Since September 20, 2025, Centrelink is going to provide a major pension increase to older Australian citizens who are entitled to a pension, and many retirees will experience an increase in their annual incomes by up to 2,000 or more. This will grow due to the bi-annual indexation of Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment and other benefits- making sure that the level of payment is in line with inflation and the daily living expenses. The increase is to give actual relief to the old Australians struggling with skyrocketing housing, food and healthcare costs[1][2][3].
The $2,000 Pension Boost is open to all individuals who qualify in 2011.
In order to be eligible, members are required to be subject to typical Age Pension criteria: 66 years of age or above (5 years in total) (increasing to 67 years for post-1957 born members), living at least 10 years in Australia (of 5 years continuously), and pass income and asset assessments. It automatically pays to those who are already attending Centrelink Age pension schemes or Disability support schemes- a separate application is not required. The indexation is also applicable to other such benefits that are eligible like Carer Payment and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.[4][3][5].
Payment Schedule and Amounts.
The growth of payment will automatically be directed in the account of eligible seniors on their first fortnightly pay date following September 20, 2025. It is not going to be a lump-sum bonus offered; the greater base-rate will be paid with each deposit, and the result is an approximate annual increase of $2,000 over what it was previously. The new fortnightly Age Pension is approximately $1,178.70 (previously 1,148.70) to singles but couples get $1,777.00 combined (previously 1,732.20). The payments are to be made twice a month, and the timeline mentioned on the Centrelink and Services Australia websites.<
How Will Seniors Benefit?
The rise assists the elderly to counter the escalated prices on necessities and have greater financial leeway on fixed income earners. Other than the Age Pension and Disability Support Pension, the increase also spreads to the recipients of Carer payments and parenting payments. The indexation would help protect the purchasing power of the seniors since it would keep payments in line with the economic conditions. Another consequence of increased income limits that may now allow more self-funded retirees to obtain Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is the increase in the income limit itself[3] and [2].
Additional Changes to Note
Under the pension boost deeming rates (that determine income on financial assets) are also slowly increasing which can slightly cut payments to some part-pensioners, but most maximum rate pensioners will have a net benefit. All new rates and the relevant supplements will automatically be imposed by Centrelink, which means that recipients simply should not leave their account details out of date[8][2].
Information Table
FAQs
| Payment Type | New Fortnightly Rate | Annual Total | Est. Annual Boost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | $1,178.70 | $30,646 | up to $2,000 |
| Age Pension (Couple) | $1,777.00* | $46,202 | up to $2,000 |
Q1: Is there any need to claim the pension boost?
No, should one already be on eligible payment in Centrelink, the increment is automated.
Q2: Who qualifies for the boost?
Qualified seniors 66 and older (67 and older when they were born after 1957) who pass income and asset tests.
