Over 5.3 million Australians will receive an automated boost to their social security payments starting 20 September as routine biannual indexation injects $4 billion in cost-of-living relief nationwide.
The statutory adjustments, designed to align safety net rates with broader economic inflation, affect recipients of the Age Pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, ABSTUDY, and Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
Key Payment Increases
- Age Pension (Single): Maximum fortnightly rate rises by $36.80 to $1,237.70.
- Age Pension (Couples Combined): Increases by $55.60 to $1,866.00 per fortnight.
- JobSeeker (Single, No Children): Increases by $16.20 to $833.70 per fortnight.
- Parenting Payment (Single): Rises by $20.90 to $1,087.20 per fortnight, while partnered payments increase by $14.80 to $763.00 each.
- Commonwealth Rent Assistance: Maximum payment for single recipients without dependents rises to $223.80 per fortnight.
“An extra $4 billion of cost-of-living relief will begin to flow to over 5.3 million Australians,” Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said. “Whether it’s paying the rent, putting food on the table or covering everyday bills, this extra support will help Australians on income support make ends meet. We’ll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind.”
Alongside the rate boosts, updated deeming rates will also take effect on 20 September. Following recommendations from the Australian Government Actuary, the lower deeming rate shifts to 1.75% for financial assets up to $66,800 for singles ($110,600 for couples), with assets above those thresholds deemed at 3.75%.
While the federal government positioned the indexation as critical financial pressure relief, community advocates stressed that statutory increases do not fully resolve underlying financial strain. Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) CEO Cassandra Goldie noted that “while every extra dollar counts,” routine indexation remains insufficient to lift lower-income households out of ongoing poverty, with many recipients still facing tough choices around basic necessities like housing and groceries.
How to Check Payments & Contact Services Australia
Recipients do not need to take any action to receive the indexation increases; payment adjustments are applied automatically. Updated entitlement rates can be viewed online via myGov or the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.
For direct enquiries, Services Australia can be reached via the following channels:
Official Website & myGov Support: servicesaustralia.gov.au or call 132 307 for online technical support.
Older Australians (Age Pension): 132 300 (Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm)
Job Seekers: 132 850 (Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm)
Families & Parenting Line: 136 150 (Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm)
Youth Allowance & Students: 132 490
ABSTUDY Enquiries: 1800 132 317
Multilingual Interpreter Line: 131 202 (Free translation assistance)