From September 2025, millions of Australians on Centrelink payments will see an increase in their fortnightly support payments. Centrelink has adjusted the JobSeeker Payment to $1,028.75 and the Age Pension to $794.65 per fortnight for singles. This change has come after the most recent indexation review, which balances welfare payments to inflation and cost of living adjustments. With household energy bills, food, and rent costs still on the rise, this increase is intended to give the most vulnerable a greater buffer on their daily expenses.
Why the Payments Were Increased
Centrelink welfare payment adjustments take place twice a year in March and September. This is based on changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) to ascertain living costs. Given the sustained inflation impacts and increased costs of living in September 2025, the adjustments will come as a relief to many, as indicated by Treasurer Jim Chalmers. Pensioners, job seekers, and low-income Australians are are most inequity impacted and will see the most benefit from these changes.
Breakdown of the New Rates
How much someone gets paid will depend on their living situation and relationship status. The main figures are for single people while couples will get a combined payment. The increases to the rates will mean people will notice the most positive increases to their fortnightly payments. Here is a short data table summarising the increases:
| Payment Type | Old Rate (approx.) | New Rate (from Sept 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| JobSeeker (Single) | $1,006.50 | $1,028.75 |
| Age Pension (Single) | $782.20 | $794.65 |
These new amounts will show up automatically in beneficiaries’ bank accounts starting on the first full payment cycle after the increase date for most people with no additional steps required on their end.
Impact on Australians
This increase is critical to people who struggle with the rising costs of housing, health care and groceries. Advocacy groups have argued for a long time that welfare payments have been out of touch with the costs of living. For people on the JobSeeker payment, this might mean that payments will cover rent and transport to job interviews, and for pensioners, this will help with the costs of electricity and prescriptions. However, welfare advocates are still saying that the payments are lagging behind and are calling for more structural changes to the welfare payments.
Economic and Social Context
To ensure that Australia’s vulnerable population doesn’t lose purchasing power, the welfare system adjusts payments as inflation changes. Over the last couple of years economists have warned that minor adjustments still leave the economically vulnerable worse off while inflation on basic needs, particularly housing, is still high. Yet, government representatives claim that these adjustments do ensure rational economic growth as household expenditure variability, which is one of the most important determinants of economic growth, is minimized. The 2025 rise is the most significant across-the-board Centrelink increase we have seen in the last few years.
How to Check or Claim the New Rate
The new rate is processed automatically for existing claimants, and new applicants can determine their eligibility through myGov or by going to a Services Australia office. To avoid delays, claimants should ensure that their personal and income detail are current. The last 12 months of payments and any rate changes are summarized on the Centrelink website as well as the mobile app.
Looking Ahead
With the recent adjustments the government has made to inflation support, other adjustments in early 2026 are expected. The increase to the JobSeeker and Age Pension payments in September 2025 responds to prevalent assertions regarding inflation imbalance and welfare support firmly, just as economically active Australians do.
FAQs
Q1. When will the new Centrelink rates take effect?
The new rates are effective September 2025. They will be included in your next scheduled payment after this date.
Q2. Do I need to reapply to receive the higher payment?
No, the Centrelink recipients who qualify will be provided the new payment amount without additional applications.
Q3. Where can I find more details about my payment?
Payment information can be accessed through your Centrelink online account or the Services Australia website.
