As the new year rolls in, it brings with it a wave of financial adjustments that could mean more money in the pockets of over one million Australians.

Centrelink recipients are set to see a significant boost in their payments from January 1. This increase comes as part of the regular indexation adjustments, aimed at providing additional financial support to Australians relying on allowances.

The move is expected to offer much-needed relief to individuals and families facing the pressures of the rising cost of living.

Over one million Australians will receive a financial boost to various welfare payments as indexation adjustments take effect with the new year.

Centrelink payments, including Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, and Carer Allowance, are set to rise starting January 1, 2025.

Over 1 million Australians will receive a cash boost to welfare payments due to indexation from January 1, 2025. Credit: Facebook / Yahoo Finance Australia

For those navigating the complexities of student life, the increase in financial support could not come at a better time.

Single Youth Allowance recipients over 18 years old and living at home will see their fortnightly payments increase by $17.30, from $459.80 to $477.10.

This modest boost can help cover the rising costs of textbooks, transport, or even just a little extra for groceries.

For those living away from home, the increase is even more significant. Single and partnered recipients will now receive $670.30 instead of $646, providing a bit more breathing room for rent, utilities, and other living expenses.

Additionally, the parental income test threshold for Youth Allowance is set to rise to $65,189 a year, potentially allowing more young people to qualify for assistance based on their family's financial situation.

Austudy recipients, particularly single individuals with dependent children, will benefit from the most substantial increase.

Their payments will jump by $30.60 to $845.80 a fortnight. Partnered recipients aren't left behind, with their payments increasing by $26.30 to $725.80.

Postgraduate students relying on ABSTUDY will see a significant increase in support, with payments for those undertaking a Master’s degree or a Doctorate rising by $54 a fortnight to $1,231.40.

This is a welcome change that acknowledges the financial pressures faced by those pursuing higher degrees.

The Carer Allowance is also set to increase to $159.30 a fortnight, impacting over 660,000 carers who dedicate their time to supporting others.

This increase is a small token of recognition for their invaluable contribution to society.

Other payments, such as the mobility allowance and double orphan pension, will see increases as well, ensuring that various groups within our community receive the support they need.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth has emphasised that indexation is a crucial tool for adjusting payments in line with changes in the cost of living.

‘We want to reduce disadvantage and maintain Australia’s strong and sustainable social safety net by providing relief to those most in need,’ she stated.

In addition to these increases, the Labor Party has announced plans to wipe $3 billion of student debt for three million Australians.

An additional 20 per cent reduction in student loans, an increase in the minimum repayment threshold, and further cuts to repayment rates have been pledged for 2025, contingent upon the Labor Party being re-elected in next year's federal election.

For a full list of payment increases effective January 1, please visit the Department of Social Services website.

As Centrelink recipients prepare to benefit from increased payments starting January 1, it’s also crucial to stay informed about the payment schedule during the holiday period.

Services Australia has released the timetable to ensure that everyone receives their benefits on time, avoiding any disruptions during this busy season.

Key Takeaways

• Over 1 million Australians will benefit from a cash boost to various welfare payments due to indexation from January 1, 2025.
• Specific increases include Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, and Carer Allowance, with varied rates of increments for different groups.
• The increases are set to assist in keeping up with inflation and are part of an annual adjustment process.
• Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth highlighted that indexation is aimed at reducing disadvantage and providing relief in line with the cost of living changes.

We invite you to share your thoughts on these changes. How will the increased payments affect you or your loved ones? Do you believe the indexation is sufficient to cover the rising cost of living? Join the conversation below and let us know your perspective.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

Don't put Carers into the same lot as those on Unemployment Benefits.
Carers work damn hard for what they get.
If those on Carer Payment and Carer Allowance charged the Government what is charged in the private sector, the Government would go broke.
I look after 3 family members, one with a heart condition, one with Autism and one with a genetic syndrome, 24 hours a day 7days a week.
Carer Payment $862.60 +
Carer Allowance x2 $318.60 after rise
Total per fortnight = $1181.20
A Carer in the private sector gets a minimum of $27 per hour during the day and a minimum of $40 per hour overnight.
38 hour week during the day = $1026 or $2052 p/f
38 hour week overnight = $1520 or $3040 p/f

According to this I should be paid $2052 x 2 + $3040 = $7144 per fortnight.

But I get a measly $1181.20 difference of $5962.80
The Government is a joke.
So those on the Age Pension shouldn't whinge.

I put them in the same sentence that's not the same thing

 

[Ssearle]

in my opinion.... if the Australian pensioners who choose to live outside of Australia, the pensions should be cut off. Give Australia a break, and do not allow immigrants into Australia who are not skilled. Do not allow immigrants who have more than one wife in to Australia. If they are illegal, they must be sent back to where they came from or a country that can afford them.. LOOK AFTER AUSTRALIANS FIRST.
oh and by the way... Politicians who are ousted, or resign, should not get pensions, as they have been paid enough and should be self funded retirees... never mind the golden handshake...

 

[Phantom36]

I agree with the comments about the aged pensions missing out come on government get your act together and look after the aged pensions as well

Pensions rise twice a year, carers get one rise a year, so pensioners don't miss out.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Don't put Carers into the same lot as those on Unemployment Benefits.
Carers work damn hard for what they get.
If those on Carer Payment and Carer Allowance charged the Government what is charged in the private sector, the Government would go broke.
I look after 3 family members, one with a heart condition, one with Autism and one with a genetic syndrome, 24 hours a day 7days a week.
Carer Payment $862.60 +
Carer Allowance x2 $318.60 after rise
Total per fortnight = $1181.20
A Carer in the private sector gets a minimum of $27 per hour during the day and a minimum of $40 per hour overnight.
38 hour week during the day = $1026 or $2052 p/f
38 hour week overnight = $1520 or $3040 p/f

According to this I should be paid $2052 x 2 + $3040 = $7144 per fortnight.

But I get a measly $1181.20 difference of $5962.80
The Government is a joke.
So those on the Age Pension shouldn't whinge.

I take my hat off to you I really hope you get some time out, you truly deserve it.

Thank you for what you do. Those who you care for are very lucky to have you

 

[starrysnan]

Carers allowance is not a fully funded payment but some extra cash to help with various expenses. My husband and I joke that for a 24/7 job its really only a few cents an hour. Am I worth more - of course. Am I going to get what I am worth - no. Is life fair - no.

 

[IAN3005]

and NOTHING for Aged Pensions

Now of course not.... they are hoping we die of one by one...that's the ultimate goal.....

 

[Jan Purcell]

So the carer allowance and probable the people who refuse to work get more money, and the people who worked their life away get nothing. This Government has sent this country so far down the gurgler we will be in debt for the next milliner.

you are spot on, what about the age pensioners wo have worked hard all their lives, and some are still working to make end meet.

 

[Chicky]

I would really like the politicians to try and live for a month on the dole or the pension. They did try quite a few years ago and couldn't do it for a fortnight. Back then they couldn't do it. Bet they can't do it now.

 

[Daibhin]

Don't put Carers into the same lot as those on Unemployment Benefits.
Carers work damn hard for what they get.
If those on Carer Payment and Carer Allowance charged the Government what is charged in the private sector, the Government would go broke.
I look after 3 family members, one with a heart condition, one with Autism and one with a genetic syndrome, 24 hours a day 7days a week.
Carer Payment $862.60 +
Carer Allowance x2 $318.60 after rise
Total per fortnight = $1181.20
A Carer in the private sector gets a minimum of $27 per hour during the day and a minimum of $40 per hour overnight.
38 hour week during the day = $1026 or $2052 p/f
38 hour week overnight = $1520 or $3040 p/f

According to this I should be paid $2052 x 2 + $3040 = $7144 per fortnight.

But I get a measly $1181.20 difference of $5962.80
The Government is a joke.
So those on the Age Pension shouldn't whinge.

The paltry increase for carers is coming out of Home Care Packages, I just got a notice about it: 0.47 per day = $3.29 per week.

In September the age pension rise was claimed to be $26 per fortnight, but we in Dept Housing have had the rent increased by $36 per fortnight, so are $10 worse off. The carer's increase we don't see because it comes from our HCP, though it means we have $171.08 less to be spent from our package for things we may need. I do not grudge anyone on low pay getting a pay rise, what I wonder about is why other always have to take a hit but not pollies or millionaires.

 

[Noon]

Rents are going up $20 - $40 wķly, food will go up, there's their parish used up.

 

[Noon]

I would really like the politicians to try and live for a month on the dole or the pension. They did try quite a few years ago and couldn't do it for a fortnight. Back then they couldn't do it. Bet they can't do it now.

You are joking, they wouldn't give up their salaries & fringe benefits.

 

[tumoulin]

It is an indexation rise so not a real increase at all. Leaves people exactly where they were a year ago.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

I would really like the politicians to try and live for a month on the dole or the pension. They did try quite a few years ago and couldn't do it for a fortnight. Back then they couldn't do it. Bet they can't do it now.

The Dole was NEVER suppose to be enough to live on, it only was suppose to be enough to get you through a very short time while you got a JOB, but because we have a Prime Minister that was raised on Welfare he is doing his damndest to get it up to a Wage without working for it. The Age Pension a whole other story, because the Gov has spent every cent they want us to just roll over and die. The Age Pension should be the same as the minimum wage.

 

[maggiej]

This was an unnecessary news this morning. So disappointed you gave us this as it is an annual increase and for pensioners it is always in March and September. This has made so many of the members upset this morning.
To the mebers do not worry about this you will get the bi annual increases in the above months. SDC STOp upsetting your members!

 

[Jest]

we seldom eat out but last friday we went to the csl for a meal. it was packed with I would say ordinary people. the meals on an average of 25-30 x 2-= 50+ and drinks on top. please do not carry on about hardship if you are one of these people. and also raffle tickets. we won a ham.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

This was an unnecessary news this morning. So disappointed you gave us this as it is an annual increase and for pensioners it is always in March and September. This has made so many of the members upset this morning.
To the mebers do not worry about this you will get the bi annual increases in the above months. SDC STOp upsetting your members!

Well really they haven't said anything that is not true Pensioners will get a rise in the New Year, in March

 

[deni67]

This was an unnecessary news this morning. So disappointed you gave us this as it is an annual increase and for pensioners it is always in March and September. This has made so many of the members upset this morning.
To the mebers do not worry about this you will get the bi annual increases in the above months. SDC STOp upsetting your members!

Where have people said on here that they are upset at the story?
Nowhere that I can see!

 

[Reet]

What about Pensioners? Are we to be forgotten again when the prices of food, fuel and energy goes up for all of us, not just young people on allowances? I still have medicines to pay for and trips to specialists and doctors without any extra income to pay for these. I was honest and told Centrelink that I receive an English Pension money for which was taken out of my pay each month separately from Income Tax, and so my Pension from Centrelink is less by the amount of my English Pension. In other words I should have kept my mouth shut like many other people I know and not revealed my English Pension (which does not go up at all) then I would be able to afford my visits to specialists, doctors and medicines.

 

[deni67]

What about Pensioners? Are we to be forgotten again when the prices of food, fuel and energy goes up for all of us, not just young people on allowances?

Pensioners get their pensions put up twice a year already.

 

[Annemarie]

I will swap my carers allowance for your pension any day, $4. per fortnight really gets us rolling in the cash. Nearly $160. per f/night whoopee.

Yet those on ABSTUDY receive almost as much as the Aged Pension. Go figure! Carers are not paid enough when you take into consideration all of the things you do to keep the person you care for out of government run facilities which costs the government so much more. I take my hat off to you for what you have chosen to do.