Starting October 2025, there will be a significant increase to social security payments in Australia and multiple relief measures for social security recipients. Most important changes consist of all payment categories on offer being indexed for inflation and the addition of a one-off $750 payments for the client groups most affected by inflation and the cost of living increase. For everything else, see the most important details, eligibility criteria and payments below.
Description of the October Boost
Starting October 2025, several recipients will notice an increase in their payments as a result of the Government’s regular inflation adjustments. This means their payments will be increased by around the index rate of inflation to their payments. Also, an extra $750 payment will be sent to vulnerable groups in the community, primarily the aged, pensioners and pensioners, as their payments increase in frequency to deliver additional payments.
Payment Increases
The new rates started showing in October and changed in late September. Age Pension recipients see an increase to $1,178.70 per fortnight (an increase of $29.70), and coupled pensioners see a $22.40 increase each. JobSeeker payments increase to $793.60 for singles, and partnered increases see an $11.40 increase. Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment also increase with the Age Pension, and all payments adjusting can be done with no action taken by the account holder.
Regarding the $750 Additional Relief Payment
Beyond the regular indexation, those with certain Centrelink supports will also gain a discretionary $750 payment in October 2025. The payment is to Age Pensioners, Disability Support Pensioners, Job Seekers, and Family Tax Benefit recipients. The payment requires no application and will be distributed automatically. The government communicates that the payment is to be used to alleviate essential costs and burdens, having cited the payment as lockdown aid.
Eligibility and Payment Process
To earn the increase and the special bonus of $750, the relevant Centrelink support must be received as of the payment date. Recipients must take no further action, as Centrelink will handle everything through their usual payment system. Recipients may log in to their accounts to see confirmation and should be aware that scams exist.
Important Dates and Table Summary
Most payments, as well as the increments, will be available in bank accounts by October 2025, in accordance with the payment cycle of each recipient. Most of the relief in this section has been summarized in the table below.
| Payment Type | New Rate or Bonus | Effect/Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | $1,178.70/fortnight | 20 Sep 2025+ |
| JobSeeker (Single) | $793.60/fortnight | 20 Sep 2025+ |
| One-off Bonus | $750 | October 2025 |
Key FAQs
Q1: Do I need to apply for the $750 bonus?
No, you do not need to do anything—it will be paid to you automatically if you get a qualifying Centrelink support payment.
Q2: When will the increased payments show in my account?
You should see the new rates and bonus with your first payment in October. This will depend on your regular payment cycle and the payment for October.
Q3: Are there any risks of payment scams?
Yes, you should only deal with Centrelink and Services Australia. Ignore anyone else and suspicious links.
