Australians receiving Centrelink payments will see an increase in their financial assistance starting this week. As part of the regular indexation process, various payments such as JobSeeker, Age Pension, and Commonwealth Rent Assistance will see slight increases starting Thursday, March 20, 2025.
This change aims to provide essential support in response to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth emphasized the importance of these changes, noting that indexation is a vital part of the social security safety net. For many recipients, these increases will offer some relief amid rising living costs.
Centrelink Payment Increases: What’s Changing?
The Centrelink payment increase will be rolled out across several benefits, impacting JobSeeker, Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment recipients. Below is a breakdown of the updated payment rates:
JobSeeker Payment Increase
- Single JobSeeker Recipients: An additional $3.10 per fortnight, bringing their total to $781.10.
- Couple JobSeeker Recipients: An increase of $2.80 per fortnight, totaling $715.10.
- Annual Increase: Over the course of the year, JobSeeker recipients will see an additional $72.80 to $80.60 in their payments.
Additionally, the energy supplement of $8.80 will remain unchanged.
Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment
- Single Pensioners: Their payment will increase by $4.60 per fortnight, totaling $1,149.
- Couple Pensioners: Payments will increase by $3.50, reaching $866.10 per person or $1,732.20 per couple, considering both the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement.
These increases are part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen the social security system for Australians across different stages of life.
Other Centrelink Payment Increases
- ABSTUDY: Increases by $2.80 to $3.30 per fortnight.
- Parenting Payment: Increased by $2.80 to $4.30.
- Rent Assistance: Increased by $0.50 to $1.12.
Changes to Centrelink Compliance Rules in March 2025
Alongside the financial increases, some important changes are also being introduced regarding JobSeeker compliance and Carer Payment work rules:
JobSeeker Compliance Changes
- First-time Offenders: JobSeeker recipients who are newly registered with Workforce Australia or Disability Employment Services will not face automatic penalties for missing appointments for the first time.
- Exemption for Active Job Seekers: If a JobSeeker has worked 30 hours in a fortnight for two months, they will be exempt from penalties if they miss an appointment with their employment service provider.
- Investigation Before Penalty: Services Australia will investigate each situation before applying any financial penalties, ensuring that recipients are not unfairly penalized.
Carer Payment Work Flexibility
- Starting March 20, 2025, carers will be allowed more flexibility in their working hours. The new rules will permit carers to work up to 100 hours in a four-week period, an increase from the previous 25 hours per week.
- Respite Days: If carers exceed the 100-hour limit, they can still use respite days without impacting their payments. This change provides greater flexibility for carers to balance their responsibilities and personal time.
Centrelink Payment Increase Summary
| Payment Type | Previous Amount | New Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| JobSeeker (Single) | $778.00 | $781.10 | Must meet age, work, and income requirements. |
| JobSeeker (Couple) | $712.30 | $715.10 | Must meet age, work, and income requirements. |
| Age Pension (Single) | $1,144.40 | $1,149.00 | Age 66 or older, meets income and asset requirements. |
| Age Pension (Couple) | $1,731.00 | $1,732.20 | Age 66 or older, meets income and asset requirements. |
| Disability Support Pension | $2,185.00 | $2,190.00 | Must have a permanent disability, meet income limits. |
| Carer Payment | $1,190.00 | $1,195.00 | Must be caring for someone with a disability or illness. |
| Rent Assistance | $0.50 to $1.12 | $0.50 to $1.12 | Must meet specific residency and income criteria. |
The Centrelink cash boost set to hit accounts this week will provide much-needed relief for recipients, especially in the face of rising living costs.
The increases in payments, coupled with changes in compliance and carer work hours, will support Australians in various stages of life.
By staying informed about these changes, beneficiaries can ensure they are making the most of the increased financial support.
FAQs
When will the Centrelink payment increase take effect?
The increased payments will begin Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Will the JobSeeker energy supplement change?
No, the energy supplement of $8.80 will remain the same.
How much can carers now work without affecting their payments?
Carers can now work up to 100 hours within a four-week period without impacting their payment eligibility.