From this Saturday, nearly five million Australians will see a welcome boost to their Centrelink payments as the government adjusts welfare support to keep pace with rising inflation.
The increases cover age pensions, carer payments, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, and rent assistance, ensuring vulnerable Australians aren’t left behind as living costs continue to climb.
What’s Changing in September 2025?
The government reviews Centrelink support payments twice a year (in March and September). This September, payments will rise across the board, with the exact increase tied to inflation and cost-of-living indexes.
Pension Increases
- Single pensioners: +$29.70 → $1178.70 per fortnight
- Couples (combined): +$22.40 → $888.50 per fortnight each
Parenting Payments
- Single parents: +$16.20 → $1039.70 per fortnight
- Partnered parents: +$11.40 → $734.40 per fortnight
Rent Assistance Boost
- Single renters: +$3.40 → $215.40 per fortnight
- Couples: +$3.20 → $203 per fortnight
- Single parents with 3+ children: +$4.48 → $286.02 per fortnight
JobSeeker Payment
- Single (22+, no children): +$12.50 → $793.60 per fortnight
Why Are Payments Rising?
Centrelink uses three measures to decide how much payments increase:
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) – reflects inflation
- Wage growth index – tracks average weekly earnings
- Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index – tailored for pensioners
The highest measure becomes the benchmark, so payments rise enough to protect Australians’ real income against inflation.
Who Benefits from the Increase?
- Age pensioners
- Carers
- Parents receiving support
- Renters on government assistance
- JobSeekers and Youth Allowance recipients
This September’s rise ensures millions of Australians relying on social security won’t see their income eroded by higher grocery, rent, and energy costs.
Quick Reference Table: September 2025 Centrelink Increases
| Payment Type | Previous | Increase | New Total (per fortnight) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Age Pension | $1149.00 | +$29.70 | $1178.70 |
| Pensioner (Couple each) | $866.10 | +$22.40 | $888.50 |
| Single Parent Payment | $1023.50 | +$16.20 | $1039.70 |
| Partnered Parent Payment | $723.00 | +$11.40 | $734.40 |
| Rent Assistance (Single) | $212.00 | +$3.40 | $215.40 |
| Rent Assistance (Couple) | $199.80 | +$3.20 | $203.00 |
| Rent Assistance (Single w/ 3+ kids) | $281.54 | +$4.48 | $286.02 |
| JobSeeker (Single 22+, no kids) | $781.10 | +$12.50 | $793.60 |
FAQs About the Centrelink Increase
1. When do the new Centrelink payments start?
From Saturday, September 28, 2025 (first full fortnightly cycle).
2. Do I need to apply for the increase?
No – payments are automatically adjusted by Centrelink.
3. How often are payments increased?
Twice a year – in March and September.
4. Will Youth Allowance also rise?
Yes, Youth Allowance payments also receive an indexed increase.
5. Why is rent assistance included?
To help low-income renters keep up with rising housing costs.
Final Thoughts
This September’s Centrelink increase provides much-needed relief for millions of Australians struggling with inflation, rising rents, and higher living costs.
If you’re a pensioner, JobSeeker, or carer, check your MyGov account or Centrelink app to confirm your updated payment schedule.