising living costs. This extra support can help cover:
- Rent or housing costs
- Utility bills like electricity and gas
- Healthcare and medicines
- Everyday essentials such as groceries
How to Check Your Updated Payment
Pensioners can check their updated payment details by:
- Logging into their myGov account linked to Centrelink
- Reviewing the payment summary and dates
- Contacting Centrelink directly for further information
The changes will appear automatically from the September 2025 payday onwards.
FAQs About the Age Pension Increase
Q1: What is the new Age Pension rate from September 2025?
The maximum rate is $1,179 per fortnight for singles and $888 per fortnight for each member of a couple.
Q2: Do I need to reapply to get the increase?
No, existing pensioners will receive the updated rate automatically.
Q3: What age do I need to be to qualify?
The qualifying age is 67 years as of July 2023.
Q4: How does Centrelink decide if I’m eligible?
Eligibility is based on age, residency rules, and income/assets tests.
Q5: How often are pension rates updated?
Rates are adjusted twice a year—March and September.
Conclusion
The $1,179 Age Pension increase in September 2025 offers much-needed financial relief for retirees across Australia. While it may not solve every challenge of rising living costs, it is a meaningful step in helping seniors live with dignity and security. If you’re a pensioner, check your myGov account or Centrelink updates to see your new payment reflected.