Financial relief is on the way for millions of Australians, with key government payments set for an increase.

While these adjustments aim to ease cost-of-living pressures, not everyone will see the same boost in their payments.

Here’s what’s driving the changes and what it means for those relying on support.

More than five million Australians received a boost to their Centrelink payments, benefiting job seekers, carers, and people with disabilities.
Pensions and payments were adjusted through indexation, with increases taking effect from 20 March.

This included the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Commonwealth Rent Assistance, JobSeeker, and Parenting Payment.

Centrelink payments rise for millions of Australians. Image source: Pexel/Andrea Piacquadio

These payments were indexed twice a year—in March and September—to ensure their value kept pace with inflation and helped recipients manage rising living costs.

The increases were determined by the highest rate of inflation from a selection of measures.

These included the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI), changes in weekly wages, and the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index for the Age Pension.

In September 2024, the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment increased by $28.10 per fortnight for singles.

This brought the maximum rate to $1,144.40.

Each member of a couple received an additional $21.20, bringing their total payment to $1,725.20.

Commonwealth Rent Assistance rose by 10 per cent, with singles without children receiving an extra $23 per fortnight, couples an additional $21.80, and families with children an extra $27.02.

JobSeeker payments increased by $15.30 for singles without children and $16.30 for those with children, while recipients with a partial capacity to work received a higher increase of $71.20.

Future increases in the Age Pension depended on wage growth and inflation.

The March adjustment was determined after the Australian Bureau of Statistics released its average weekly ordinary time earnings data for November on 20 February.

The 2.5 per cent increase in the Age Pension in September was based on a 3 per cent rise in average male earnings in the year to May.

It was also influenced by a 2 per cent increase in inflation during the March and June quarters.

Unemployment benefits rose by 2 per cent in September due to CPI increases in the March and June quarters.

However, moderating inflation meant that the March adjustment for JobSeeker would be significantly smaller.

With the CPI rising by just 0.2 per cent in both the September and December quarters, JobSeeker payments were set to increase by only 0.4 per cent.

This equated to $3.11, bringing the maximum fortnightly payment to $781.11 unless an alternative benchmark was used.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth previously stated that indexation adjustments were essential in helping Australians manage their expenses.

‘Indexation, together with our budget measures, means maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance will have increased by around 45 per cent since the Albanese Government was elected,’ she said in September.

‘This indexation will deliver timely boosts to people receiving allowance payments and pensions, ensuring that these vulnerable cohorts have more money in their pockets for everyday expenses.’

In a previous story, we explored how small changes could make a big impact on your financial future.

If you’re looking to maximise your benefits and avoid missing out on crucial opportunities, this information is vital.

Be sure to check out the full details on valuable retirement boosts here.

Don’t miss out on the latest Centrelink updates!

• Millions of Aussies affected: How latest Centrelink changes could impact your payments
• 'Get a job': Centrelink beneficiary garners mixed reactions from fellow Aussies
• Customers warned about 'life-changing' Centrelink payments circulating online
• Centrelink offers up to $6,548 assistance for Aussies tiding through hard times

Key Takeaways

• Over five million Australians saw an increase in Centrelink payments from 20 March, including JobSeeker, Age Pension, and Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
• Payments were indexed biannually based on CPI, wage changes, and the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index.
• In September 2024, the Age Pension increased by $28.10 for singles, while JobSeeker rose by up to $71.20 for some recipients.
• Due to moderating inflation, JobSeeker’s March increase was smaller, rising by $3.11 to $781.11

With these changes to Centrelink payments, how do you think the adjustments will impact those relying on support? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

 

[Franka]

Jobseekers receiving $3.11 that wont even buy a loaf of bread or 2 litres of milk. What a joke.

 

[Anthony Ellul]

What can I say. $1.55 per week will significantly help pensioners and the like. Wowee. Let’s drink some champagne. You people are deranged if you think this will ‘greatly boost or provide relief’ ( your stupid words) for these recipients. Your bias is unquestionable and you obviously are barracking for the ones who are in government( ALP) who have ruined the economy by allowing prices to run rampant and ensuring productivity collapses.

 

[Suzanne rose]

The 20th of march isn't here yet but this story sounds like we have passed it.

How much is pensions actually going up

 

[Ivory]

I live about 4.5 km from the town shopping centre and am no longer able to drive. If I need to get into town I have to rely on someone to take me in, or use an access cab. In the past twelve months the cost of a return trip has risen to approximately $40:00 dollars. The increase in the pension is in no way going to be able to meet the rising costs, as you can see even one trip a week would not be covered. I don’t choose to be reliant but, without sustainable assistance of which transport is a component, I may have to go into care which is going to increase costs again but with money coming from a different bucket

 

[BJM]

Doesn’t seem to say anything about forthcoming increase in pensions just the increases in various areas previously ?????

 

[Greg350]

Doesn’t seem to say anything about forthcoming increase in pensions just the increases in various areas previously ?????

Yes, because it has not been determined yet.

 

[Greg350]

The 20th of march isn't here yet but this story sounds like we have passed it.

How much is pensions actually going up

It has not been determined yet.

 

[Greg350]

What can I say. $1.55 per week will significantly help pensioners and the like. Wowee. Let’s drink some champagne. You people are deranged if you think this will ‘greatly boost or provide relief’ ( your stupid words) for these recipients. Your bias is unquestionable and you obviously are barracking for the ones who are in government( ALP) who have ruined the economy by allowing prices to run rampant and ensuring productivity collapses.

Inflation after Covid is a worldwide problem, if you think this government created the problem you are delusional. ANY government that was in would have had the same problem.
I saw this coming during Covid, it's common sense, the world closed down, it reopened and there was a pent-up demand for everything, people back at work, money flowing, companies who weren't selling things through Covid saw a chance to recoup their losses so increase their prices.
This is how an economy works, supply and demand, tight supply high prices.
And where do you get $1.55 from?? No mention of that OR the actual amount to be increased in March.

 

[BillyB]

Inflation after Covid is a worldwide problem, if you think this government created the problem you are delusional. ANY government that was in would have had the same problem.
I saw this coming during Covid, it's common sense, the world closed down, it reopened and there was a pent-up demand for everything, people back at work, money flowing, companies who weren't selling things through Covid saw a chance to recoup their losses so increase their prices.
This is how an economy works, supply and demand, tight supply high prices.
And where do you get $1.55 from?? No mention of that OR the actual amount to be increased in March.

Some people just like to blame government for everything ,winge about not getting enough so why don`t they geta JOB .

 

[Oscar]

These stories, or type of reporting, really irritate me as it seems to be a big new thing. We need to get a grip on reality - these increases are indexed via the CPI or another slightly different version for aged pensioners, and occur every 6 months and are mandated in law. They are not largesse based on someone's whim.

 

[Beany]

I had an increase in carers allowance and as of April the rent goes up again by 10 dollars we live in a housing trust house and what we pay compared to what those who are renting from a landlord is insignificant to their rent, but I am sure there may be people who also received an increase in the carers allowance and are not renting from the housing trust, must of thought that small amount wouldn't of helped much in the scheme of things.

 

[Anthony Ellul]

Inflation after Covid is a worldwide problem, if you think this government created the problem you are delusional. ANY government that was in would have had the same problem.
I saw this coming during Covid, it's common sense, the world closed down, it reopened and there was a pent-up demand for everything, people back at work, money flowing, companies who weren't selling things through Covid saw a chance to recoup their losses so increase their prices.
This is how an economy works, supply and demand, tight supply high prices.
And where do you get $1.55 from?? No mention of that OR the actual amount to be increased in March.

Sorry the $1.55 should have been $2.55 and I was looking at the Increase in the Jobkeeper which is at $781 per fortnight. Inspdices for cpi and wages( average) means the increase is likely to only be about .065 of 1%. Australia has had close to the highest inflation because we shut down everybody and most other Western countries reduced interest rates at a much faster rate because their inflation action was helping to reduce the cost of things. Not in Australia with Chalmers at the desk. Yes it is supply and demand and Albo and company killed the demand. Believe what you want but those are facts. Bye.

 

[beauravn]

I think it's important to point out that this article ISN'T about increases due to come in. It is mostly a recap of the increases we received in March 2024 LAST YEAR. The reason for that is that it implies that we MIGHT get another increase in the budget THIS year as well, but that is yet to be announced, and the amount is anybody's guess. However, it will most certainly be reasonable enough to 'buy' a few votes for the ALP as the Dutton camp certainly won't be making any counter offers. They are far more interested in CUTTING costs than making the cost of living more affordable. Plus the CPI adjustment is usually biennial, so not due until 2026. This would be a 'cost of living' adjustment (if it comes). Cheers.

 

[Anthony Ellul]

I think it's important to point out that this article ISN'T about increases due to come in. It is mostly a recap of the increases we received in March 2024 LAST YEAR. The reason for that is that it implies that we MIGHT get another increase in the budget THIS year as well, but that is yet to be announced, and the amount is anybody's guess. However, it will most certainly be reasonable enough to 'buy' a few votes for the ALP as the Dutton camp certainly won't be making any counter offers. They are far more interested in CUTTING costs than making the cost of living more affordable. Plus the CPI adjustment is usually biennial, so not due until 2026. This would be a 'cost of living' adjustment (if it comes). Cheers.

No that is not right. Those people still living WILL get an increase based on CPI and Average Wage changes for the period 01/07/2024 to 31/12/2024. it is not a guess.

 

[bombadier]

Some people just like to blame government for everything ,winge about not getting enough so why don`t they geta JOB .

Some people are unable to get a job, even when they bust there hump trying to, especially in rural areas. Load of crap about older people being given more flexibility with there pension to get extra income, you walk in they see a slight limp and don't want to know you, put in dozens of applications online and dont even have decentcy to reply, and yet they keep whinging( mainly hospitality,supermarket chains and such) that they can't get workers and keep carrying on about being understaffed, give me a break. I hear people say any kid leaving school with no prospect of job, apprenticeship or uni. should do 2 yrs compulsory military service! If it was 30 yrs ago I'd probably agree, not now, I wouldn't trust the kids of today with any kind of weapon,without a better way of evaluating them more rigouresly, mentally and physically. Mind u if your 30 and never even tried to get a job ( can name a few bogans) give them 2yrs of military service but only as a labour force ( roads, parks, public areas, land clearing, beach cleaning, graffiti scrubbing etc. but they have to bunk in barracks and follow military rules put upon them, close order drill( no weapons) well presented , cleanliness, obey orders, learn respect and sport, w/ends off except for barrack picket duty on a 4 week rotating roster and two weeks leave, no loading on anything, see if that changes attitudes in the long run. If it ever was introduced ( doubt it,wishful thinking) I bet there'd be no staff shortages in supermarkets or hospitality from18 to 30 yr olds anymore.. .

 

[Ezzy]

Is this a wind - up? As stated already, we haven't reached March 20th let alone February 20th yet!!!

 

[Ivory]

Inflation after Covid is a worldwide problem, if you think this government created the problem you are delusional. ANY government that was in would have had the same problem.
I saw this coming during Covid, it's common sense, the world closed down, it reopened and there was a pent-up demand for everything, people back at work, money flowing, companies who weren't selling things through Covid saw a chance to recoup their losses so increase their prices.
This is how an economy works, supply and demand, tight supply high prices.
And where do you get $1.55 from?? No mention of that OR the actual amount to be increased in March.

Greg 350, I agree with you 100%, and the figure quoted is arbitrary. However, looking from a totally personal perspective we are struggling. I had to give up work due to a neurological issue which is progressive. My husband who is in his mid seventies, and not in brilliant health, is my primary carer. It is not easy too access extra support hours and we are using our superannuation at a rate where I hope that my condition will take me out before we run out of funds. Prices everywhere are rising dramatically and as an example, if I were to use an access cab to go for a hair cut, the haircut would cost in the vicinity of $85.00! Financial life for us is not sustainable, and I’m not sure if we have any capacity to alleviate the situation.

 

[Anthony Ellul]

Some people are unable to get a job, even when they bust there hump trying to, especially in rural areas. Load of crap about older people being given more flexibility with there pension to get extra income, you walk in they see a slight limp and don't want to know you, put in dozens of applications online and dont even have decentcy to reply, and yet they keep whinging( mainly hospitality,supermarket chains and such) that they can't get workers and keep carrying on about being understaffed, give me a break. I hear people say any kid leaving school with no prospect of job, apprenticeship or uni. should do 2 yrs compulsory military service! If it was 30 yrs ago I'd probably agree, not now, I wouldn't trust the kids of today with any kind of weapon,without a better way of evaluating them more rigouresly, mentally and physically. Mind u if your 30 and never even tried to get a job ( can name a few bogans) give them 2yrs of military service but only as a labour force ( roads, parks, public areas, land clearing, beach cleaning, graffiti scrubbing etc. but they have to bunk in barracks and follow military rules put upon them, close order drill( no weapons) well presented , cleanliness, obey orders, learn respect and sport, w/ends off except for barrack picket duty on a 4 week rotating roster and two weeks leave, no loading on anything, see if that changes attitudes in the long run. If it ever was introduced ( doubt it,wishful thinking) I bet there'd be no staff shortages in supermarkets or hospitality from18 to 30 yr olds anymore.. .

Well said. Productivity has gone down about 45% in the last 30 years in spite of technology advances. However serious crime has gone Jo. No doubt some military service would be useful in dealing with today’s youth.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I had an increase in carers allowance and as of April the rent goes up again by 10 dollars we live in a housing trust house and what we pay compared to what those who are renting from a landlord is insignificant to their rent, but I am sure there may be people who also received an increase in the carers allowance and are not renting from the housing trust, must of thought that small amount wouldn't of helped much in the scheme of things.

Is housing trust the same as public housing ? If so then I think what you pay rent is different to those who pay private rent.
I know two family's living in public housing. One in a two bedroom house and paying Max rent as her hubby is still working. Rent is $550 the highest she will pay per week compared to private renters paying close to $1000 per week.
The second family pay $140 per week , she is a single mum with three kids looking for work. Other houses similar in the area pay close to $1000 in private rent.