From 30 September 2025, millions of Australians receiving Centrelink payments will see a welcome increase in their fortnightly income. The government has approved a new round of indexation, adjusting key welfare payments to keep pace with rising living costs. Whether you’re a pensioner, jobseeker, student, or parent, these changes are designed to ease financial pressure in an inflationary environment.
Why Centrelink Payments Are Increasing
Costs for groceries, rent, utilities, and healthcare continue to rise. Centrelink payments are indexed twice a year, in March and September, to ensure recipients can manage everyday expenses. This adjustment provides a practical boost to households and individuals who rely on government support.
Fortnightly Payment Increases – Key Benefits
Here’s a clear breakdown of the new payment rates effective 30 September 2025:
| Benefit Type | Increase (Fortnightly) | New Total Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | $29.70 | $1178.70 |
| Age Pension (Partnered – each) | $22.40 | $888.50 |
| Transitional Rate (Single) | $14.90 | Varies |
| Transitional Rate (Partnered) | $12.00 | Varies |
| JobSeeker (Single, 22+) | $12.50 | $793.60 |
| Youth Allowance | $16.20 | $1026.70 |
| Parenting Payment (Single) | $16.20 | Varies |
| Parenting Payment (Partnered) | $11.40 | Varies |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | $11.40–$13.40 | Based on family situation |
| Rent Assistance | $2.27–$4.48 | Depends on claim |
Even modest increases can make a difference over time, helping recipients keep up with rising costs.
Age Pension
The Age Pension remains a cornerstone of support for retirees:
- Single pensioners: $1178.70 per fortnight (up $29.70)
- Partnered pensioners: $888.50 per fortnight each (up $22.40)
No new application is required—the boost will be automatically applied for those already receiving the pension and meeting eligibility criteria.
JobSeeker & Youth Allowance
- JobSeeker: Single recipients aged 22+ gain $12.50, raising the total to $793.60 per fortnight.
- Youth Allowance: Recipients see a $16.20 increase, with payments reaching $1026.70.
These increases provide additional support for young Australians studying, training, or seeking work.
Parenting Payment & ABSTUDY
- Single parents: $16.20 boost per fortnight
- Partnered parents: $11.40 increase
- Older single parents may receive $17 in some cases
- ABSTUDY Living Allowance increases by $11.40–$13.40 depending on family and living arrangements
Rent Assistance
The maximum Rent Assistance will rise by $2.27 to $4.48 per fortnight, helping recipients manage rising rental costs.
FAQs
1. When do these Centrelink payment increases start?
From 30 September 2025.
2. Do I need to reapply for the new payments?
No. Current recipients will receive the increase automatically.
3. How much will a single Age Pensioner receive?
$1178.70 per fortnight after the $29.70 boost.
4. How much will partnered pensioners receive?
Each partner will receive $888.50 per fortnight.
5. Will JobSeeker payments also increase?
Yes, single recipients aged 22+ will see up to a $12.50 increase, depending on circumstances.
Conclusion
The Centrelink payment boosts effective 30 September 2025 are an important step in supporting Australians during rising living costs. From pensioners to students, jobseekers, and parents, these increases provide extra financial stability every fortnight. Keeping track of these changes helps households plan their budgets, cover essentials, and reduce financial stress in 2025 and beyond.