Rising grocery prices, rent hikes, and higher energy bills continue to put pressure on Australian households. To help ease the strain, the Federal Government has announced Centrelink payment increases from September 28, 2025. This boost will benefit nearly five million Australians, including pensioners, JobSeekers, carers, and parents.
Let’s break down what’s changing, who benefits, and how much extra you can expect in your fortnightly payments.
Why Are Centrelink Payments Increasing?
Centrelink reviews support payments twice each year—in March and September—to keep up with the cost of living. The increase is based on three main measures:
- Consumer Price Index (CPI): Tracks inflation.
- Wage Growth Index: Measures average weekly earnings.
- Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI): Tailored to pensioners’ expenses.
Whichever measure is the highest sets the benchmark, ensuring payments rise enough to protect purchasing power.
What’s Changing in September 2025?
Here are the key payment increases announced for this round:
Age Pension
- Single pensioners: +$29.70 → $1178.70 per fortnight
- Couple (each): +$22.40 → $888.50 per fortnight
Parenting Payment
- Single parents: +$16.20 → $1039.70 per fortnight
- Partnered parents: +$11.40 → $734.40 per fortnight
Rent Assistance
- Single renters: +$3.40 → $215.40 per fortnight
- Couples: +$3.20 → $203 per fortnight
- Single parents with 3+ children: +$4.48 → $286.02 per fortnight
JobSeeker Payment
- Single (22+, no kids): +$12.50 → $793.60 per fortnight
Quick Reference Table: September 2025 Payment Changes
| Payment Type | Previous | Increase | New Total (per fortnight) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Age Pension | $1149.00 | +$29.70 | $1178.70 |
| Pensioner (Couple each) | $866.10 | +$22.40 | $888.50 |
| Single Parent Payment | $1023.50 | +$16.20 | $1039.70 |
| Partnered Parent Payment | $723.00 | +$11.40 | $734.40 |
| Rent Assistance (Single) | $212.00 | +$3.40 | $215.40 |
| Rent Assistance (Couple) | $199.80 | +$3.20 | $203.00 |
| Rent Assistance (Single w/ 3+ kids) | $281.54 | +$4.48 | $286.02 |
| JobSeeker (Single 22+, no kids) | $781.10 | +$12.50 | $793.60 |
Who Will Benefit?
The September 2025 rise applies to:
- Age pensioners
- Carers and disability support recipients
- Parents on Parenting Payment
- JobSeekers and Youth Allowance recipients
- Renters receiving government assistance
FAQs About the September 2025 Centrelink Increase
1. When do the new rates start?
From Saturday, September 28, 2025 (first full payment cycle).
2. Do I need to apply for the increase?
No, adjustments are made automatically by Centrelink.
3. How often are payments reviewed?
Twice a year—March and September.
4. Will Youth Allowance go up too?
Yes, Youth Allowance is also indexed and will rise in September.
5. Why are the increases important?
They help ensure vulnerable Australians don’t lose purchasing power as costs rise.
Final Thoughts
The September 2025 Centrelink payment increase delivers much-needed relief for millions of Australians. Whether you’re a pensioner, parent, or JobSeeker, you’ll see more in your bank account from late September.
With the cost of living still climbing, these adjustments are crucial to ensure everyday essentials remain within reach.