Australians continue to face rising living costs, and the government has confirmed another round of Centrelink fortnightly payment boosts to ease the burden. These increases will take effect from 20 September 2025, and apply across major Centrelink payments, including the Age Pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, Rent Assistance, and others.
Centrelink adjusts payments twice a year on 20 March and 20 September through a process called indexation. This ensures payments reflect changes in inflation and wage growth, helping beneficiaries maintain purchasing power. The September 2025 increases are now approved and will provide significant financial relief to pensioners and welfare recipients.
Why the September 2025 Centrelink Boost Matters
Australia’s inflationary pressures, particularly in housing, food, and utilities, have put additional strain on low-income households. These payment increases ensure:
- Pensioners can cover essential daily needs such as groceries, rent, and healthcare.
- Families relying on Youth Allowance or Parenting Payment receive fair adjustments.
- The most vulnerable Australians are not left behind during periods of high living costs.
Quick Summary: Centrelink Fortnightly Payment Boosts 2025
Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
Program |
Centrelink Fortnightly Payment Boosts |
Agency |
Services Australia |
Country |
Australia |
Year |
2025 |
Effective Date |
20 September 2025 |
Frequency |
Fortnightly |
Payments Impacted |
Age Pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, Rent Assistance, ABSTUDY, Special Benefit |
Reason for Increase |
Indexation due to inflation and living cost changes |
Status |
Confirmed |
Official Website |
Key Centrelink Fortnightly Payment Increases from 20 September 2025
Services Australia has released details of the approved increases. Here’s a breakdown of the most important changes:
1. Age Pension
- Single pensioners: Increase of $29.70 → New rate $1178.70 per fortnight.
- Couples (per member): Increase of $22.40 → New rate $888.50 per fortnight each.
- Transitional rates: Increase of $14.90 for singles and $12.00 for partnered individuals.
- Pension supplement: Small rise of 40c–60c, depending on marital status.
2. JobSeeker Payment
- Single (22+ years, no children): Increase of $12.50 → New rate $793.60 per fortnight.
- Other family situations: Increase ranges between $12.50 and $16.20.
3. Youth Allowance
- Boost of $16.20, bringing the maximum to $1026.70 per fortnight.
4. Parenting Payment
- Single parents: Increase of $16.20 per fortnight.
- Partnered parents: Increase of $11.40 per fortnight.
- Over Age Pension age: Increase of $17.00 (single) and $12.40 (partnered).
5. ABSTUDY Living Allowance
- Increase between $11.40 and $13.40, depending on family circumstances.
6. Rent Assistance
- Increase between $2.27 and $3.40.
- Maximum boost: $3.92–$4.48, depending on household situation.
What is the Centrelink Cash Boost?
The Cash Boost is the term used for increases applied through automatic indexation. Beneficiaries do not need to apply the increases are automatically reflected in payments after 20 September 2025.
- For pensioners, the biggest impact will be felt through the Age Pension rise to $1178.70 (single) and $888.50 (partnered) per fortnight.
- Other benefits like JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, and Rent Assistance also see confirmed increases.
This boost ensures that Centrelink payments are aligned with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) two key benchmarks used to measure cost of living changes.
Eligibility for the September 2025 Increases
Eligibility for the new rates remains the same as existing Centrelink rules:
- Age Pension: Must be 67 years or older, meet residency requirements, and pass income/asset tests.
- JobSeeker: Available to unemployed Australians meeting job-seeking activity rules.
- Youth Allowance: For students, apprentices, or job-seekers aged 16–24 years.
- Parenting Payment: For parents or guardians caring for young children.
- ABSTUDY: For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students/apprentices.
- Rent Assistance: Paid to eligible tenants already receiving Centrelink income support.
No separate application is required. If you qualify for the base payment, you will automatically receive the new indexed amount from 20 September 2025.
Fact Check – Centrelink Fortnightly Payment Boosts
- Confirmed: Yes, Services Australia has approved the new indexed rates.
- Start Date: 20 September 2025.
- Who Benefits: Pensioners, job seekers, students, parents, and renters on Centrelink support.
- How Paid: Automatically added to fortnightly payments.
- Why: To keep payments in line with living costs and wage movements.
FAQs About Centrelink Payment Boosts from September 2025
Q1. What is the Centrelink Payment Boost 2025?
It is the increase in core Centrelink payments such as Age Pension, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, and Youth Allowance, effective from 20 September 2025.
Q2. Who will benefit from the $29.70 pension increase?
Single Age Pension recipients will see their fortnightly rate rise by $29.70, reaching $1178.70.
Q3. Do I need to apply for the increase?
No, all eligible payments are automatically adjusted from 20 September 2025.
Q4. How much will couples receive after the boost?
Each partner will receive $888.50 per fortnight, an increase of $22.40.
Q5. Will Rent Assistance also increase?
Yes, Rent Assistance rises by $2.27–$4.48 depending on family situation.
Q6. Where can I check new rates?
On the Services Australia website: servicesaustralia.gov.au.
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