Centrelink recipients in Australia can expect a significant cash boost starting this week as the government works to ease the burden of the rising cost of living.
Social security payments are being indexed to keep pace with inflation, with increases to JobSeeker, Age Pension, and Commonwealth Rent Assistance scheduled for March 20, 2025.
This adjustment is vital in providing financial relief to those most affected by economic pressures.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth stressed that this indexation is an essential component of Australia’s social security safety net, helping millions of Australians better cope with the financial strains of daily life.
How Much Will Centrelink Payments Increase?
The March 2025 indexation brings an increase across various social security payments, providing recipients with much-needed support. Below is an overview of the key increases:
JobSeeker Payments
| Recipient Type | Previous Payment | New Payment | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single JobSeeker | $778.00 | $781.10 | +$3.10 per fortnight |
| Couple JobSeeker | $712.30 | $715.10 | +$2.80 per fortnight |
For the approximately 850,000 Australians receiving JobSeeker, this increase will amount to an additional $72.80 to $80.60 per year. The energy supplement for JobSeekers remains unchanged at $8.80 per fortnight.
Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment
| Recipient Type | Previous Payment | New Payment | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Age Pension | $1,144.40 | $1,149.00 | +$4.60 per fortnight |
| Couple Age Pension | $1,728.70 | $1,732.20 | +$3.50 per person |
| Disability Support Pension | $2,190.00 | $2,210.00 | +$20.00 per fortnight |
| Carer Payment | $2,190.00 | $2,210.00 | +$20.00 per fortnight |
Pensioners, including Age Pension and Disability Support Pension recipients, will see an increase of $4.60 for singles and $3.50 per person for couples.
This increase, along with the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement, aims to reduce financial pressures for seniors and those with disabilities.
ABSTUDY and Parenting Payment
| Recipient Type | Previous Payment | New Payment | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABSTUDY | $530.00 | $532.80–$533.30 | +$2.80 to $3.30 |
| Parenting Payment | $530.00 | $534.30 | +$2.80 to $4.30 |
| Rent Assistance | Varies | +$0.50 to $1.12 |
Payments for ABSTUDY, Parenting Payment, and Rent Assistance will also increase, with ABSTUDY recipients seeing a rise of $2.80 to $3.30, while Parenting Payment recipients will benefit from an increase of up to $4.30 per fortnight.
Changes to JobSeeker Compliance and Carer Payment Flexibility
In addition to the payment increases, there are also changes aimed at making the system more flexible for recipients.
JobSeeker Compliance Changes
Starting March 2025, fewer JobSeeker recipients will face penalties for non-compliance. The government has introduced a more lenient approach, where newly registered job seekers who miss their first appointment will not face penalties.
Additionally, job seekers working 30 hours per fortnight for two months will be exempt from sanctions if they miss appointments.
Carer Payment Work Flexibility
The rules for carers have also been relaxed. Carers can now work up to 100 hours in a four-week period without affecting their Carer Payment eligibility, offering more flexibility for those balancing work and caregiving responsibilities.
The Centrelink cash boost arriving on March 20, 2025, represents a significant step in helping Australians navigate the current economic challenges.
With increases to key social security payments, including JobSeeker, Age Pension, and Carer Payment, the government is providing much-needed financial relief to individuals and families facing rising living costs.
The changes also bring greater flexibility for job seekers and carers, ensuring that Australia’s social security system continues to support those in need.
FAQs
When will Centrelink payments increase?
Centrelink payments will rise on March 20, 2025, as part of the government’s biannual indexation process.
What payments will see increases?
Payments like JobSeeker, Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, and ABSTUDY will increase to help recipients manage cost-of-living pressures.
Will Carer Payment recipients have more flexibility?
Yes, carers can now work up to 100 hours per four-week period without their payments being affected, providing more flexibility.
You must be kidding $4.60 won’t even buy a cup of coffee this amount is not what I see as our inflation don’t know when you went to supermarket or looked at utilities bills this is an insult
HOW STINGY CAN THEY GET FOR THE AGE PENSION 4.60 INCREASE COVERS NOTHING WE ARE NO BETTER OFF AT ALL