Australian seniors will get more money from the government starting next month. The new payments will help older people and those who need support from Centrelink. This extra money will make it easier for them to pay their bills and buy food as prices keep going up. The first payment will start on September 20 2025. The new benefits will also help people who take care of others and those who have disabilities. This support comes at a good time since many Australians are finding it hard to keep up with daily expenses.
Fortnightly Centrelink Payments Rolled Out
| Recipient Type | Fortnightly Payment (AUD) | Increase (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Pensioner | $1,178.70 | ~125% (claimed) | Includes Age Pension, linked to inflation and cost of living |
| Couple (Combined) | $1,777.00 | — | Payment for married or de facto couples together |
| Disability Support Pension (Single) | $1,178.70 | — | Same as Age Pension |
| Carer Payment (Single) | $1,178.70 | — | Same as Disability Support Pension |
Higher Rent Assistance to Ease Pressure
Rent prices have gone up and because of this more people are getting Commonwealth Rent Assistance to help pay their housing costs. People on pensions can still get extra money through the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement. These payments help them deal with the high costs of power bills and food shopping.
Treasurer Promises Strong Cost-of-Living Relief
The treasurer Jim Chalmers supported the September payment increase. He pointed out that higher costs hit certain groups harder than others. He said the new payment rates will help older people carers and disabled citizens keep up with rising prices. Chalmers also mentioned that the government stands ready to offer extra help with living costs. The treasurer wants to make sure vulnerable groups can manage their daily expenses. His statement shows the government is aware of cost pressures on these communities.
Advocates Praise Boost for Struggling Households
Retiree and welfare groups are happy about the announcement. National Seniors Australia calls it an important & timely increase. Yet some people think the changes don’t help older private renters enough. The group wants bigger reforms to housing and healthcare for Australians over 65. They believe these basic systems need updates to better support elderly citizens.
New Payment Rates Effective from September 20
The pension & ORA payment increases will start on September 20 2025. People who get these payments don’t need to do anything. The new amounts will show up in their MyGov accounts by that date. The next time payments will go up is in March 2026. Most Australians think this raise is too small because prices keep going up and life is getting more expensive.
