Get App
Centrelink Payment Increases: What You Need to Know About the September 2025 Changes
Millions of Australians saw their Centrelink payments increase on September 20th, with singles receiving up to $29.70 more per fortnight.
24 Sept 2025
Millions of Australians saw their Centrelink payments increase on September 20th, with singles receiving up to $29.70 more per fortnight.
More than 5 million Australians have received a much-needed boost to their bank accounts on September 20, 2025, with a number of Centrelink payments increasing. Twice a year, the Australian Government implements indexation to adjust payments to keep in line with inflation. This essentially makes sure welfare payments remain consistent, helping ensure everyday Aussies cope with the rising cost of living.
From the Age Pension to JobSeeker and Parenting Payments, here’s a guide to what’s changed and how much you can expect to receive.
Which Centrelink payments changed on September 20?
Age Pension
Singles will see an increase of $29.70 per fortnight, bringing their total to $1,178.70 a fortnight, while couples will receive an additional $22.40 each, totaling $888.50 per person.
← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →
| Increase | New fortnightly amount | New annual amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles | +$29.70 / fortnight | $1,178.70 | $30,686.20 |
| Couples (combined) | +$44.80 / fortnight | $1,777.00 | $23,101.00 |
Source: Services Australia
Deeming Rates and the Age Pension
Alongside these payment increases, deeming rates also play a key role in calculating your Age Pension. These rates determine how much income the government assumes your financial assets—like savings accounts, term deposits, managed funds, and shares—are earning, rather than relying on your actual returns. Even if your investments are performing well, only the government’s flat deeming rates count for the income test, which affects how much pension you receive.
With both the lower and upper deeming rates recently increasing, more of your assets may now be treated as income, potentially reducing your fortnightly pension payments. For retirees, this is a timely reminder to review investments and consider strategies to protect their entitlements. Below is an overview of how the new deeming rates could affect you:
Single retiree with $100,000 in financial assets
- Old deeming calculation: ~$23/week counted as income
- New deeming calculation: ~$44/week counted as income
- Potential impact: Pension reduced by ~$21/week
Couple with $150,000 in financial assets
- Old deeming calculation: ~$35/week counted as income
- New deeming calculation: ~$65/week counted as income
- Potential impact: Pension reduced by ~$30/week
Even if your actual investment returns haven’t changed, higher deeming rates mean more of your savings are treated as income, which can reduce Age Pension payments.
Disability Support Pension & Carer Payment
Singles will receive an extra $29.70 per fortnight, reaching $1,178.70, while couples will get $22.40 each, totalling $888.50 per person. The rise ensures that individuals with disabilities and carers have continued support to cover medical costs, transport, and essential living needs.
JobSeeker Payment
Singles aged 22 or over without children will receive an additional $12.50 per fortnight, increasing their payment to $793.60. Couples will see $11.40 extra each.
Youth Allowance
Recipients will see an increase of $16.20 per fortnight, bringing the total to $1,027.70.
Federal Rent Assistance
Singles will receive an extra $3.40 per fortnight, totaling $215.40, and couples will see $3.20 extra each, bringing their total to $203.00. Families may receive up to $4.48 more per fortnight. This assistance helps eligible recipients with their housing costs, reducing the pressure of rising rental prices.
Parenting Payments
Single parents will receive an additional $16.20 per fortnight, totalling $1,039.70, while partnered parents will see $11.40 extra each, bringing their total to $734.40.
← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →
| Centrelink Payment Type | Increase (per fortnight) | New Fortnightly Amount | New Annual Total Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension – Singles | $29.70 | $1,178.70 | $30,686.20 |
| Age Pension – Couples (each) | $22.40 | $888.50 | $23,101.00 |
| Disability Support Pension & Carer Payment – Singles | $29.70 | $1,178.70 | $30,686.20 |
| Disability Support Pension & Carer Payment – Couples (each) | $22.40 | $888.50 | $23,101.00 |
| JobSeeker Payment – Singles | $12.50 | $793.60 | $20,633.60 |
| JobSeeker Payment – Couples (each) | $11.40 | $753.60 | $19,593.60 |
| Youth Allowance | $16.20 | $1,027.70 | $26,720.20 |
| Federal Rent Assistance – Singles | $3.40 | $215.40 | $5,600.40 |
| Federal Rent Assistance – Couples (each) | $3.20 | $203.00 | $5,278.00 |
| Parenting Payment – Singles | $16.20 | $1,039.70 | $27,031.20 |
| Parenting Payment – Couples (each) | $11.40 | $734.40 | $19,094.40 |
How will these changes affect you?
If you’re receiving any of the payments mentioned above, you should see the increased amount in your bank account starting from September 20, 2025—you don’t have to do anything. These increases provide essential support for individuals and families managing tight budgets. The income limits for some payments have also been raised, potentially making more Australians eligible for assistance.
It’s important to understand there’s a range within each of these payments, depending on whether you’re single, in a family, how many dependents you have, what age you are, so if you’re not sure, jump on to the Services Australia website and double check what it means for you.
This article was reviewed by our Deputy Finance Editor Alasdair Duncan before it was updated, as part of our fact-checking process.
