In March 2025, the Australian Government will implement an increase in Centrelink payments to assist citizens in managing the rising cost of living.
This article provides a detailed overview of the updated payment rates, eligibility criteria, and payment schedules.
March 2025 Centrelink Payment Increase
Effective from March 20, 2025, various Centrelink payments will see an increase. This adjustment aims to provide financial relief to millions of Australians, including pensioners, job seekers, and students.
Updated Payment Rates
The following table outlines the new fortnightly payment rates effective from March 20, 2025:
| Payment Type | Recipient Category | Previous Rate (per fortnight) | Increase (per fortnight) | New Rate (per fortnight) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | Single | $1,144.40 | $4.60 | $1,149.00 |
| Couple (each) | $862.60 | $3.50 | $866.10 | |
| JobSeeker Payment | Single, no children | $789.90 | $3.10 | $793.00 |
| Single, with dependent children | $836.20 | $3.30 | $839.50 | |
| Single, 55+ (after 9 months on JobSeeker) | $836.20 | $3.30 | $839.50 | |
| Partnered (each) | $718.60 | $2.80 | $721.40 | |
| Youth Allowance | Single, under 18, at home | $303.20 | $1.20 | $304.40 |
| Single, 18-24, at home | $354.60 | $1.40 | $356.00 | |
| Single, away from home | $512.50 | $2.00 | $514.50 | |
| Couple (each) | $512.50 | $2.00 | $514.50 | |
| Disability Support Pension | Single | $1,144.40 | $4.60 | $1,149.00 |
| Couple (each) | $862.60 | $3.50 | $866.10 | |
| Carer Payment | Single | $1,144.40 | $4.60 | $1,149.00 |
| Couple (each) | $862.60 | $3.50 | $866.10 | |
| Parenting Payment (Single) | Single | $922.10 | $4.00 | $926.10 |
| Commonwealth Rent Assistance | Single, no children | $145.80 | $0.80 | $146.60 |
| Single, with children | $193.62 | $1.06 | $194.68 | |
| Couple, no children | $137.40 | $0.80 | $138.20 | |
| Couple, with children | $193.62 | $1.06 | $194.68 |
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the increased payments depends on the specific Centrelink benefit:
- Age Pension: Available to individuals aged 67 and over, subject to residency requirements and income and asset tests.
- JobSeeker Payment: For individuals aged 22 and over who are unemployed or underemployed, actively seeking work, and meeting income and asset tests.
- Youth Allowance: Targeted at full-time students aged 16-24, apprentices aged 16-24, and job seekers aged 16-21, subject to income and asset tests.
- Disability Support Pension: For individuals with a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working, subject to medical and financial criteria.
- Carer Payment: Available to individuals providing constant care to someone with a severe disability, medical condition, or who is frail aged, subject to income and asset tests.
- Parenting Payment (Single): For single parents or guardians caring for a child under 8 years old, subject to income and asset tests.
- Commonwealth Rent Assistance: Available to individuals paying rent and receiving certain payments from Centrelink, with eligibility based on the amount of rent paid and family circumstances.
Payment Dates
The increased payment rates will take effect from March 20, 2025. Payments are typically made fortnightly, with specific dates varying based on individual circumstances and the type of benefit received.
Recipients can check their payment schedules through their Centrelink online account or the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.
Additional Support Measures
In addition to the payment increases, the government has introduced other support measures.
Cost of Living Boost
A one-time payment of $1,144 to eligible recipients, including Age Pensioners, Disability Support Pensioners, Carer Payment recipients, JobSeeker Payment recipients, Parenting Payment recipients, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders, and students receiving Centrelink benefits.
This payment is scheduled to commence in March 2025 and will be automatically deposited into the bank accounts of eligible recipients.
Increase in Income and Asset Test Thresholds
From March 20, 2025, the income and asset test thresholds for Age Pension eligibility will rise, allowing more people to qualify for a part-pension.
For example, single pensioners will be able to earn up to $2,510 per fortnight, an increase of $9.20 from the previous limit of $2,500.80. Similarly, asset limits for both homeowners and non-homeowners have been increased.
The Centrelink payment increases set for March 2025 are a crucial step in supporting Australians facing financial strain due to inflation and rising living costs.
With adjustments across various welfare payments, pensioners, job seekers, students, and carers can expect a modest boost to their fortnightly payments.
Additionally, supplementary support such as the Cost of Living Boost and increased income and asset thresholds will provide further relief.
Staying informed about eligibility criteria and payment schedules will help recipients maximize their benefits and financial stability.
FAQs
When will the Centrelink payment increases take effect?
The new payment rates will be applied from March 20, 2025, with payments continuing on a fortnightly basis.
Will the payment increases be automatically applied?
Yes, eligible recipients will receive the increased amounts automatically in their Centrelink payments.
How can recipients check their payment details?
Recipients can log into their myGov accounts, use the Express Plus Centrelink app, or contact Services Australia for information.