Centrelink Payment Increase in March 2025 – Check Revised Amount, Eligibility & Payout Dates

Centrelink payment increase in March 2025

Millions of people in Australia rely on Centrelink payments to help them meet their everyday needs. From March 2025, the government is going to increase many Centrelink payments to keep up with rising inflation. If you are receiving Age Pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Carer Payment, or Disability Support Pension, this change could affect your budget.

In this article, we will tell you which payment plans will increase, how much the amount will increase, who is eligible and how you can check your payment.

Why is Centrelink payment being increased in March 2025?

The Australian Government reviews Centrelink payments in March and September every year. This process is called indexation, where payments are adjusted according to inflation and wage growth to maintain people’s purchasing power.

What does indexation mean?

Indexation means that government payments automatically increase in line with inflation. For example:

• If inflation rises by 3%, Centrelink payments will increase in proportion.
• This helps pensioners and other beneficiaries maintain their lifestyle.

How much will Centrelink payments increase in March 2025?

The potential new payment rates announced by the Government could be as follows:

1. Age Pension

• Single pensioners: Increase from $1,144.40 to about $1,160 per fortnight
• Couples: Increase from $1,725.20 to about $1,750 per fortnight
• Annual increase: From $400 to $600 per person

2. JobSeeker Payment

• Single, without children: Increase from $762.70 to about $780 per fortnight
• Single, with children: Increase from $816.90 to about $835 per fortnight
• Joint (with partner): Increase from $698.30 to about $715 per fortnight

3. Youth Allowance

• Single, living with parents: Increase from $395.30 to about $415 per fortnight
• Single, living separately: Increase from $639.00 to approximately $660 per fortnight
• With partner or children: Adjustments will be made according to individual situation.

4. Carer Payment and Disability Support Pension

• Single beneficiary: $1,160 per fortnight with projected increase
• Couples: $1,750 per fortnight with projected increase

Who is eligible?

If you are already receiving any of these payments, this increase will be automatically added to your account. New applicants must meet the eligibility criteria.

Key eligibility criteria:

Age Pension:

• Must be 67 years of age or over.
• Must pass an income and asset test.
• Must have lived in Australia for at least 10 years.

JobSeeker Payment:

• Must be 22 years of age or over.
• Must be actively looking for a job.
• Must be within the income and asset limits.

Credit for Other Dependents 2025 – Eligibility Rules and Qualification Criteria

Youth Allowance:

• Be a student or apprentice aged 16-24.
• Family income and other criteria may apply.

Carer Payment:

• Be caring full-time for a sick or disabled person.
• Be within income and asset limits.

Disability Support Pension:

• Be unable to work due to a permanent disability.
• Medical assessment will be required.

Additional benefits and discounts

In addition to this payment increase, beneficiaries can also take advantage of other government support schemes, such as:

• Commonwealth Rent Assistance – help with rent
• Energy Supplement – ​​relief on electricity and gas bills
• Pensioner Concession Card – cheaper medicines, public transport and other discounts
• Health Care Card – special discounts on medical services

How to check how much you will get?

• Check your Centrelink account by logging into myGov (my.gov.au).
• Use the Express Plus Centrelink app.
• Call the Centrelink Helpline (13 24 68 or 13 23 00).
• Visit your nearest Centrelink service centre for information.

When will you receive payments?

This increase will be effective from March 2025. As Centrelink payments are issued every fortnight, the first revised amount will be credited to your account in mid to late March.

$18.4 Million Quarter? Discover 8 Rare Coins That Could Make You Rich!

FAQs