Centrelink Payments to Rise in April 2025 – Check New Rates Here!

Good news is on the way for millions of Australians feeling the squeeze of rising living costs. The federal government has confirmed that a wide range of Centrelink payments will go up from April 2025, putting extra money into the pockets of pensioners, carers, job seekers, parents, and more.

From rent assistance to pensions, these fortnightly boosts are designed to help households cope with the ongoing cost-of-living crunch. The increases are part of the government’s regular indexation process, ensuring payments keep pace with inflation and wage movements.

Why Centrelink Payments Are Increasing

Every year, Centrelink benefits are reviewed twice – in March and September – to keep them in line with changes in the cost of living. This process, called indexation, is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and wage growth data.

For 2025, the confirmed indexation rate is 3.6%. That means from September, payments like the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, JobSeeker, and Parenting Payment will all get a boost.

While inflation has eased compared to the peak of the last few years, everyday costs – from groceries to fuel and rent – remain stubbornly high. The government says these increases will help protect the purchasing power of welfare recipients and prevent them from slipping into deeper financial hardship.

New Centrelink Rates for September 2025

Here’s how much extra you can expect from September’s adjustment:

• Age Pension: Up by $19.60 for singles (total $1,144.40/fortnight) and $29.40 for couples (total $1,725.20/fortnight).

• Disability Support Pension: Same as Age Pension – singles $1,144.40, couples $1,725.20 per fortnight.

• JobSeeker: Extra $13.50 for singles without children (total $762.70) and $14.40 for those with children (total $777.10).

• Rent Assistance: Singles get $3.40 more (total $188.20), couples get $3.40 more (total $177.20). Shared accommodation rate rises by $2.27 (total $125.47).

• Parenting Payment: Single parents up by $17.50 (total $959.40), partnered parents up by $12.30 (total $693.30).

• ABSTUDY: Increases by $13.50 to $762.70.

• Carer Payment: Matches Age Pension – singles $1,144.40, couples $1,725.20 per fortnight.

When the Higher Payments Start

The new rates kick in from 20 September 2025. Most people will see the increased amount in their next regular payment after this date. Payments are usually fortnightly, but exact dates depend on the type of benefit and public holiday schedules.

Services Australia advises checking your myGov account or its online payment calendar to confirm your exact payment dates.

Who Gets the Increase

If you’re already receiving a qualifying Centrelink payment, you don’t need to apply – the increase will happen automatically. Eligibility rules, however, remain the same.

This means you must still meet residency requirements, income and asset tests, and, for certain benefits, age or disability criteria. For Parenting Payment, eligibility depends on your children’s age and your relationship status.

Keep your details up to date to avoid overpayments or disruptions.

Extra Support Available

Many people will also benefit from add-ons like:

• Energy Supplement – helps cover rising electricity bills.

• Pension Supplement – provides extra income for pensioners.

• Rent Assistance – a key support for those in private rentals or community housing.

Advocacy groups say the September rent assistance increase is a step forward, but still lags behind surging rental prices in many parts of Australia.

How to Access the New Rates

If you’re already a Centrelink recipient, there’s nothing you need to do. The increase will be added automatically.

If you think you might qualify but aren’t receiving payments, you’ll need to apply via Services Australia by creating or logging into a myGov account, submitting your claim online, and providing required documents like ID, income details, or medical certificates. Processing times usually range from 2–4 weeks.

Why This Matters

While the dollar amounts might seem small, for low-income households, every extra bit counts. The extra cash could help pay for groceries, cover an unexpected bill, or reduce the need to take on debt.

However, social advocates warn that even with this rise, welfare rates still fall short of what’s needed to lift many people above the poverty line. They are pushing for broader reforms beyond annual indexation.

The government says indexation remains a key safeguard against inflation, and with the next review set for March 2026, another adjustment could be on the horizon.

Bottom Line:
From September 2025, millions of Australians will see more money in their Centrelink payments – a welcome boost for pensioners, carers, parents, and job seekers trying to keep up with everyday expenses.

To make sure you’re getting the right amount and any extra supplements you’re eligible for, keep your myGov details current and check the official Services Australia updates.