In a world where the cost of living seems to be perpetually on the rise, it's a relief to hear that the Australian government is trying to ease everyone's financial burden.

For seniors who rely on social security payments, there's some good news on the horizon amidst the rising costs.

Centrelink, the government's main social welfare program, announced an upcoming increase in payments to help recipients keep up with inflation.

This adjustment was a part of the biannual indexation process happening every March and September.

These adjustments provide a much-needed financial boost for Australians' Centrelink benefits, including the Age Pension and JobSeeker.

Australians under Centrelink payments should see this payment increase soon. Image Credit: Freepik/Kraken Images

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth emphasised the importance of this indexation.

'Indexation is a critical part of our social security safety net,' Minister Rishworth shared in a statement.

'For pensioners and other payment recipients receiving this financial boost, this will help ease some pressure.'

So, what does this mean for you or your loved ones who may be receiving these payments?

More than 850,000 Australians on JobSeeker should see a modest increase in their payment while searching for employment.

Starting Thursday, 20 March, a single person will see their fortnightly payments rise by $3.10.

Meanwhile, couples will receive an additional $2.80 each.

This increase could bring the total fortnightly payments to $781.10 for singles and $715.10 for couples, amounting to an annual increase of $80.60 and $72.80, respectively.

Over 2.64 million recipients under Age Pension should see a more significant bump in their payments soon.

Recipients on the maximum single rate should expect an extra $4.60 per fortnight, while couples will get an additional $3.50 each.

Consequently, fortnightly payments should increase to $1,149 for single beneficiaries and $866.10 for couples.

This same $4.60 increase should also apply to individuals on the Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment.

Other Centrelink payments should also see small bumps on their payments.

ABSTUDY recipients should expect a rise of between $2.80 to $3.30 per fortnight, while those on Parenting Payment will see an increase of between $2.80 to $4.30.

Rent Assistance payments should also go up slightly, with an increase of between $0.50 to $1.12.

Minister Rishworth highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening the social security system over the past three years, ensuring it provides support 'at whatever age or stage they're at in life'.

In addition to the payment increases, JobSeeker recipients should also receive news regarding compliance.

Starting this month, job seekers who just registered with Workforce Australia or Disability Employment Services should not face compliance action if they fail to meet a requirement for the first time.

While these changes may not represent a windfall, every little bit could help when it comes to managing household budgets.

Managing finances could be a challenge, especially for seniors on a fixed income.

To enjoy these benefits and more, make sure to update your Centrelink information as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways

• Centrelink payments in Australia, such as JobSeeker and the Age Pension, should increase soon due to indexation.
• Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth highlighted that the increase was a critical part of the social security system as it provides financial relief to pensioners and recipients.
• Starting Thursday, 20 March, singleJobSeeker recipients should receive an extra $3.10 fortnightly, while Age Pensioners will see more significant increases.
• Other payments such as the Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, ABSTUDY, Parenting Payment, and Rent Assistance are also due to rise. Fewer JobSeeker recipients will face cut-offs due to new changes in compliance measures.

How will these changes impact your budget? Do you have any tips for stretching your Centrelink payments further? Sharing your experiences can help others make the most of their benefits. We would love to hear from you in the comments below!

 

[JoeSeniorsclub]

Slap in the face for us pensioners. Just when you thought finally a government that is looking after us they insult us with a rise that is no where near inflation rise. Inflation went up 2.5% so most pensioners should have seen a rise of closer to $20 a fortnight. Now THAT would have made a bigger difference to our ability to not have to drop something off the grocery list or to put a few dollars more away for the bills or for that ever increasing rent. Even if $20 was not an option than at least $10 or $12 to help with the very basic staples. I suppose someone has to cover the government tax alcohol increase on our publicly elected government representatives wine at their tax deductible lunches.

 

[Ingot]

They did say nothing was ever going to be easy under albanese, it's a joke.

 

[Langlois24!]

Well $3.50 is really going to keep us up with inflation!!! NOT! How ridiculous

 

[Langlois24!]

Won't even buy a dozen eggs!!!!

 

[macca4949]

It's not April 1st.
So this announcement should be placed in the Jokes and Funny Stories section of SDC.

It's an embarrassment to not only the Labor people in charge of the economy, but to the so-called Opposition who think this can pass to the keeper.
The Opposition should be ashamed to take their pay too - not a whimper out of them while they will be expecting pensioners to also vo0te for them.

So glad it is an election year.
Finally we get another opportunity to boot both of the major parties - neither of whom are truly representing the people .

My vote will not be wasted.
I am supporting either Libertarians or One nation or Family First in the Senate, and where they field candidates, I will be supporting them in the Lower House too.

If I don't change how I vote, I cannot change how I am governed - it is as simple and as easy as that.

If only we could but all elections are rigged in favour of both parties. Why in the history have no Independents or minor parties won an election? Rigged. Why dis Albo get elected when they only got 32% of the vote, corruption. Best we can do is boycott the election, nobody vote. Attend the polling station and had a note/letter to the person behind the tick off book. This note shoud read: I (your name) have attended this polling booth to vote but I cannot because there is no "lawful" candidate. And sign it. Just think, why is this the only country in the world where you pick a candidate with a pencil? Should be black pen etc so vote cannot be changed. look at the recent WA election media called it at 2.30pm when there was still so much confirmed. All rigged.

 

[Dinky Diz]

What a insult, the people who worked all their life paid taxes and are treated like second hand citizens, while Albo is handing out millions of dollars to any country who puts their hand up we are treated like this…..I think every politician should be given the aged pension money to live on for just one year, they all live in their perfect world and most of them have no idea what it is like to struggle…this was a good country not now …..it makes me cranky to see how it has been run into the ground….

 

[Ingot]

Under the Libs we will all be put on their odious INDUE Card. ALL Centrelink recipients Australia wide will be put on it. Dutton and others this year have reinterated this, but the Libs and msm are VERY quiet about it.
Be careful who you vote for AND their preferences!

Make certain that neither Labor/Greens nor LNP get control of the Senate.
Choose Libertarians, One Nation or Family First, or a decent Independent candidate.

Last Federal elections this was the vote:

Labor 33%
Liberals 32%
Others 35%

So we are nearly there - we do have the capacity to bring change - when people see these numbers, they can see that if they change who controls the Senate, we can bring relief to those who are cut off from the government help we deserve.

The failure to spend a fair share of the GDP on welfare means Albanese can announce $2.4 billion here and $2 billion there and later on buy another waterside mansion like he did for $4.3 million.

 

[CristinaV]

It won't even pay for a cup of coffee. How disrespectful for people receiving wellfare or a pension.
Albanese - stop sending millions overseas in the name of aid and give Australians what they deserve, you prick!

 

[Susie999]

Dismal

 

[Ingot]

If only we could but all elections are rigged in favour of both parties. Why in the history have no Independents or minor parties won an election? Rigged. Why dis Albo get elected when they only got 32% of the vote, corruption. Best we can do is boycott the election, nobody vote. Attend the polling station and had a note/letter to the person behind the tick off book. This note shoud read: I (your name) have attended this polling booth to vote but I cannot because there is no "lawful" candidate. And sign it. Just think, why is this the only country in the world where you pick a candidate with a pencil? Should be black pen etc so vote cannot be changed. look at the recent WA election media called it at 2.30pm when there was still so much confirmed. All rigged.

That's ridiculous.
It cost blood sweat and tears to get the right to vote, and you are foolishly advocating to vote informally.
I have been a scrutineer at voting booths, and I can affirm that the correct numbhers for booths are posted.
Votes are counted and the totals submitted and the forms signed, prior to the boxes being sealed.Representatives of both major parties and Independents as well are there to oversee the counting and sorting process.

Your suggestion of vote rigging is risible, as is your suggestion not to vote.
If we voted electronically, I might consider rigging is possible but it isn't a thing in Australia.

If you desire a better government, change how you vote ... don't refuse to vote.
Independents can band together and block bad legislation.
They can also submit private member's Bills.
Wake up.
We will lose our freedom, unless we exercise it and boot the bad politicians.

 

[Susie999]

Breaking News! $280 Bonus To Aussie Pensioners March 2025, Check Here For Payment Dates

In March 2025, the Australian government will offer a one-time $280 bonus payment to pensioners, particularly low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities. This initiative aims to provide financial relief to ... Read more

mcmohali.org

Beware of the above. $280 bonus to pensioners.

It can only be a scam as no announcement has been made from the government.

 

[Sandy70]

I made myself a cup of coffee this morning, I used coffee, milk, and sugar, well there goes most of that $4.60 that the government gave me. People on pensions need more than that amount to survive, prices keep rising faster than pensions, and in most cases, even people on low-income wages are struggling. Don't expect people to stand and cheer the politicians who make over $250k a year for a paltry $4.60.

 

[Hopeviolet33]

I think $4.60 is disgusting. As a gluten free person that won’t even buy me a loaf of bread.

 

[Bob Patterson]

$ 3.10 won't buy a cup of coffee

Hit the nail on its head ; what an insult .

 

[yorgis]

It just locks in a low base rate of pension payment.
Next 6 month's increase will be paid as a percentage of the base rate that will be locked in on March 20th.

If they gave us an $80/fortnight increase, it would only cover what my fortnightly rent went up by.
Anything less means I am further behind.
If they didn't kill us with the covid injections, they will do it by starvation.
.

God's Judgment on a Wicked Bishop

"I'faith 'tis an excellent bonfire!" quoth he, "And the country is greatly obliged to me, For ridding it in these times forlorn Of Rats that only consume the corn." So then to his palace returned he, And he sat down to supper merrily, And he slept that night like an innocent man; But Bishop Hatto…

www.poetryfoundation.org

.

The Government should be embarrassed and ashamed to offer pensioners an increase to assist them in the cost of living, by giving them a whole $4.10. What a joke !! Voting for greens next election !!!!

 

[My cat]

It just goes to show they don't have any idea how that nis going to help us pensioners that increase is a BIG joke, just my grocery shopping has gone from $200 to $400 a fortnight and that is just the basics no luxury items, it's Easey to see thay don't do the shopping

 

[Trina G]

They did say nothing was ever going to be easy under albanese, it's a joke.

And you really think that Dutton will give you more? Dream on!

 

[Huxley]

Absolutely disgrace $2.80 pf increase is this Govt delusional. They give themselves huge increases but give pensioners $2.80. It's laughable and a a total disgrace. They put on 36,000 public servants since Labor came into power ? With multiple pay increases. Also why do couples get so much less than singles. Couples use more electricity, double food etc etc. They should be paid the same not nearly $300 a fortnight less. This needs to be addressed urgently.

 

[Ingot]

The Government should be embarrassed and ashamed to offer pensioners an increase to assist them in the cost of living, by giving them a whole $4.10. What a joke !! Voting for greens next election !!!!

Do not vote GREENS.
If you do, you are locking in Marxism.
In 3 years they will have destroyed even what you have today.
They want us on Digital ID, INDUE Card, and they supported the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill, and want to take away our Freedom of Speech.
They put up Teela Reid and Thomas Mayo in The Voice Referendum - both known Marxist sympathisers.
No.
Don't waste a moment on The Greens.
Instead, vote for REAL change - take the power away from an impotent Government and an equally as impotent Opposition, and stack the Senate and Lower House with Independents, and members of Freedom Parties - Libertarians, One Nation, Family First - there are good people in these groups - why vote for more of the same?
We have to make those in power negotiate with the Independents and other parties.
Giving continuing power to the two majors, is to vote for this farce to continue.

 

[Anthony Ellul]

Once again the Albo support from SDC and Vella. Firstly these are automatic CPI/Wage level adjustments and they are paltry to say the least. Our members have already strongly and rightly commented on the magnitude of the so called “significant” increase. What a joke. The system is flawed because you have to wait for the CPI to eventuate and be determined before you get it. This means you are UP to 6 months behind real inflation and therefore additional costs are borne by the pensioners, unemployed etc..
Now the system was introduced to help recipients and in ordinary times it had more value but we have just gone through Covid which has affected the Economy especially through supply chain disruption and from greedy opportunists such as supermarkets etc.. Inflation Under this government has exploded and a better compensation method than delayed CPI is needed. Whoever deals with this will get my vote but it certainly won’t be Albo or the Greens( mad disrupters).