Changes to key fortnightly payments become effective from 2025, which will benefit people with government support payments, including pensions, JobSeeker, carer payments, disability support, and family payments to help with cost-of-living pressures and high inflation. The support increases to combat the cost of utilities and other essential spending.
Pension Increases Explained
On September 20, 2025, the Age Pension is expected to increase by $29.70 per fortnight for single pensioners. The total will become $1,178.70. For couples, there will be an increase of $44.80 every fortnight for a total of $1777.00, which means each partner will receive $888.50. The increases are also made to the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement which are made to assist people during tough economic climate.
Other Payments Adjusted
Payment receivers of JobSeeker, Disability Support Pension, Age Pension, and carer payments will also receive increases by the same value, which also includes a $123.70 increase every fortnight and raises the payment from $1,064.00 to $1,187.70 for single pensioners. Partners on the combined benefit will receive $1,750.40. The familiar indexation now demonstrates the support the government provides for increasing costs.
Lump-Sum Relief Payments
A one-off, additional, lump-sum payment in the amount of $1,831 is expected on the last pay week of August 2025 along with the regularly scheduled payment increases. This payment is for Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, certain levels of the Youth Allowance, and Veterans’ Affairs recipients. This payment will automatically be deposited into bank accounts linked to Centrelink benefits; there is no need for recipients to do anything.
How Payments Are Delivered
To qualify for the increases and bonuses, recipients must meet government-set criteria which includes being a resident in Australia and also income and assets testing. Most recipients will not need to provide additional documentation or reapply for the indexed amounts, which are processed via Services Australia pay cycles.
| Payment Type | New Rate (per fortnight) | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | $1,178.70 | $29.70 |
| Age Pension (Couple) | $1,777.00 (combined) | $44.80 |
| JobSeeker (Single) | $793.60 | $12.50 |
| Lump-Sum Relief Bonus | $1,831 | One-off |
Why These Increases Matter
Pensioners, job seekers, and carers depend on Centrelink payments for economic survival, especially with soaring grocery, rent, and energy prices over the last month. This lump-sum payment, described as one of the largest increases outside the pandemic, is long overdue according to advocacy groups, and most families have expressed relief at the payments; however, some critics are calling for the need of structural reforms to Australia’s social security system.
Keeping Informed
To view payments, changes, and eligibility, Australians have the option of logging into the myGov portal and communicating with Services Australia. Keeping bills paid and i n t e r e s t rate debts reduced are highly encouraged, as the payments increase in frequency and amount due to the expected hikes in prices during the summer months. Financial planners are recommending the Summer price hikes expected are the time to save.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do I need to apply for the lump-sum payment?
No, the payment of $1,831 is paid to those who are eligible Australians, and it is paid automatically.
Q2. Which payments are increasing in 2025?
Age Pension, JobSeeker, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, and the related allowances will all have increases as well.
Q3. Can temporary visa holders claim these increases?
No, for regular and one-off increases, only eligible Australian residents are able to claim them.
