From 30 September 2025, millions of Australians will see an increase in their Centrelink payments as the government applies its latest indexation adjustments. While the rises are modest, they are automatic, non-taxable, and designed to help households keep pace with rising living costs.
Why Centrelink Payments Change
Centrelink reviews payments twice a year (March and September) based on:
- Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI)
- Wage growth (Male Total Average Weekly Earnings)
These adjustments ensure that payments keep up with inflation, helping Australians on fixed incomes manage essentials like groceries, rent, and utilities.
New Payment Rates from 30 September 2025
Here’s a breakdown of key increases:
| Benefit Type | Increase (Fortnightly) | New Total Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | +$29.70 | $1,178.70 |
| Age Pension (Partnered, each) | +$22.40 | $888.50 |
| JobSeeker (Single, 22+) | +$12.50 | $793.60 |
| Parenting Payment (Single) | +$16.20 | Varies |
| Parenting Payment (Partnered) | +$11.40 | Varies |
| Youth Allowance | +$16.20 | $1,026.70 |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | +$11.40–$13.40 | Depends |
| Rent Assistance (Maximum Rate) | +$2.27–$4.48 | Depends |
Transitional rates for older arrangements will also increase, though by slightly smaller amounts.
Who Benefits from These Increases
- Age Pensioners: Singles gain nearly $30 per fortnight; partnered pensioners gain $22.40 each.
- JobSeekers: Singles 22+ get $793.60 per fortnight, helping with essential expenses.
- Youth and Students: Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY recipients get a meaningful boost for study and living costs.
- Families: Parenting Payment recipients see extra support, especially single parents.
- Renters: Small increases in Rent Assistance provide some relief in the housing market.
No Action Required
If you already receive a qualifying payment, you don’t need to apply. The new rates will automatically appear in your fortnightly payments starting 30 September 2025, through your usual direct deposit or cheque.
Why This Isn’t a One-Off Bonus
Unlike separate Cost-of-Living Payments announced earlier in 2025, these indexation increases are permanent adjustments to your fortnightly payments.
- A single Age Pensioner will get about $772 extra per year
- A JobSeeker will receive roughly $325 more annually
Over time, these increases help protect purchasing power against inflation.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to apply for the September 2025 increase?
No. Payments are automatically adjusted if you’re already eligible.
Q2: Are these changes permanent?
Yes. Indexation increases permanently raise your base payment, unlike one-off bonuses.
Q3: How can I check my new payment rate?
Log in to your myGov account or check your updated payment notice from Centrelink.
Q4: Does this affect other benefits?
No, the increase applies only to the relevant Centrelink payment and does not impact other entitlements.
Q5: When will I see the increase in my account?
The new rates apply from 30 September 2025, and payments are deposited according to your usual Centrelink schedule.
Conclusion
The Centrelink indexation increase from 30 September 2025 provides modest but meaningful relief for pensioners, students, job seekers, and families. These automatic, non-taxable adjustments help Australians stay ahead of rising living costs and provide greater financial stability. Check your payments via myGov to see exactly how your fortnightly income will change.