From 20 September 2025, many Centrelink payments were indexed for inflation.
That means your October 2025 deposits now reflect the new, higher rates for the Age Pension, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance (principal carer) and Rent Assistance.
Income limits for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) also increased, so more retirees can qualify.
Most people see the uplift from their first payday after 20 September, which falls in late September or October depending on your cycle.
New Centrelink Rates From 20 September (Paid In October)
All figures are maximum fortnightly amounts unless noted.
| Payment | New rate | Who qualifies / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (single) | $1,178.70 | Meets Age Pension age, subject to income and assets tests. |
| Age Pension (each member of a couple) | $888.50 | Partnered, living together. |
| JobSeeker – single, no children | $793.60 | Aged 22+ and looking for work. |
| JobSeeker – single, principal carer | $1,027.70 | Single parent or principal carer. |
| JobSeeker – partnered (each) | $726.50 | Partnered rate. |
| Parenting Payment – single (incl. supplements) | $1,039.70 | Single parent under Age Pension age. |
| Parenting Payment – partnered (incl. supplements) | $734.40 | Partnered parent. |
| Youth Allowance – single, principal carer | $1,027.70 | Exempt from activity test as principal carer. |
| Rent Assistance – maximum (single) | $215.40 | Payable if rent exceeds updated thresholds. |
| Rent Assistance – maximum (couple, combined) | $203.00 | Payable if rent exceeds updated thresholds. |
| Family Tax Benefit Part A (0–12, per child) | $227.36 | Paid per eligible child. |
| FTB Part B (youngest child under 5, per family) | $193.34 | $134.96 if youngest is 5–18. |
| CSHC taxable income limit (single) | $101,105/year | Expands access to concessions. |
| CSHC taxable income limit (couple, combined) | $161,768/year | Higher limit means more retirees qualify. |
Who Qualifies For The Boost
- Age Pensioners who pass the income and assets tests receive the indexed amount automatically.
- JobSeeker recipients (single, partnered, and principal carers) get higher base rates.
- Parents on Parenting Payment and Youth Allowance (principal carer) see increases in their fortnightly pay.
- Rent Assistance maxima rose for singles and couples once your rent crosses the updated thresholds and ceilings.
- Families continue on Family Tax Benefit rates set from 1 July 2025, which flow into October payments.
- Self-funded retirees may newly qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card thanks to the higher income limits above.
Other Settings To Know
Deeming rates (used to assess income from financial assets for means-tested payments) are 0.75% for the lower rate and 2.75% for the upper rate from 20 September 2025.
If you’re a part-rate pensioner with savings or investments, these assumptions can affect your assessed income and, in turn, your payment.
How To See The Increase In Your Bank
You don’t need to apply for the boost. If you receive any of the payments above, the new rate applies automatically from your first payday after 20 September—so October 2025 deposits should already show the uplift.
Check myGov → Centrelink to confirm your personal rate, rent amount on file, and your next payment date.
The October 2025 Centrelink payment boost is now in effect, lifting key rates across the Age Pension, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance (principal carer) and Rent Assistance.
Together with higher CSHC income limits and current deeming rates, these changes mean many Australians will see larger fortnightly deposits or new eligibility.
Log in to myGov to confirm your personal details and ensure you’re getting the correct rate and any supplements you qualify for.
FAQs
When exactly will I get the higher amount?
From your first scheduled payday after 20 September 2025. For most people, that appears in late September or October.
Did Rent Assistance increase too?
Yes. The maximum is now $215.40 for singles and $203.00 for couples (combined), provided your rent is above the updated thresholds.
I’m a self-funded retiree—what changed for the CSHC?
The taxable income limits rose to $101,105 (single) and $161,768 (couple combined), so more retirees can access the card and its concessions.
