From July 2025, Centrelink payments rise by 2.4%, impacting millions across Australia. Learn about payment increases, scheme details, and what this means for you in people-first language.
Starting 1 July 2025, millions of Australians will receive a 2.4% increase in their regular Centrelink benefits. This automatic cash boost will help households cope with Australia’s rising cost-of-living pressures, offering a welcome relief for families, seniors, carers, and job seekers relying on government support.
Here’s a simple guide to what’s changing, how much extra you might see, and how these adjustments could help everyday Australians.
Who Gets the Boost?
More than 2.4 million recipients are set to benefit from this Centrelink uplift—across nearly all major welfare schemes.
Payments to rise include:
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Age Pension
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JobSeeker
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Parenting Payment
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Disability Support Pension
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Carer Payment
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Youth Allowance
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Austudy and ABSTUDY Living Allowance
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Special Benefit
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Family Tax Benefits (Part A & B)
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Paid Parental Leave
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Newborn Supplement
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Multiple Birth Allowance
How Much Is The Increase?
All eligible payments rise by 2.4% — here’s what that could mean in dollars:
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Age Pension:
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Single: Now $1,149.00 per fortnight
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Couple (each): Now $866.10 per fortnight
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Total for couple: $1,732.20 per fortnight
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JobSeeker:
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Single, no children: About $781.10 per fortnight
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Single, with dependent children: About $836.50 per fortnight
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Parenting Payment:
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Single: Up to $982.50 per fortnight (plus $29 supplement)
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Partnered: $715.10 per fortnight
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Family Tax Benefit Part A:
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Child under 13: $227.36 per fortnight
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Child 13 or older: $295.82 per fortnight
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Family Tax Benefit Part B:
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Max rate: $193.34 per fortnight
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Youngest child 5+: $134.96 per fortnight
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Paid Parental Leave:
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Individual income limit: Now $180,007 per year
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Family limit: $373,094 per year
Work Bonus for Age Pensioners:
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Can now earn $400 per fortnight from work (up from $300)
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Work bonus bank: $12,000 (up from $7,800)youtube
Why Are Payments Increasing?
These increases happen through indexation, which is government-speak for adjusting regular payments to keep up with inflation and living costs. When everyday expenses rise—like groceries, rent, energy, transport—social security payments go up too.
The changes make sure your support matches the price hikes you’re facing, so you’re not left behind.
Who Needs to Do Anything?
No action required!
If you’re eligible for a Centrelink benefit, the adjustment is automatic. Just keep your myGov–Centrelink account details up to date (especially your bank account and contact info), so you receive the extra cash without delays.
Scheme Rate Highlights (Table)
| Scheme | New Amount per Fortnight (from July 2025) |
|---|---|
| Age Pension Single | $1,149.00 |
| Age Pension Couple (each) | $866.10 |
| JobSeeker Single | $781.10 |
| JobSeeker Single (with child) | $836.50 |
| Parenting Payment Single | $982.50 + $29 supplement |
| Parenting Payment Partnered | $715.10 |
| Family Tax Benefit A (u13) | $227.36 |
| Family Tax Benefit A (13+) | $295.82 |
| Family Tax Benefit B (max) | $193.34 |
| Work Bonus (per f/nite) | $400youtube |
Other Changes & Key Points
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Income & assets limits for payments have been raised, so some Aussies may now qualify who didn’t before.
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Minimum wage has also risen, impacting many low-paid Centrelink recipients.
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Thresholds for Paid Parental Leave and Family Tax Benefits are higher, giving more families access to support.
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Pensioners can now work more hours and keep their full pension thanks to a larger work bonus.
What People Are Saying
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek described indexation as a lifeline for people facing increasing costs, ensuring the social safety net remains strong and fair for all.
Some on the frontline, however, say increases are often not enough to cover real-world price spikes for rent, food, and energy. Many advocacy groups call for more substantial rises—especially in JobSeeker.
FAQs
1. Do I need to apply for the Centrelink increase?
No. Eligible recipients will receive increased payments automatically. Just ensure your contact and bank details are up to date.
2. How much will I get after the increase?
The typical rise is 2.4% on your payment type. See the table above for the main new rates.
3. Will my rent assistance or extras also increase?
Some related support rates and thresholds, including rent assistance and work bonus for pensioners, are also being boosted.
If you are one of 2.4 million Australians relying on Centrelink, expect to see extra money in your account from the next payment cycle after July 1, 2025. Stay informed about these changes—they’re designed to help you manage better in a tough economy while prioritizing your wellbeing.
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