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Australians relying on Centrelink are about to see a welcome change in their bank accounts. Starting September 30, 2025, a permanent cash boost will hit for millions of recipients, with increases rolling out across Age Pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, ABSTUDY, and other core supports.
Unlike one-off supplements, this uplift is part of indexation, the twice-yearly process where the government adjusts benefits to keep pace with inflation and living costs. But this round is different—it’s larger than usual, reflecting persistent cost pressures on households.
What’s Happening
Every March 20 and September 20, Centrelink reviews payments to make sure they don’t lose value over time. This September’s adjustment is significant, with permanent increases that will automatically apply to anyone already on an eligible payment.
Recipients don’t need to reapply or fill out new forms—if you’re on Centrelink, the increase will show up in your MyGov account and be deposited directly into your account.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Start Date | September 30, 2025 |
Authority | Services Australia (Centrelink) |
Payments Affected | Age Pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, ABSTUDY, Rent/Utilities Allowances |
Type of Increase | Permanent (indexation) |
Frequency | Fortnightly (unless otherwise specified) |
Official Site | servicesaustralia.gov.au |
Who Qualifies
If you’re currently receiving one of the following Centrelink supports, you’ll automatically see a bump in your rate:
- Age Pension
- JobSeeker Payment
- Youth Allowance
- Parenting Payment (single and partnered)
- ABSTUDY Living Allowance
- Special Benefit
- Rent Assistance
- Utilities Allowance
- Telephone Allowance
Basically, if you’re already on the books, you’re covered—no application needed.
How Much More Will You Get?
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate fortnightly increases, effective from September 30, 2025:
Payment Type | Old Amount | Increase | New Amount |
---|---|---|---|
Age Pension (Single) | $1,149.00 | +$29.70 | $1,178.70 |
Age Pension (Partnered) | $866.10 | +$22.40 | $888.50 |
JobSeeker (Single, no kids) | $781.10 | +$12.50 | $793.60 |
JobSeeker (With dependents) | $836.50 | +$13.40 | $849.90 |
JobSeeker (Principal carer) | $1,011.50 | +$16.20 | $1,027.70 |
JobSeeker (Partnered) | $715.10 | +$11.40 | $726.50 |
Parenting Payment (Single) | — | +$16.20 | Varies |
Parenting Payment (Partnered) | — | +$11.40 | Varies |
Youth Allowance | $1,010.50 | +$16.20 | $1,026.70 |
ABSTUDY Living Allowance | — | +$11.40–$13.40 | Varies |
Rent Assistance (SSA) | — | +$2.27–$3.40 | Varies |
Rent Assistance (FAA) | — | +$3.92–$4.48 | Varies |
Telephone Allowance (Annual) | $148.00 | +$3.20 | $151.20 |
Telephone Allowance (Quarterly) | $37.00 | +$0.80 | $37.80 |
Utilities Allowance (Annual) | $782.80 | +$12.40 | $795.20 |
Utilities Allowance (Quarterly) | $195.70 | +$3.10 | $198.80 |
(Note: final rates depend on your family situation, assets, and living arrangements.)
Timeline
- September 20, 2025: Official indexation adjustment date.
- September 30, 2025: First payments reflecting the new amounts land in accounts.
Payments continue fortnightly (or quarterly/annually for some allowances), with the new rates locked in until the next indexation in March 2026.
Why the Boost Matters
Inflation has been eating into household budgets—groceries, rent, utilities, healthcare, and transport are all costlier than just a few years ago. The September 2025 boost:
- Helps retirees on the Age Pension cover rising utility and medical costs.
- Supports jobseekers with a small but steady increase while they re-enter the workforce.
- Gives students and young people on Youth Allowance/ABSTUDY more room to manage basic expenses.
- Offers low-income families a lift through Parenting Payment and Rent Assistance.
For example, a single Age Pensioner will see nearly $772 more per year, while a single JobSeeker will take home about $325 more per year.
How It Works
- No action is needed if you’re already on Centrelink.
- Payments are automatic—they’ll appear in your account with the new indexed rate.
- You can confirm your exact updated rate by logging into MyGov or the Centrelink mobile app.
Wrapping Up
The Centrelink Cash Boost of September 2025 is not a bonus—it’s a permanent increase. While the extra money may not fully offset Australia’s rising living costs, it does provide breathing room for millions of households.
If you’re already receiving Centrelink support, expect the new rate to show in your account from September 30, 2025.
FAQs
Do I need to apply to get the new rate?
No. If you’re already on an eligible payment, the increase is automatic.
Will the increase affect all Centrelink payments?
Not all, but most core supports like pensions, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, and allowances will rise.
How much extra will pensioners get?
Singles: $29.70 more per fortnight. Couples: $22.40 more each per fortnight.