From 1 September 2025, millions of Australians receiving Centrelink payments will see a welcome 2.4% increase in their benefits.
This adjustment, known as indexation, ensures that social security payments keep pace with the rising cost of living. Around 2.4 million recipients—including pensioners, families, students, job seekers, and carers—will benefit from this cash boost.
The increase comes at a critical time when households are under immense pressure due to higher living costs, including rent, groceries, and healthcare. The government’s aim is to ensure that social security support remains adequate, fair, and sustainable.
Who Will Benefit from the Increase?
The 2.4% hike will impact a broad range of Centrelink payments. These include:
- Age Pension
- JobSeeker Payment
- Youth Allowance
- ABSTUDY
- Parenting Payment
- Disability Support Pension (DSP)
- Carer Payment
- Special Benefits
- Family Tax Benefit Part A and B
- Parental Leave Pay
- Newborn Supplement and Multiple Birth Allowance
This means a wide variety of Australians—from seniors and parents to students and job seekers—will receive extra money in their bank accounts from September.
Breakdown of Centrelink Payment Increases
The following table highlights some of the key payment changes under the September 2025 2.4% indexation:
| Payment Type | Current Rate (Fortnightly) | New Rate (Fortnightly) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | $1,149.00 | $1,178.70 | + $29.70 |
| Age Pension (Couple, each) | $866.10 | $888.50 | + $22.40 |
| JobSeeker (Single, 22+, no kids) | $781.10 | $793.60 | + $12.50 |
| JobSeeker (Couple, each) | $715.10 | $726.50 | + $11.40 |
| Family Tax Benefit A (<13 years) | $290.82 | $295.82 | + $5.00 |
| Family Tax Benefit B (per fortnight) | $183.70 | $188.10 | + $4.40 |
| Newborn Supplement (13 weeks) | $1,250.00 | $1,298.00 | + $48.00 |
Other payments, such as the Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, and Special Benefits, will also be adjusted by the same 2.4% rate.
Threshold Changes in September 2025
In addition to higher payments, income and asset test thresholds are also being raised. This means more people may qualify for part-rate pensions or higher Centrelink entitlements.
- Single pensioner cut-off income rises to $2,575.40 per fortnight.
- Couple cut-off income rises to $3,934.00 per fortnight.
- Asset thresholds rise by up to $15,000, depending on homeownership status.
These changes will help expand eligibility for older Australians and ensure fairness across the system.
How to Receive the Boost
Eligible recipients do not need to reapply. Payments will be automatically adjusted and deposited into nominated bank accounts from 1 September 2025.
To avoid delays, recipients should ensure their Centrelink and myGov accounts are updated with the correct banking details. Families, carers, and pensioners will also be notified of their new payment amounts via Services Australia.
Why This Boost Matters
For many Australians, this 2.4% cash boost provides more than just financial relief—it offers security and stability.
Seniors struggling with bills, families balancing childcare costs, and job seekers managing daily expenses will all benefit. While modest, this increase ensures that social security support remains aligned with real-world living costs.
The Centrelink Cash Boost of 2.4% starting 1 September 2025 marks an important step in supporting Australians through tough economic conditions.
With millions of recipients gaining higher fortnightly payments and improved thresholds, this increase ensures that seniors, families, students, and job seekers receive much-needed assistance.
It reflects the government’s commitment to reducing cost-of-living pressures and sustaining a fair social security system for all.
FAQs
When will the new Centrelink rates start?
The new rates will apply from 1 September 2025, and payments will automatically reflect the increase.
Do I need to apply for the 2.4% increase?
No. The increase will be automatically applied to all eligible Centrelink recipients.
Who is eligible for the cash boost?
Recipients of the Age Pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, Parenting Payment, DSP, Carer Payment, and Family Tax Benefits are all eligible.