| On the left, against a faded Australian flag, are two large circular icons: a green checkmark labeled “REAL NEWS: .GOV.AU” and a red cross labeled “FAKE NEWS: .COM, .NET”. This visually represents the process of verifying website addresses. On the right, a group of five smiling senior Australians are gathered around a tablet, looking at it happily, suggesting engagement with information. Photo Google Gemini |
We know the recent headlines about Age Pension increases and other payments have caused confusion and genuine stress. Unfortunately, misleading and downright fake news articles are flooding the internet, specifically targeting those of us who rely on Centrelink payments.
This is a critical post. We need to stop sharing the fake news and start sharing the facts. Here is how you can protect yourself and our community.
🚨 The $82 Lie: Setting the Record Straight
The most recent viral misinformation concerns the Age Pension indexation.
| The Lie You Are Seeing | The Official, Confirmed Fact |
| “Age Pension is increasing by an extra $82 per fortnight starting November 2025!” | The official increase from the most recent indexation (September 20, 2025) was $29.70 (single) and $44.80 (couple combined). |
The $82 figure is misleading. It is either completely fabricated or a confusing reference to a cumulative increase over a much longer period. Do not click or share any article claiming an $82 fortnightly increase.
🛑 Your 3-Step Guide to Spotting Fake Centrelink News
Before you click, share, or panic, put every piece of news through this quick test:
1. Check the URL (The Website Address)
This is the fastest way to confirm authenticity. Official Australian Government websites (including Centrelink and Services Australia) will ALWAYS end in .gov.au.
| ✅ REAL | ❌ FAKE (or unofficial) |
servicesaustralia.**gov.au** |
centrelink-updates.com |
dss.**gov.au** |
australia-pension.net |
ministers.**dss.gov.au** |
news-updates.info |
If the address ends in .com, .net, .info, or anything other than .gov.au, it is NOT an official source of payment information.
2. Read the Headline and Tone
Fake articles thrive on sensationalism and fear.
-
Red Flag: The headline uses words like “MASSIVE,” “URGENT,” “SHOCK,” “BOMBSHELL,” or promises large, specific, non-indexed dollar amounts (e.g., “$4,100 Bonus”).
-
Green Flag: Official announcements use measured language (e.g., “Indexation Update,” “Changes to Means Testing,” “Rates Adjusted for CPI“).
3. Ask: Where is the Primary Source?
A legitimate news article about a payment increase will always reference the government source (Services Australia, the Department of Social Services, or a specific Minister).
-
If the article does not link to a
.gov.ausource, it is likely based on rumors or is designed only to generate clicks and advertising revenue.
📢 Action Plan: How We Fight Back
The best way to stop these articles from causing stress is to get them removed. Your group of 55,000 people can make a difference!
DO THIS: When you see a scam article or website link, take these two steps:
1. Report the Scam to Services Australia
Services Australia actively tracks, investigates, and reports these scams to search engines and regulators.
Forward the link or a screenshot of the fake article to the official Services Australia scam reporting email:
2. Share Only Verified Information
Before you post or comment:
-
Verify the source using the 3-step guide above.
-
If you are unsure, post the link and ask the Admins to verify it before others read it.
-
Rely only on the official Services Australia website for any payment or eligibility details.
Let’s work together to make our community a safe, accurate, and stress-free place for all Australians on welfare. Be alert, not alarmed!