Over five million Australians receiving social security payments will see changes due to the Centrelink Payment Indexation Increase, which takes effect from March 20, as the latest indexation adjustments take effect.
There will be increase in payments for Pensioners, individuals receiving specific Centrelink payments, and those benefiting from Centrelink’s Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
This Thursday will witness an increase Centrelink benefits with adjustment comes as part of the federal government’s routine indexation process.
The new adjustment in payment comes into effect to align with inflation and the rising cost of living.
Age pension increase after Centrelink Payment indexation
Single pensioners will see their payments rise by $4.60 per fortnight, bringing the maximum rate to $1,149.
For couples, each partner will receive an additional $3.50 per fortnight, increasing their individual payment to $866.10. This means a combined total of $1,732.20 per fortnight for couples.
JobSeeker Payment Increase
As per the latest change in indexation, a single recipient of JobSeeker payment aged 22 or older without children will get a $3.20 increase in their fortnightly payment. This new change will bring their total payment to $789.90, including the energy supplement.
A single recipient aged 22 or older with children will see a $3.30 increase in their fortnightly payment.
Similarly, a single recipient aged 55 or over found to have some ability to work but not full capacity due to factors like disability, illness, or other limitations, still a jobseeker for more than nine months, will also receive a $3.30 increase.
The same benefit will also be available for those aged 22 or older having partial ability to work.
Couple Jobseeker recipients will see their payment rise by $2.80 per fortnight.
Commonwealth Rent Assistance increases post-indexation
A single recipient without children receiving Centrelink rent assistance will see their payment increase by 80 cents per fortnight, bringing the total to $212.
For couples, there will be 80 cents increase in rent assistance, reaching $199.80.
Single sharers will receive an increase of 53 cents per fortnight, bringing their total payment to $141.33.
These major adjustments are part of the biannual indexation process that takes four times year.
The process is designed to align with rising inflation and wage increases.
All adjustment is a part on ongoing efforts to support Australians. The increases will automatically reflect in recipients’ payments from March 20, 2025.
FAQs on Centrelink Payment Indexation
1. When will the Centrelink Payment indexation take effect?
March 20, 2025.
2. Who will get increased payments?
Pensioners, JobSeeker recipients, and those receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
3. Why are payments increasing?
Due to indexation, which adjusts payments for inflation and the cost of living.
4. Do I need to apply for the increase?
No, the changes will be applied automatically.
5. How can I check my updated payment rate?
Log into your myGov account linked to Centrelink or visit the Services Australia website.
