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Millions of Australians will get a cash boost this week as Centrelink payments increase under indexation changes, offering relief in the cost-of-living crisis.
These changes are made every year in March and September and are designed to ensure that payments keep up with inflation.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Centrelink payment changes.
Which Centrelink payments are getting the increase?
A number of payments will increase this week, including the age pension, carer payment, and disability support pension.
Federal rent assistance, youth allowance and JobSeeker payments will also jump to keep up with inflation.
The income limits for some payments will also increase, meaning more Aussies may be eligible to receive them.
When do the new Centrelink payment rates start?
The changes will come into effect on Friday, September 20.
Recipients will see the first increased payment in their bank account from that date onwards.
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How much are payments increasing in September 2025?
The dollar amount each payment will increase by varies.
The age pension will jump by $29.70 for singles, increasing the total fortnightly payment from $1149.00 to $1178.70 $29.70.
For couples it will increase by $22.40 each, resulting in a total fornightly payment of $888.50 per person.
Single parents will receive a $16.20 boost and partnered parents will get an extra $11.40.
That will bring total fortnightly payments to $1039.70 and $734.40 respectively.
Rental assistance will go up by just $3.40 for singles and $3.20 for couples, with fortnightly payments to sit at $215.40 and $203.
Rental assistance for families will increase by up to $4.48.
JobSeeker payments will jump by $12.50 for singles over 22 with no children, bringing the fortnightly total up from $781.10 to $793.60.
Couples will receive an extra $11.40 each.
Youth allowance will increase by $16.20, jumping from $1011.50 per fortnight to $1027.70.
Do you need to do anything to get the new rate?
No. These rate changes will automatically be applied to any payments made after Friday, September 20.
Why are Centrelink payments indexed twice a year?
Centrelink payments are indexed twice a year to ensure payments keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living.
These changes are based on a number of factors, including the consumer price index, weekly wage changes, and the pensioner and beneficiary living cost index.
The next change will be in March 2026.
