The Centrelink Age Pension increase is set to take effect from March 20, 2025, providing financial relief for millions of pensioners across Australia. With rising living costs, many retirees have been eagerly awaiting news about their pension increases, and now, the Federal Government has confirmed the exact new payment rates.
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This Centrelink Age Pension increase applies to recipients of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment. It includes adjustments to the income and asset thresholds, which means some Australians who previously missed out on the pension may now qualify.
If you’re wondering how much your Centrelink Age Pension increase will be or whether you’re eligible under the updated rules, this detailed guide covers everything you need to know.
Centrelink Age Pension Increase: New Payment Rates from March 2025
From March 20, 2025, Centrelink Age Pension increase will result in the following payment boosts:
🔹 Single Pensioners
📌 Increase of $4.60 per fortnight, bringing the total pension to $1,149.00 per fortnight.
📌 Annual Increase: $119.60 per year.
| Single Pensioners | Current (2024) | From March 2025 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Basic Rate | $1,047.10 | $1,051.30 | $4.20 |
| Maximum Pension Supplement | $83.20 | $83.60 | $0.40 |
| Energy Supplement | $14.10 | $14.10 | No Change |
| Total Fortnightly Pension | $1,144.40 | $1,149.00 | $4.60 |
🔹 Couples (Combined Payments)
📌 Increase of $7.00 per fortnight, bringing the total to $1,732.20 per fortnight.
📌 Annual Increase: $182 per year (combined).
| Couples (Combined) | Current (2024) | From March 2025 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Basic Rate | $1,578.60 | $1,585.00 | $6.40 |
| Maximum Pension Supplement | $125.40 | $126.00 | $0.60 |
| Energy Supplement | $21.20 | $21.20 | No Change |
| Total Fortnightly Pension | $1,725.20 | $1,732.20 | $7.00 |
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Centrelink Age Pension Increase: Higher Eligibility Thresholds in 2025
The Centrelink Age Pension increase in 2025 is not just about higher payments—it also expands the income and asset thresholds. This means that some previously ineligible seniors may now qualify for part or full pension payments.
🔹 Updated Income Limits for Centrelink Age Pension
| Family Situation | Current (2024) | From March 2025 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $2,500.80 | $2,510.00 | $9.20 |
| Couple (combined) | $3,822.40 | $3,836.40 | $14.00 |
| Illness-Separated Couple (combined) | $4,949.60 | $4,968.00 | $18.40 |
🔹 Updated Asset Limits for Centrelink Age Pension
| Family Situation | Current (2024) | From March 2025 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, Homeowner | $695,500 | $697,000 | $1,500 |
| Single, Non-Homeowner | $947,500 | $949,000 | $1,500 |
| Couple, Homeowner (Combined) | $1,045,500 | $1,047,500 | $2,000 |
| Couple, Non-Homeowner (Combined) | $1,297,500 | $1,299,500 | $2,000 |
Commonwealth Rent Assistance Also Increases in March 2025
In addition to the Centrelink Age Pension increase, the Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) will also see a slight boost.
| Family Situation | Current (2024) | From March 2025 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $211.20 | $212.00 | $0.80 |
| Single, Sharer | $140.80 | $141.33 | $0.53 |
| Couple (Combined) | $199.00 | $199.80 | $0.80 |
| Partnered, Illness-Separated | $211.20 | $212.00 | $0.80 |
| Partnered, Temporarily Separated | $199.00 | $199.80 | $0.80 |
What About Deeming Rates?
There are no changes to deeming rates for pensioners in 2025. They will remain frozen until 30 June 2025, meaning pensioners’ savings and investments will not be subject to higher deemed income calculations.
How to Check Your Centrelink Age Pension Eligibility Under the New Rules
The Centrelink Age Pension increase means that some Australians who previously did not qualify for payments may now become eligible. If you are unsure, you can check using Retirement Essentials’ free Age Pension Eligibility Calculator, which will be updated with the new rates by March 20, 2025.
If you need further assistance, speaking with an Age Pension Specialist could help. A 30-minute consultation ($155 upfront) can provide:
✔ Guidance on Centrelink entitlements
✔ Clarity on eligibility criteria
✔ Support with application processes
✔ Help understanding pension rules and income limits
Does the Centrelink Age Pension Increase Help Enough?
With rising grocery prices, energy bills, and medical costs, some pensioners may feel that a $4.60 increase for singles and a $7.00 increase for couples isn’t enough.
Do you think the Centrelink Age Pension increase should have been larger? Should there be a bigger base rate increase to keep up with inflation?
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