JobSeeker, Age Pension, and Other Centrelink Payments Increase

Centrelink payments are on the rise! form Friday, September 20, 2024, millions of Australians receiving benefits like JobSeeker, the age pension, and others will see a welcome increase in their payments.

This adjustment, known as indexation, happens a few times a year to help keep up with the rising cost of living. Let’s break down what this means for you.

Which payments are increasing?

• Age Pension
• Carer Payment
• Parenting Payment
• JobSeeker Payment
• Rent Assistance

How much will the age pension increase?

• Singles: You’ll see an extra $28.10 per fortnight, bringing your maximum payment to $1,144.40.
• Couples: Each person in a couple will receive an additional $21.20 per fortnight. This means you’ll each get $862.60, for a total of $1,725.20 per fortnight for the couple.

What about the Disability Support Pension?

The Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment will see the same increases as the age pension. So, if you’re receiving these payments, you can expect the same boost.

How much more rent assistance will I get?

Rent assistance is getting a significant 10% increase. Here’s how that breaks down:

• Singles without dependent children: Your payment will go up by $23 per fortnight, from $188.20 to $211.20.
• Couples: You’ll receive an extra $12 per fortnight, increasing your payment from $177.20 to $199.
• Families with one or two children: Your payment will increase by $27.02 per fortnight.

What’s the increase for JobSeeker?

JobSeeker payments are also going up:

• Singles over 22 with no children: You’ll get an extra $15.30 per fortnight, bringing your total to $778.
• Singles over 22 with children: Your payment will increase by $16.30 per fortnight.
• People with partial capacity to work (0-14 hours): You’ll see a more substantial increase of $71.20 per fortnight if you’re moving to the higher payment rate.
• Partnered JobSeeker recipients: Your payment will increase by $14 per fortnight.

What is indexation, anyway?

Indexation is simply a way to adjust payments to keep pace with the rising cost of living. It happens four times a year, so you can be sure your benefits aren’t losing value over time.

For the full list of payments increasing and other details, check out the Department of Social Services website. You can also find more information about the 2024-25 Budget measures there.

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