Millions of Australians were set to see a welcome boost in their bank accounts this weekend, offering some relief amid rising living costs.
Pensioners, carers, students, single parents, and job seekers were all included in the increase, sparking hope for those struggling to make ends meet.
The timing of the rise has many recipients planning ahead for rent, bills, and groceries.
Centrelink payments set to rise from 20 September
Centrelink payments were scheduled to increase from 20 September due to indexation, a system designed to adjust payments as the economy changed.
Singles receiving the age or disability support pension, along with carers, were to receive an extra $29.70 per fortnight, while couples were set to gain $44.80.
Students on Youth Allowance would see an increase of $16.20, raising their maximum fortnightly payment to $1,027.70.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and apprentices were also included, with their payments rising by $12.50 to $793.60 per fortnight—matching the increase for single job seekers with no dependents.
Single parents would receive $16.20 more, up to $1,039.70 per fortnight, while partnered parents’ payments were set to rise to $734.30.
Rent assistance payments were adjusted to $215.40 for singles and $203.00 for couples.
Government support and broader measures
'Social security recipients are also benefitting from tax cuts, cheaper medicines, energy bill relief, cuts to student debt and a whole range of other cost of living measures we've delivered since coming into government.'
She added: 'The social security system must be grounded in fairness, which is why we adjust supports as the economy changes.'
'We'll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind.'
The payment increases were set to occur automatically, with recipients able to check their next payment via their Centrelink online account or the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.
Indexation of social security payments occurs twice a year, in March and September, and is designed to keep pace with inflation and the cost of living.
What This Means For You
Centrelink payments were set to rise from 20 September, providing relief for millions of Australians struggling with everyday expenses.
Singles and couples on pensions and carers received fortnightly increases of $29.70 and $44.80 respectively, while students, job seekers, and single parents also benefited from smaller but meaningful payment boosts.
All payments increased automatically, and recipients could check their new amounts via Centrelink online services.
For seniors, this increase means extra funds to help cover rent, groceries, healthcare, and other essential costs, offering a small but significant boost to financial security each fortnight.
Some readers may have seen rumours online about extra Centrelink payouts and wondered if they were entitled to more than the announced increases.
It can be confusing to separate legitimate payment adjustments from misleading claims or scams circulating on social media.
This next article breaks down the facts and clarifies what recipients can realistically expect from Centrelink payments.
Read more: Centrelink moves to clear confusion over supposed bonus payouts
Have you planned how this payment boost will help you manage your fortnightly expenses?
.png){kind=icon}
