Millions of Australians will soon see a welcome increase in Centrelink payments as the government rolls out its latest round of indexation adjustments.
Beginning 20 September 2025, more than five million recipients will receive boosted payments to help ease the strain of rising living costs.
This includes age pensioners, JobSeeker recipients, ABSTUDY students, Parenting Payment recipients, Disability Support Pension recipients, Carer Payment claimants, and those receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
The increases are part of the regular March and September adjustments designed to keep social security payments aligned with inflation.
The government has emphasized that the system must remain fair and responsive, ensuring that no one is left behind in meeting essential expenses like food, rent, and healthcare.
How Much Will Payments Increase?
The September adjustment delivers a modest but meaningful rise across a range of payments. For age pensioners, it represents one of the largest increases in recent years, while JobSeekers and other payment categories will also benefit.
| Payment Type | Category | New Fortnightly Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | Including supplements | $1,178.70 | + $29.70 |
| Age Pension (Partnered, each) | Each partner | $888.50 | + $22.40 |
| JobSeeker (Single, 22+, no children) | JobSeeker | $793.60 | + $12.50 |
| JobSeeker (Partnered, each) | JobSeeker | $726.50 | + $11.40 |
| ABSTUDY (22+, home/away) | ABSTUDY | $793.60 | + $12.50 |
| Parenting Payment (Single) | Including supplements | $1,039.70 | + $16.20 |
| Parenting Payment (Partnered) | Each partner | $734.30 | + $11.40 |
This cash boost ensures recipients have more in their pocket to manage everyday essentials.
Deeming Rates Returning to Normal
Alongside the increases, the government has confirmed that deeming rates—used to calculate income from financial investments—will begin returning to pre-pandemic levels.
- The lower deeming rate will rise from 0.25% to 0.75%.
- The upper deeming rate will increase from 2.25% to 2.75%.
These changes may reduce payments for some part-rate pensioners with significant assets. However, the government has paired this shift with the pension increases to help offset the impact for most recipients.
Income and Asset Threshold Updates
From 20 September, the income and asset test thresholds that determine eligibility for part pensions will also increase.
- Single income threshold: up to $2,575.40 per fortnight.
- Couple income threshold: up to $3,934.00 per fortnight.
- Single homeowner assets: up to $714,500.
- Single non-homeowner assets: up to $972,500.
- Couple homeowners: up to $1,074,000.
- Couple non-homeowners: up to $1,332,000.
These adjustments may allow more Australians to qualify for part-rate pensions or improve their existing payments.
Relief for Pensioners and JobSeekers
The $29.70 boost for single pensioners and $22.40 for partnered pensioners represents a significant step forward at a time when many older Australians are struggling with everyday costs. Similarly, JobSeekers will benefit from an increase of $12.50 per fortnight, ensuring greater support as they search for work.
The government has stressed that these changes are about fairness and providing adequate assistance to those who need it most.
The September Centrelink cash boost is set to benefit more than five million Australians, delivering much-needed relief to pensioners, JobSeekers, and families.
With payment increases, higher thresholds, and the staged return of deeming rates, this adjustment reflects the government’s commitment to fairness and financial security. For those living on tight budgets, these changes provide vital support at a critical time.
FAQs
When will the cash boost be applied?
Payments will start from 20 September 2025, with adjusted rates appearing in bank accounts soon after.
Who is eligible for the increase?
Age Pensioners, JobSeekers, Parenting Payment recipients, ABSTUDY students, Disability Support Pensioners, Carer Payment recipients, and those on Rent Assistance.
How much more will single pensioners receive?
Single Age Pensioners will receive an extra $29.70 per fortnight, taking their total to $1,178.70.