From 20 September 2025, millions of Australians will see a welcome lift in their Centrelink payments. The Federal Government has confirmed a cash boost designed to help pensioners, job seekers, and families cope with rising living costs. This increase is part of the twice-yearly indexation process, ensuring welfare payments keep up with inflation and wage movements.
Why the Increase is Happening
Australia has been experiencing sustained cost-of-living pressures, with essentials like groceries, rent, and utilities climbing higher each month. To ease the financial strain, Centrelink adjusts payments in March and September every year. This September’s adjustment is particularly significant, as inflation remains above target and seniors, carers, and vulnerable families face increasing financial stress.
Who Will Receive the Boost
The cash boost applies to a wide range of Centrelink recipients, including:
- Age Pensioners
- Disability Support Pension recipients
- Carer Payment recipients
- JobSeeker Allowance recipients
- Parenting Payment recipients
- Veterans and eligible dependents
While the increases vary depending on household type and eligibility, every qualifying payment category will see some level of rise.
Full Payment Increases Explained
From September 20, both singles and couples will notice higher fortnightly payments. The government has released details outlining how much extra seniors and other recipients will receive.
Table: Centrelink Payment Increases – From 20 September 2025
| Payment Type | Current Fortnightly Rate | New Fortnightly Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | $1,116.30 | $1,142.40 | +$26.10 |
| Age Pension (Couple, combined) | $1,681.00 | $1,720.40 | +$39.40 |
| Disability Support Pension (Single) | $1,116.30 | $1,142.40 | +$26.10 |
| Carer Payment (Single) | $1,116.30 | $1,142.40 | +$26.10 |
| JobSeeker (Single, no children) | $762.70 | $780.10 | +$17.40 |
| Parenting Payment (Single) | $987.80 | $1,008.90 | +$21.10 |
(Rates are based on Government announcements and include maximum pension supplement and energy supplement.)
How Much Extra You’ll Get
The boost will vary depending on whether you are single, partnered, or claiming family-related benefits. For example, single pensioners will receive an extra $26.10 per fortnight, while couples combined will receive an extra $39.40 per fortnight. JobSeeker recipients will also see a notable increase, with singles without children gaining $17.40 extra every two weeks.
When Payments Begin
The higher payments officially start from 20 September 2025. Eligible Centrelink recipients will see the new rates applied to their first full payment cycle after this date. This means some individuals may see the increase appear in their bank account a few days later, depending on their scheduled pay date.
Why This Matters for Seniors and Families
For pensioners and low-income households, even small increases can make a difference when it comes to paying for essentials. While the boost may not fully cover rising living costs, advocacy groups argue that indexation remains a crucial lifeline for vulnerable Australians. Seniors in particular are expected to benefit, with higher fortnightly payments offering a little more breathing room.
Conclusion
The September 20 cash boost marks another important step in supporting Australians through challenging economic times. With higher rates across pensions, JobSeeker, and family payments, millions will receive extra money in their accounts before the end of September. Pensioners, carers, and job seekers should review their Centrelink statements after the date to ensure the correct increase has been applied.