Centrelink Couple Payment Rises to $1,654.80 Fortnightly from October 2025

From October 21, 2025, eligible Australian couples receiving Centrelink benefits will notice an increase in their combined fortnightly payment, which rises to $1,654.80 under the latest indexation adjustment. This improvement reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining fair and adequate income support as living costs continue to climb across the country. The increase, although modest, provides additional financial stability for couples relying on payments like the Age Pension and Disability Support Pension (DSP).

Why the October 2025 Increase Matters

Australia continues to experience rising prices on essentials like groceries, utilities, and medical care. For couples on fixed or limited incomes, every dollar makes a difference. By increasing the payment rates across major Centrelink programs, the government aims to safeguard financial wellbeing and ensure social security payments remain in line with living cost trends and average wage increases.

The adjustment is part of the regular biannual indexation process undertaken by Services Australia. These reviews, conducted in March and September, assess how much payments should rise to keep up with inflation and national wage growth. The October 2025 increase is particularly timely, coinciding with continuing cost pressures across energy, rent, and healthcare sectors.

New Payment Rates Effective from October 21, 2025

Beginning with the first payment cycle after October 21, 2025, eligible couples will see the updated amount automatically deposited into their bank accounts. The new combined rate of $1,654.80 per fortnight represents an increase of $16.40 compared to the previous rate.

Here’s a breakdown of the new rates across key payment categories:

Payment Type	Previous Rate (Fortnightly)	New Rate (From Oct 21, 2025)	Increase	Eligible Group
Couple Combined	$1,638.40	$1,654.80	+$16.40	Age Pension / DSP
Single Pensioner	$1,116.30	$1,130.60	+$14.30	Single recipients
Carer Payment	$987.70	$1,001.50	+$13.80	Eligible carers
Disability Pension	$1,140.90	$1,155.40	+$14.50	DSP recipients

While these are modest adjustments, they play a critical role in helping Australian households maintain steady purchasing power amid persistent inflation.

Who Qualifies for the New Payment

The updated couple payment applies automatically to couples who meet existing Centrelink eligibility criteria. To qualify for the new rate, both partners must:

• Be Australian residents currently living in Australia.
• Receive payments under an approved Centrelink program such as the Age Pension or the Disability Support Pension.
• Pass the income and assets tests, which determine whether a full or part payment applies.
• Have up-to-date household income, assets, and contact details recorded with Services Australia.

Couples who already receive these benefits do not need to reapply. The change will automatically take effect on the first payment processed after October 21. However, those who recently experienced changes in their income, property, or living arrangements should update their details through their myGov account to avoid payment errors or delays.

How to Check Your Updated Payment

To confirm the new rate or view your next payment schedule, you can log in to myGov and follow these steps:

1. Access your Centrelink services through the main dashboard.
2. Navigate to ‘Payments and Claims’ and select ‘View Payment History’ or ‘Upcoming Payments.’
3. Check the adjusted amount and the date of your next deposit.
4. Set up SMS or email notifications to receive automatic updates about future payment changes.

If online access isn’t convenient, couples can also visit their nearest Centrelink office to request an updated statement or confirm details in person. Keeping information current—such as contact information and bank account details—ensures prompt and correct payments.

The Broader Importance of Indexation

This increase stems from Australia’s robust indexation framework, designed to maintain payment relevance as economic conditions shift. Indexation ensures that social security recipients aren’t left behind as prices and wages evolve. Rather than being a one-off boost, it forms part of a recurring review process under Services Australia’s social income policy.

October’s increase is directly tied to increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE). By aligning social support with these indicators, the government aims to preserve welfare recipients’ purchasing power in real terms.

Additional Financial Support in 2025

The couple payment increase forms one part of a broader network of financial support introduced in 2025 to address the cost-of-living crisis. Depending on individual circumstances, couples may be eligible for complementary benefits such as:

• Centrelink Utilities Allowance of up to $795 per year, paid quarterly to help with energy bills.
• Rent Assistance increases for households renting in high-cost markets.
• Energy Bill Relief Payments directed toward low-income families and pensioners.

These supports can be combined with the main payment, ensuring vulnerable Australians retain a fair standard of living despite inflationary pressures.

How Couples Can Prepare

To ensure seamless receipt of the new payment:

• Check your myGov account before October 21 to verify payment details.
• Update any changes in income, property ownership, or living arrangements.
• Activate payment alerts through myGov to stay informed about future adjustments.
• Contact Centrelink directly if any discrepancies appear in your upcoming payments.

For new applicants, it’s recommended to review the income and assets test thresholds on the Services Australia website or at a service centre before applying.

Why This Adjustment Matters for Retirees and Carers

Many Australian couples rely heavily on Centrelink support as a source of financial stability in retirement or as carers. With inflation chipping away at spending power, the October 2025 increase provides direct relief, giving beneficiaries a little extra breathing room for daily expenses. A $16.40 fortnightly rise might appear small, but over time it contributes meaningfully to overall household management—especially when combined with other complementary measures.

The increase also demonstrates the government’s recognition of continued cost strains on ageing and disabled households, ensuring that pensions grow consistently alongside living costs.

Final Thoughts

The rise in the Centrelink couple payment to $1,654.80 per fortnight from October 21, 2025, underscores the government’s ongoing support for Australians facing financial challenges. Whether you’re receiving the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, or Carer Payment, this adjustment provides timely relief and upholds the principle of income adequacy amid inflation.

By keeping eligibility assessments fair and indexation policies transparent, the system ensures that all Australians—particularly retirees, families, and carers—continue to live with financial dignity and security in an evolving economic climate.