Starting on September 20, 2025, more than 5 million Australians on Centrelink social security payments will experience a strategically designed lift in income support. This increase is applicable to payments such as JobSeeker, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment. The headline figure of $952 is cited as a rough estimate of a recipient’s fortnightly payment, which marks the government’s attempt to ease some of the burden caused by inflation, soaring food prices, rent, and medical expenses.
Tailored Increases Across Different Payments
The figure of $952 is more of a headline figure than a payment that will be issued in full. Payments will be calibrated to individual circumstances. For example, a single JobSeeker recipient’s payment will increase by $12.50 to $793.00 per fortnight. Payment recipients that are in a relationship are paid less per individual than single recipients. Proportional payment increases are also extended to Parenting Payments and ABSTUDY recipients. This change is part of the approach to provide claimants balanced support while aiming to consider their individual circumstances.
| Payment Type | Approximate Payment Increase | New Approximate Fortnightly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Single JobSeeker | $12.50 | $793 |
| Partnered JobSeeker | Slightly lower increment | Slightly lower than $793 |
| Parenting Payments | Proportional increase | Variable |
| ABSTUDY | Proportional increase | Variable |
Deeming Rates and Pensioner Considerations
With rises to payment increases, deeming rates which determine income from financial assets for pension evaluations are also increasing. The new deeming rate lower bounds of 0.25% and 0.75% and upper bounds of 2.25% and 2.75% suggest that pensioners will receive less Centrelink income. The expectation is that increasing payments will offset the decreases incurred by the new deeming rates, thus trying to assist pensioners while keeping the fiscal balance in check.
What the Government Says and Next Steps for Recipients
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek highlighted that the focus of these changes is to safeguard the social safety net with the looming inflation and economic instability. The government continues to make adjustments and supports the economic need of over 5 million Australians. Recipients are encouraged to look carefully at the eligibility requirements and approach Centrelink or financial counselors to understand the full payment consequence.
