From 10 October 2025, most partnered Centrelink recipients in Australia will see revised amounts land in their normal pay cycle, reflecting the September 20 indexation. Couples on Age Pension, Carer Payment and Disability Support Pension receive higher base rates, while partnered rates for JobSeeker and Parenting Payment remain indexed with income and assets tests. Key supplements such as Rent Assistance and Carer Allowance also apply where eligible. Use the guide below to check the new partnered (couple) rates, major allowances, and how to confirm what you’ll actually receive after means testing.
Australia couples’ Centrelink rates (Oct 2025): what changed and why
Australia updates many Centrelink payment rates every year to keep pace with prices and wages. The September 2025 indexation delivers a combined rise for partnered pensioners and keeps the current partnered rates for JobSeeker and Parenting Payment aligned to living costs.
- Pensions (Age, Carer, DSP): partnered maximums increased; most couples see the higher amount in October pay runs.
- Working-age payments: partnered JobSeeker and Parenting Payment continue with indexed rates and usual means testing.
- Supplements: Rent Assistance and Carer Allowance may be added on top if you qualify.
Partnered pension increases in Australia (effective for Oct 2025 pay cycles)
For couples on Age Pension, Carer Payment or Disability Support Pension (DSP), the maximum partnered rate per person rose from September and flows through to October payments. Couples separated due to illness are generally paid at the single rate each.
- Partnered (each): higher base plus supplements now total a larger fortnightly amount.
- Combined (both partners): add both “each” amounts for your headline couple figure.
- No action needed: Services Australia applies the increase automatically if you’re eligible.
Allowances & extra help for couples in Australia (Rent Assistance, Carer Allowance, Youth Allowance)
Many couples also qualify for Rent Assistance (if renting privately and paying enough rent), the flat-rate Carer Allowance (if caring for someone with disability/medical needs), or Youth Allowance partnered rates (for job seekers/students under set age thresholds). These sit alongside your main payment and are still subject to income/assets rules where relevant.
- Rent Assistance (couple combined): maximum is paid only once rent crosses the top threshold.
- Carer Allowance: added on top of a main payment if you meet care criteria; not income-tested the same way.
- Youth Allowance (partnered): specific rates for couples with/without children.
Eligibility & how to check your new partnered rate in Australia
Your couple rate depends on both partners’ income and assets, plus your age, children and living situation. Australia applies taper rates once you exceed the free areas. To confirm your exact figure: log in to myGov → Centrelink → Payment and Claims → Payment rates. If your circumstances change (e.g., relationship status, rent amount, work hours), update details promptly to avoid over/underpayments.
- Income/Assets test: report employment and investment income for both partners.
- Supplements: Rent Assistance and other add-ons appear as separate line items.
- Timing: September indexation flows into October 2025 pay dates automatically.
Centrelink Couples – Updated Rates & Allowances (Fortnightly, Australia)
| Payment / Supplement | Couple Rate (each) | Couple Rate (combined) | Effective window noted | Key notes for Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (max, incl. supplements) | $888.50 | $1,777.00 | Flows into Oct 2025 pays | Automatic indexation; couples separated due to illness usually get single rate each. |
| Carer Payment (max, incl. supplements) | $888.50 | $1,777.00 | Flows into Oct 2025 pays | Same pension rate structure as Age Pension after Sept indexation. |
| Disability Support Pension (max, incl. supplements) | $888.50 | $1,777.00 | Flows into Oct 2025 pays | Partnered DSP aligns with pension partnered totals. |
| JobSeeker (partnered) | $726.50 | $1,453.00 | Current from Sept 2025 | Means-tested; higher free areas for older/long-term recipients don’t apply to partnered rate. |
| Parenting Payment (partnered) | $726.50 | $1,453.00 | Current from Sept 2025 | Partnered, illness-separated scenario pays a higher partnered amount. |
| Youth Allowance (job seeker, partnered) | $663.30 | $1,326.60 | Current | Different rates for couples with children; study/job-seeker categories vary. |
| Rent Assistance (couple, no children) – max | — | $203.00 | From Sept 2025 | Paid if rent exceeds thresholds; may be higher with children via FTB pathway. |
| Rent Assistance (couple with 1–2 children) – max | — | $253.12 | Current | Amounts increase with 3+ children (max $286.02 combined). |
| Carer Allowance (flat rate, per eligible carer) | $159.30 | Varies (if both qualify) | Set for 2025 | Not taxed; separate to main pension/payment; specific care criteria apply. |
FAQs – Centrelink Couples (Australia, Oct 2025)
1 – When do the new couple rates start?
Indexation is from 20 Sept 2025, with higher amounts showing in October pay cycles.
2 – Do we need to apply to get the increase?
No, Centrelink updates eligible payments automatically.
3 – Will our income and assets reduce our partnered rate?
Yes, taper rates apply once you pass the free areas.
4 – Can rent assistance be paid on top of a pension or JobSeeker?
Yes, if you meet rent thresholds and eligibility criteria.
