Kendell
Every year, Centrelink payments are reviewed and adjusted twice—on 20 March and 20 September—to ensure they keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.
This process, known as indexation, is vital to protect the real value of benefits such as the Age Pension, JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, and Parenting Payment.
From 20 September 2025, millions of Australians will see a permanent increase in their fortnightly payments.
This adjustment, often referred to as the Centrelink Cash Boost, is not a one-off bonus but a long-term rise in payment rates and thresholds
Why the September 2025 Boost Matters
The cost of living continues to climb, with essentials such as groceries, utilities, and housing putting pressure on households. By adjusting payment rates, the government ensures that social security recipients do not fall behind.
The September 2025 boost will benefit age pensioners, job seekers, parents, students, and carers, while also updating income and asset thresholds for eligibility.
Updated Centrelink Payment Rates (Effective 20 September 2025)
The following table provides a clear breakdown of payment increases and new fortnightly amounts:
| Benefit / Allowance | Increase | New Fortnightly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | + $29.70 | $1,178.70 | Includes supplements |
| Age Pension (Partner, each) | + $22.40 | $888.50 | Couples combined: $1,777.00 |
| Transitional Pension (Single) | + $14.90 | $959.70 | Excludes supplements |
| Transitional Pension (Partner, each) | + $12.00 | $774.30 | Couples combined: $1,548.60 |
| JobSeeker – Single (no dependents, 22+) | + $12.50 | $793.60 | For individuals over 22 |
| JobSeeker – Single (dependents/caring duties) | + $13.40 | $849.90 | Covers carers and those with dependents |
| JobSeeker – Principal carer (exempt from activity tests) | + $16.20 | $1,027.70 | Higher rate for carers |
| JobSeeker – Partner (each) | + $11.40 | $726.50 | For couples |
| Parenting Payment – Single (under Age Pension age) | + $16.20 | Varies | Boost applied |
| Parenting Payment – Partnered (under Age Pension age) | + $11.40 | Varies | Boost applied |
| Parenting Payment – Single (over Age Pension age) | + $17.00 | Varies | Boost applied |
| Parenting Payment – Partnered (over Age Pension age) | + $12.40 | Varies | Boost applied |
| Youth Allowance | + $16.20 | $1,026.70 | For eligible students/apprentices |
| ABSTUDY Living Allowance | + $11.40–$13.40 | Varies | Based on family situation |
| Rent Assistance (Social Security Act) | + $2.27–$3.40 | Varies | For renters |
| Rent Assistance (Family Assistance Act) | + $3.92–$4.48 | Varies | For families |
| Telephone Allowance – Annual | + $3.20 | $151.20 | Paid yearly |
| Telephone Allowance – Quarterly | + $0.80 | $37.80 | Paid quarterly |
| Utilities Allowance – Annual | + $12.40 | $795.20 | Paid yearly |
| Utilities Allowance – Quarterly | + $3.10 | $198.80 | Paid quarterly |
Who Qualifies for the September 2025 Cash Boost?
The boost automatically applies to all Australians currently receiving eligible Centrelink benefits. These include:
- Age Pension recipients
- JobSeeker Payment recipients
- Youth Allowance claimants
- ABSTUDY Living Allowance recipients
- Parenting Payment claimants
- Rent Assistance beneficiaries
- Those receiving Telephone and Utilities Allowances
There is no need to apply. Payments will be adjusted automatically from 20 September 2025.
Impact on Income and Asset Thresholds
Alongside payment increases, income and asset limits have been raised. This ensures more people remain eligible for benefits, and in some cases, new applicants may now qualify.
- Income Test: For Age Pensioners, the single income threshold rises to $2,575.40 per fortnight, while couples combined see a proportional increase.
- Asset Test: Single homeowner limits increase to $714,500, with similar rises for non-homeowners and couples.
These adjustments provide greater financial security for older Australians and low-income households.
Deeming Rate Changes
The deeming rates used to assess financial investments are also rising:
- 0.75% for assets under $64,200 (singles) and $106,200 (couples).
- 2.75% for assets above these thresholds.
While higher deeming rates may slightly reduce part-pensions for some, the payment increases are designed to offset the impact.
How to Check Your New Payment Amount
Beneficiaries can review updated payment amounts through:
- myGov accounts linked to Centrelink.
- Centrelink online services and app.
- Official letters or digital notifications sent in September 2025.
It is important to ensure banking and personal details are up to date to avoid delays.
The Centrelink Cash Boost effective from 20 September 2025 delivers permanent increases to a wide range of payments.
With higher rates across Age Pension, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, Rent Assistance, and allowances, this uplift ensures payments better match inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
For millions of Australians, these changes bring much-needed relief and improved financial stability heading into the end of 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
No. The increase is permanent and part of regular indexation that occurs every March and September.
No. If you already receive eligible Centrelink payments, the updated rates will apply automatically.
It may. If you have significant financial assets, higher deeming rates could affect part-pension amounts, though overall payments are still increasing.