Centrelink has increased payments for customers by the Australian Government in October 2025. These changes are introduced by the government for those who are aged pensioners, families, and people with disabilities. They are introduced to assist with cost-of-living. They are introduced to assist these vulnerable people during these difficult times, where the prices of groceries, utilities, and rent are skyrocketing. Many vulnerable groups are finding these changes comforting as the the cost of everyday goods is inflating rapidly.
What Changed? New Payment Rates
From October onwards, Centrelink will provide remaining major payments to customers who will take Centerlink and aged pension in New South Wales. payments to customers with aged pension in New South Wales, Centrelink will distribute remaining major payments with Centrelink payments to customers with aged pension in New South Wales, Centrelink will distribute remaining major payments with Centrelink payments to customers with aged pension in New South Wales.
Why Are Payments Increasing?
Centrelink payments are adjusted twice a year, in March and in September or October, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the wages policy of the country. October 2025 payments were adjusted due to high inflation and increased pressures on household budgets, especially in housing and other essential goods. Payments are inflation adjusted to ensure they remain payable and provide some support to the most negatively impacted in the economy.
Who Benefits Most?
Every person that receives a payment from Centrelink will benefit from the increases, however, some groups will benefit more than others. Older Australians, the largest group of government support recipients, will receive a significant increase in their fortnightly payments. Other groups supporting single parents, carers, and people with disabilities will also receive additional support. The increase will also apply to additional payments such as Rent Assistance and the Energy Supplement, which provide extra support to cover high bills and household expenses.
How to Check Your New Payments
Payment recipients can check their new rates by logging on to myGov or by looking for the correspondence that will be sent to them by mail or email. Centrelink offers an online calculator for recipients to estimate the new amounts they will receive. To obtain correct amounts under the new system, recipients will need to provide and update personal details such as income, housing arrangements, and dependency so the compliance team can determine correct entitlements.
Impacts and Next Steps
Centrelink is anticipated to provide a few million in extra weekly assistance to address cost-of-living issues for financially struggling Australians. Given the state of the economy, the government continues to respond with payment adjustments for all the major programs. As the volume of financial assistance applications continues to rise, simplicity in the eligibility and application processes will be crucial in ensuring assistance is rendered to the appropriate individuals.
Table: Sample Increased Payment Data
| Payment Type | Fortnightly Increase | New Base Rate (from Oct 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | $20 | $1,080 |
| JobSeeker | $15 | $780 |
| Family Tax Benefit | up to $16/child | up to $218/child |
FAQs
Q1: Who qualifies for the increased Centrelink payments?
Anyone with a current payment is eligible– this includes pensioners, job seekers, parents, and carers.
Q2: How do I find out my exact new payment amount?
You can access this data through the myGov dashboard, or estimates payments based on your personal data through the Centrelink payment estimator online.
Q3: Will there be more increases in the near future?
Program increases, or adjustments, will usually happen twice a year, and there will possibly be more increases next March if the cost of living and inflation are dominant issues.