Millions of Australians to get more from Centrelink payments from 20 March 2025 The government will provide millions of Australians with additional income to help make ends meet as the cost of living goes up. The changes, which make up part of the normal six-monthly indexation, help to bind social security payments more closely to inflation.
Table of Contents
Key Centrelink Payment Increases
The following table outlines the updated fortnightly payment rates effective from March 20, 2025:CRC System
| Payment Type | Recipient Category | Previous Rate | Increase | New Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | Single | $1,144.40 | $4.60 | $1,149.00 |
| Couple (each) | $862.60 | $3.50 | $866.10 | |
| JobSeeker Payment | Single, no children | $789.90 | $3.10 | $793.00 |
| Single, with dependent children | $836.20 | $3.30 | $839.50 | |
| Partnered (each) | $718.60 | $2.80 | $721.40 | |
| Youth Allowance | Single, under 18, at home | $303.20 | $1.20 | $304.40 |
| Single, 18-24, at home | $354.60 | $1.40 | $356.00 | |
| Single, away from home | $512.50 | $2.00 | $514.50 | |
| Couple (each) | $512.50 | $2.00 | $514.50 | |
| Parenting Payment | Single | $1,026.30 | $4.00 | $1,030.30 |
| Disability Support Pension | Single | $1,144.40 | $4.60 | $1,149.00 |
| Couple (each) | $862.60 | $3.50 | $866.10 | |
| Carer Payment | Single | $1,144.40 | $4.60 | $1,149.00 |
| Couple (each) | $862.60 | $3.50 | $866.10 | |
| Commonwealth Rent Assistance | Single, no children | $145.80 | $0.80 | $146.60 |
| Single, with children | $193.62 | $1.06 | $194.68 | |
| Couple, no children | $137.40 | $0.80 | $138.20 | |
| Couple, with children | $193.62 | $1.06 | $194.68 |
These increases aim to provide additional financial support to eligible Australians facing rising living costs and economic pressures.
One-Off Cost of Living Boost
On top of the increased payments over time, the Australian Government has announced an extra payment for those who receive Centrelink payments That’s due to be paid in March 2025 and it will range between $850 and $2,530. The additional payment is intended to give more financial backing to eligible Australians with increased living costs and economic pressures.
Policy Updates and Flexible Adjustments
Extended Eligibility for Single Parents
The exisiting Parenting Payment (Single) for single parents where it is currently extended until the youngest child turns 14 will remain in place, preserving 2025 payment rates and preventing an early transition to the lower JobSeeker rate.
Carer Payment Work Flexibility
Caring responsibilities alongside work have now been made easier with the option to work flexibly with Carer Payments, enabling individuals to balance work and caregiving responsbilities more effciently.
JobSeeker Compliance Changes
Changes in compliance requirements will benefit a greater number of JobSeekers starting March 2025. Non-compliant penalties are being reduced, and the government has issued a newly relaxed policy for newly registered job seekers who do not show up for their first appointment. Additionally, job seekers who work 30 hours a fortnight for two months will not be penalized for missed appointments.
Conclusion
The one-time payments along with the March 2025 Centrelink increments are in line with the government’s initiatives aimed at helping Australians during the ongoing economic strain. These measures are meant to ease the burden of the Australian economy on the eligible citizens who are economically strained during the recession.
To obtain the most relevant and tailored details concerning your payments, it is advisable to visit the online portal or the Express Plus Centrelink mobile application.
Notice: Everything mentioned is based on data up until May 11, 2025. For the most up to date information, kindly consult Government Websites.
