In 2025, millions of Australians are seeing social services payment increases as part of regular indexation to keep up with the cost of living. These changes affect key Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension, JobSeeker Payment, Parenting Payment, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Family Tax Benefit and more.
From 1 July 2025, many rates, thresholds and limits rose by around 2.4%, and further increases took effect again from 20 September 2025. Together, these boosts are intended to help low‑ and middle‑income Australians manage higher prices for essentials like groceries, rent, and energy bills.
Why payments are going up
Most Centrelink payment increases happen through a process called indexation, which adjusts payment rates in line with changes in inflation, wages, and living costs. For pensions and allowances, this generally occurs in March and September, while some youth and student payments are indexed at different times of the year.
Indexation is designed so that the real value of your payment does not fall as prices rise across the economy. In 2025, the government has emphasised that indexation and other cost‑of‑living measures are about making sure the social security system remains a reliable safety net for those who need it most.
Key payments getting increases
A broad range of Australian social security payments are affected by the latest changes. Some of the main ones include:
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Age Pension for older Australians.
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JobSeeker Payment for people who are unemployed or underemployed.
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Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment.
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Parenting Payment, Family Tax Benefit and related family assistance.
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Certain student and youth payments, including Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY.
Each payment has its own rate structure, income tests and asset tests, but the general pattern is modest fortnightly increases to help offset cost‑of‑living pressures.
Age Pension and pension-style payments
From 20 September 2025, the Age Pension maximum rate increased again for both singles and couples. For a single pensioner, the maximum full rate rose by about $29.70 per fortnight, while couples saw a combined rise of around $44.80 per fortnight (about $22.40 each).
These increases also flow through to similar pension‑type payments such as the Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment, which are indexed on the same schedule. At the same time, income and asset thresholds for part‑rate pensions were lifted, meaning some people can earn slightly more or hold a bit more in assets before their payment starts to reduce.
JobSeeker and payments for job seekers
If you receive JobSeeker Payment, there have been notable but modest increases in 2025. From 20 September 2025, the maximum fortnightly JobSeeker rate for a single person aged 22 or over with no children is now around $793.60 per fortnight, an increase of about $12.50.
For partnered recipients, each member of the couple now receives around $726.50 per fortnight, which is about $11.40 more than previously. Indexation and changes to disqualifying income limits also mean you may be able to earn a bit more from work before you lose access to JobSeeker altogether.
Families, parents and carers
Families are also seeing Centrelink payment increases in 2025 through Parenting Payment and Family Tax Benefit changes. For single parents on Parenting Payment, the income‑free area has risen, allowing you to earn a little more before your payment starts to reduce.
The Family Tax Benefit Part A maximum rates increased, with higher fortnightly amounts for children under 13 and for teenagers who are 13–19 and still in school. The annual Part B supplement also went up slightly, giving eligible families a bit more support across the year.
Income and asset thresholds
Alongside rate rises, income and asset thresholds have been pushed up to reflect higher wages and savings levels. For example, the income‑free area for pensioners and some allowance recipients has increased, and asset limits for homeowners and non‑homeowners have been lifted by several thousand dollars.
These changes can be just as important as the rate increases, because they determine whether you qualify for a payment at all, and how quickly that payment tapers off as your income or assets grow. For some people on the edge of eligibility, the new thresholds may open the door to receiving a higher part‑rate or even qualifying for the first time.
Deeming rate changes and what they mean
One of the more technical but important shifts in 2025 relates to deeming rates used in the income test for pensions and some other payments. After being frozen at artificially low levels during and after COVID‑19, deeming rates are now gradually returning to pre‑pandemic settings.
Higher deeming rates mean the government assumes your financial assets (like savings, shares and some super) are earning more income, which can reduce your payment if you have significant assets. While pension rates have gone up, some part‑rate pensioners with larger investments may see smaller net gains because of these deeming changes.
One-off support and broader cost-of-living relief
In addition to regular social services payment increases, the government has also offered targeted, one‑off support for certain groups. In late 2025, for example, a one‑off $250 Centrelink payment has been announced for eligible Australians, such as some pensioners and concession card holders, as extra help with bills and everyday expenses.
These payments sit alongside other cost‑of‑living measures such as tax cuts, cheaper medicines, energy bill relief and changes to student debt, all aimed at easing the pressure on households. While not everyone will receive every type of support, together they form a broader package of relief for low‑ and middle‑income Australians.
How to check what you’ll receive
Because payment rates depend on your age, relationship status, income, assets and the type of benefit you receive, the exact amount of your Centrelink increase will be personal to your situation. Most adjustments, including indexation and deeming changes, are applied automatically, so there is usually nothing you need to do for the higher rate to start flowing into your account.
However, it is still important to keep your details up to date and report any changes in income, relationship or living arrangements promptly to avoid overpayments or debts. If you are unsure which payment you qualify for or how much you should be getting, you can review your most recent Centrelink statement and compare it to the current published rates for your payment type.
FAQs about Australian Social Services Payment Increases
1. How often do Centrelink payments increase?
Most major payments such as pensions and allowances are reviewed for indexation twice a year, in March and September, while some youth and student payments are indexed on different schedules.
2. Do I need to apply to get the new payment rates?
No, if you are already receiving an eligible payment, the increase is usually applied automatically to your existing Centrelink claim from the effective date.
3. Will my JobSeeker Payment definitely go up in 2025?
From 20 September 2025, the maximum JobSeeker rate for singles aged 22 or over without children rose to about $793.60 per fortnight, with similar percentage increases for partnered recipients.
4. Can higher deeming rates reduce my pension even though the rate went up?
Yes, if you have substantial financial assets, increased deeming rates can mean more “deemed income” under the income test, which may reduce your part‑rate pension despite the indexed rate rise.
5. Is there any extra one-off help apart from regular indexation?
In late 2025, a one‑off $250 payment has been announced for some eligible Centrelink recipients as part of wider cost‑of‑living relief measures.
