We’ve got significant updates for the Centrelink payment increase 2024.
To keep pace with the cost of living, The Age Pension, JobSeeker, Disability Support Pension and Commonwealth Rent Assistance are some of the payments and pensions that went up on September 20th 2024.
Rent assistance saw their usual annual increases of March and September.
The federal government, in its latest budget, has underscored its commitment to the citizens by announcing a comprehensive welfare boost as part of a broader cost-of-living package.
This initiative is a testament to the government’s dedication to alleviating financial pressures on its citizens.
Read on to get a deeper understanding of how these Centrelink adjustments might influence you or your family and to grasp the broader implications on Australia’s welfare framework.
Who is Impacted By the Centrelink Payment Increase
The Centrelink payment increase affects millions of Australians. Here’s who will see more money:
- Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment: Pensioners will get up to $32.70 more every two weeks.
- JobSeeker and Youth Allowance: These payments will increase by up to $56.10 for singles over 60 who have been on the benefit for more than 9 months.
- Parenting Payment (Single): Single parents will receive up to $35.70 extra fortnightly.
- Austudy and ABSTUDY: Students will see their payments rise by up to $41.40.
The increases start from September 20, 2024.
Centrelink payment rates are updated on 20 March and 20 September of every year along with rent assistance rates. Kindly note that these are just a guide and information is subject to change.
Rent Assistance Rates
| Family Situation | Previous Amount (per fortnight) | 20 Sep 2024 Amount (per fortnight) | Increase (per fortnight) |
| Single | 188.2 | 211.2 | 23 |
| Single, sharer | 125.47 | 140.8 | 15.33 |
| Couple | 177.2 | 199 | 21.8 |
| Partnered, illness-separated | 188.2 | 211.2 | 23 |
| Partnered, temporarily separated | 177.2 | 199 | 21.8 |
Age Pension Rates
| Family Situation | Previous Amount (per fortnight) | 20 Sep 2024 Amount (per fortnight) | Increase (per fortnight) |
| Single | 1116.3 | 1144.4 | 28.1 |
| Partnered (each) | 841.4 | 862.6 | 21.2 |
Carer Payment Rates
| Family Situation | Previous Amount (per fortnight) | 20 Sep 2024 Amount (per fortnight) | Increase (per fortnight) |
| Single | 1116.3 | 1144.4 | 28.1 |
| Partnered (each) | 841.4 | 862.6 | 21.2 |
Disability Support Pension Rates
| Family Situation | Previous Amount (per fortnight) | 20 Sep 2024 Amount (per fortnight) | Increase (per fortnight) |
| Single | 1116.3 | 1144.4 | 28.1 |
| Partnered (each) | 841.4 | 862.6 | 21.2 |
JobSeeker Rates
| Family Situation | Previous Amount (per fortnight) | 20 Sep 2024 Amount (per fortnight) | Increase (per fortnight) |
| Single, 22 or over, no children | 762.7 | 778 | 15.3 |
| Single, 22 or over, with children | 816.9 | 833.2 | 16.3 |
| Single, 55 or over, after 9 months | 816.9 | 833.2 | 16.3 |
| Single, 22 or over, partial capacity to work | 833.2 | 833.2 | 0 |
| Partnered (each) | 698.3 | 712.3 | 14 |
| Single, principal carer of child, exempt from activity test | 987.7 | 1007.5 | 19.8 |
Parenting Payment Rates
| Family Situation | Previous Amount (per fortnight) | 20 Sep 2024 Amount (per fortnight) | Increase (per fortnight) |
| Single Parent Base Pension (Under Age Pension age) | 999.7 | 1019.5 | 19.8 |
| Partnered Parents Base Allowance (Under Age Pension age) | 706.2 | 720.2 | 14 |
| Single Parent Base Pension (Over Age Pension age) | 1055.1 | 1075.9 | 20.8 |
| Partnered Base Allowance (Over Age Pension age) | 770.4 | 785.6 | 15.2 |
Source: DDS
Additional Centrelink Payment Rates
Note that the maximum amount of payment you can receive will be reduced if your income is above a certain level. You can find more information about the income limits on the Centrelink website.
Here are some links to the Centrelink website where you can find more information about each payment:
- Age Pension
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Carer Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- ABSTUDY Living Allowance
- Youth Allowance
- Family Tax Benefit Part A
- Parenting Payment partnered
- JobSeeker Payment
Why the Government is Increasing Centrelink Payments
These updates are part of a larger effort to boost social services in Australia through indexation efforts.
By increasing payments, the government aims to provide more support for those in need, ensuring safety nets are robust and responsive.
What is Indexation And How Does it Affect Welfare Payments
Indexation means Centrelink adjusts how much money people get to match the rise in living costs. This helps ensure the money they receive keeps its value over time, despite prices going up.
Understanding these changes means understanding when and how these updates happen, so people can plan their finances better.
With regular indexation, Centrelink payments will continue to adjust, ensuring benefits keep pace with economic shifts. This indexation ensures that the purchasing power of recipients is maintained, a critical factor for non-concessional individuals and families.
How do I qualify for the Age Pension?
To qualify for the Age Pension in Australia, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be 67 years of age or older.
- You must be an Australian resident.
- You must have lived in Australia for at least 10 years.
- You must meet the income and asset tests.
The income test is used to determine how much of the Age Pension you will receive. The asset test is used to determine if you are eligible for the Age Pension at all.
To pass the income test, your income must be below a certain level. The income limit is different for single people and couples. The criteria are as follows:
Single person
| Income per fortnight | Amount your pension will reduce by |
| Up to $204 | $0 |
| Over $204 | 50 cents for each dollar over $204 |
Couple living together or apart due to ill health
| Combined income per fortnight | Amount your combined pension will reduce by |
|---|---|
| Up to $360 | $0 |
| Over $360 | 50 cents for each dollar over $360 |
Energy Relief: A Key Part of the Cost-of-living Package
The federal budget also includes an energy relief component, offering cash boosts to aid Australians in handling rising energy costs. This provision is set to benefit millions, further enhancing the value of the cost-of-living package.
From 1 July 2023, qualified households may have gotten assistance for their energy usage through the Energy Bill Relief Fund, a program managed by the state and territory governments.
To qualify for this relief, individuals must either possess a valid concession card or be recipients of designated government payments within the state or territory they reside in.
The extent and amount of relief are dependent upon the location. Use these government sites to learn more:
Support for Low-Income Households: Rebates and Relief
For those in the lower income bracket, the government has introduced the low income household rebate. This rebate aims to offset some of the financial burdens these households face.
Additionally, to combat the rising energy costs, the family energy rebate has been introduced. This rebate will be especially beneficial for families struggling with their electricity bills, offering them some respite from the increasing energy prices.
“The NSW Low Income Household Rebate is $285 per retail (on-market) household, per financial year.“
Services NSW
The Plan For Future Centrelink Payment Increases
As Australia navigates inflation and cost of living challenges, these Centrelink payment increases are a key part of the solution. They represent the government’s commitment to support its citizens, ensuring that financial assistance is both adequate and timely.
The Core of Centrelink Enhancements
The federal government’s announcement highlighted increases across various payments, including disability support pension, youth allowance payments, age pension, and notably, rent assistance.
This move aims to alleviate the financial strain many face, ensuring financial support is aligned with current inflation rates.
Rent Assistance: A Closer Look
Rent assistance adjustments are especially noteworthy. Designed to aid those struggling with housing costs, the increase is a direct response to cost of living hikes.
This adjustment means more support for families and single pensioners, ensuring housing affordability.
One other thing to note is that when you move homes, sometimes your rent amount changes. Check out Soho’s guide on how to change your rent amount on Centrelink for more details.
Need more information? Find out how much rent assistance can Centrelink give you in Soho’s article.
FAQs on the Centrelink payment increase
Is there a $400 payment for pensioners in Australia?
In addition to the disability pension bonus payments, the Australian government has also introduced a $400 Centrelink payment for pensioners in 2024. This one-time payment is designed to provide extra support to pensioners across the country.
Overview:
- Amount: $400
- Eligibility: All pensioners receiving payments through Centrelink.
- Distribution: Automatically deposited into the Centrelink accounts of eligible pensioners.
How Do I Manage My Centrelink Online Account?
To stay updated on all the new payments and bonuses, it’s crucial to regularly check your Centrelink online account. This account provides real-time information on your payments, eligibility, and important updates from the Australian government.
Tips for Using Your Account:
- Regular Check-Ins: Log in frequently to stay informed.
- Update Personal Information: Ensure all your details are current to avoid payment delays.
- Notifications: Enable notifications to receive alerts about new payments and important dates.
Who gets the cost of living payment in Australia?
The Cost of Living Payment is for eligible payment recipients and concession card holders. It is a one-time $250 payment. It’s only paid once per person, even if they qualify through different criteria. Both partners in a couple will receive the payment if they’re both eligible.
How far back does Centrelink back pay?
If you’re wondering how far back Centrelink will pay rent assistance, it’s up to six months if you are eligible. For those on a Centrelink rental allowance, this means that if you apply for a payment and are approved, Centrelink will pay you for the months that you have missed.
For example, if you apply for a payment in January and are approved, Centrelink will pay you for the months of November, December, and January. This includes rent assistance.
How can I get an urgent payment from Centrelink?
You can get an urgent payment from Centrelink if you are in severe financial hardship and cannot wait for your regular payment. To get an urgent payment, you will need to contact Centrelink and provide them with evidence of your financial hardship.
This could include things like a letter from your landlord stating that you are behind on rent, or a bank statement showing that you have no money in your account.
What are the changes to Centrelink payments in Australia 2024?
- Indexation: Most Centrelink payments, including pensions, are indexed twice a year based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The exact increase hasn’t been announced yet but will be based on the latest inflation figures.
- Energy supplement: There were no changes to the Energy Supplement in the 2023-24 budget. It remains at $14 per fortnight for eligible recipients.
- Other potential changes: The government is currently reviewing several Centrelink payments and programs, so further changes might be announced later in the year.
Is there another $750 payment for pensioners?
No, there was no other $750 payment for pensioners after the 2 payments to support the strain from Covid.
