Over a million Australians will get a bump in their Centrelink payments, including Pension and Commonwealth Rent Assistance, on March 20, following indexation to keep it in line with the cost of living.
From March 20, as outlined by the Department of Social Services (DSS), pensioners and social security recipients will see increased payments under the Albanese Labor Government. A single pensioner will receive over $3913 more annually, while pensioner couples will gain $5902.
Commonwealth Rent Assistance has increased by over 45 per cent since Labor took office, adding up to $87.92 more per fortnight to around one million households. JobSeeker recipients will receive between $3374 and $5038 more per year, and single parents on the Single Parenting Payment will be at least $7579 better off annually.
From March 20, pensioners will see their maximum single rate increase by $4.60 to $1149 per fortnight, and couples by $7 to $1732.20.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth emphasised Labor’s commitment to easing cost-of-living pressures, contrasting it with Peter Dutton’s plan to cut payments: “We’ve spent the past three years strengthening our social security system, so that it helps Australians at whatever age or stage they’re at in life.”
You can get more information about the increasing payments on March 20, 2025, on the DSS website.
December 2023
As stated in a report released by the Department of Social Services (DSS), Australians who benefit from Youth Allowance, Austudyt, ABSTUDY and Carer Allowance payments will all see an increase as indexation kicks in during the new year.
Under the Albanese Labor Government, payments are adjusted to match cost-of-living changes, ensuring a stronger social safety net. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth emphasised the government’s commitment to reducing disadvantage and easing financial pressures for those in need. “Indexation ensures that people receive more to cope with rising living costs,” she said.
Key increases include a $30.60 rise for single Youth Allowance recipients with dependent children, bringing their fortnightly maximum to $845.80, and a $24.30 increase for partnered recipients without dependent children, now totalling $670.30. Over 600,000 carers will see their Carer Allowance grow by $5.80, reaching $159.30 per fortnight.
Austudy recipients without dependents will also receive $670.30 fortnightly, while ABSTUDY Living Allowance for Masters and Doctorate students will increase to $1,285.40. Additionally, the parental income test threshold for Youth Allowance will rise to $65,189 annually.
Labor’s reforms also include reducing student debt by $3 billion, which could benefit up to three million Australians. Next year, the government plans further changes, including a 20 per cent cut to all student loan debts, raising the minimum repayment threshold, and reducing repayment rates.
You can find the complete list of payments increasing on 1 January 2025 on the Department of Social Services website.
