Centrelink Carer Payment Increase September 2025: Latest Updates & Rates

Caring full-time for a loved one with a disability, chronic illness, or age-related frailty is a job that never clocks out. For thousands of Australians, the Centrelink Carer Payment is what makes that dedication financially possible. And come 20 September 2025, carers can expect their regular indexation increase — a scheduled adjustment to keep payments in line with inflation and wages.

There’s been plenty of talk online about a “Carer Payment Boost,” but here’s the truth: this isn’t a new special bonus or one-off grant. It’s part of the standard biannual indexation that happens every March and September.

Carer Payment Overview

The Carer Payment is a fortnightly Centrelink benefit paid to people who provide ongoing, daily care that prevents them from holding full-time work. It differs from the Carer Allowance, which is a smaller, supplementary payment.

Detail	Information
Payment Name	Centrelink Carer Payment
Next Increase Date	20 September 2025
Administered by	Services Australia
Mode	Fortnightly, direct deposit
Target Group	Full-time carers in Australia
Official Source	Services Australia

Current Rates (before September 2025)

At present, Carer Payment rates mirror Age Pension levels:

Category	Current Fortnightly Rate
Single Carer	$1,116.30
Couple (each)	$841.40

From 20 September 2025, these figures will rise modestly. The official increase will be confirmed by Services Australia closer to the date, but based on past adjustments, expect an extra $20–$30 per fortnight for singles, and $15–$25 for couples.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

• Be providing daily, ongoing care to someone with a severe disability, chronic condition, or age-related need.
• Have the care recipient undergo a medical or functional assessment (verified by a doctor).
• Meet income and assets tests set by Centrelink.
• Be an Australian resident, generally living in the country long-term.
• Show that your caring responsibilities prevent you from working full-time.

How to Claim

Already on Carer Payment? The new indexed rate will apply automatically — you don’t need to reapply.

For new applicants:

1. Log in to myGov and link Centrelink.
2. Fill in the Carer Payment claim form.
3. Provide supporting documents — ID, proof of residency, financial records.
4. Submit a Carer Medical Report, completed by the person’s treating doctor.
5. Wait for Centrelink to assess your claim.

Payments are made fortnightly, directly into your bank account.

Dates to Watch

• 20 September 2025: Next automatic rate adjustment.
• 20 March 2026: Following indexation review.

The Reality Check

Despite viral posts, there’s no new “Carer Boost” scheme announced. What carers will receive is the routine indexation uplift, not a one-off bonus like those seen during COVID stimulus years.

This doesn’t make the increase meaningless — it still:

• Offsets rising living costs.
• Reinforces the government’s recognition of unpaid carers.
• Provides a slightly bigger financial buffer without extra paperwork.

Why It Matters

Even a small rise counts when you’re living on a fixed income. For carers who juggle medical bills, transport, and day-to-day costs, the indexed increase means payments don’t stagnate as the cost of living climbs.

The government’s support may not cover the full weight of caregiving, but it helps keep carers from slipping further behind financially.

FAQs