Starting today, millions of Australians will see an increase in their Centrelink payments—but some pensioners may feel the impact of higher deeming rates. Here’s what you need to know to stay on top of your payments.
Centrelink Payment Increases
The Australian government adjusts Centrelink payments twice a year to help recipients keep up with inflation. From today, September 21, 2025, over 5 million Australians will benefit. This includes recipients of the Age Pension, JobSeeker, ABSTUDY, Parenting Payment, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, and Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
Key Payment Changes
| Payment Type | Increase | New Fortnightly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | +$29.70 | $1,178.70 |
| Age Pension (Couple, each) | +$22.40 | $888.50 |
| JobSeeker (Single, 22+) | +$12.50 | $793.60 |
| JobSeeker (Couple, each) | +$11.40 | $726.50 |
| ABSTUDY (22+) | +$12.50 | $793.60 |
| Parenting Payment (Single) | +$16.20 | $1,039.70 |
| Parenting Payment (Couple, each) | +$11.40 | $734.30 |
Quick tip: These increases are applied automatically—no action is needed to receive the extra payment.
What Are Deeming Rates and What’s Changing?
Deeming rates are used to estimate income from financial assets when calculating pensions. They have been frozen since 2020 but are now rising to reflect current market conditions.
New Deeming Rates (from today):
- Lower rate: 0.75% for financial assets under $64,200 (single) or $106,200 (couple combined)
- Upper rate: 2.75% for assets above these thresholds
Impact: Around 771,000 Centrelink recipients may see a slight reduction in payments if they have significant financial assets.
Who Could Be Affected?
- Pensioners with savings or investments above the lower threshold may experience reduced Age Pension payments.
- Example: A single retiree with $100,000 in financial assets may see a decrease of about $7 per fortnight.
Tip: Review your financial situation to understand how deeming rate changes might affect you.
How to Check Your Payments
- Log in to your Centrelink online account
- Use the Express Plus Centrelink app
- Contact Services Australia for personalized advice
You do not need to manually update anything—changes are applied automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When do the new Centrelink rates start?
A1: September 21, 2025.
Q2: Do I need to do anything to get the payment increase?
A2: No, it’s automatic.
Q3: How do deeming rate changes affect my pension?
A3: If you have substantial financial assets, your pension may decrease slightly.
Q4: Can I check my new payment online?
A4: Yes, via your Centrelink account or the Express Plus app.
Q5: Who benefits most from the increases?
A5: Single pensioners and recipients of JobSeeker, ABSTUDY, and Parenting Payment will see the biggest boosts.
Final Thoughts
The latest Centrelink payment boost is designed to help Australians manage the cost of living. While higher deeming rates may reduce some pensioners’ payments slightly, the majority will see a welcome increase in their fortnightly income.
Actionable tip: Review your finances, understand how deeming rates apply, and check your Centrelink account to see the exact impact. Staying informed ensures you maximize your entitlements.