More than one million Australians are set to receive a significant increase in their Centrelink payments in the new year, as the federal government moves to align social security with rising living costs.
Key Payments Set for Inflation-Linked Rise
The Department of Social Services has confirmed that from January 1, a range of payments will be indexed in line with inflation. This annual adjustment is designed to ensure support keeps pace with the increasing expenses faced by recipients. The changes will affect people receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, the Youth Disability Support Pension, and the Carer Allowance.
For a single adult with no dependents living away from home and on Youth Allowance, the maximum fortnightly payment will rise to $677.20. This represents an increase of $13.90 per fortnight. The income thresholds for student payments will also be adjusted upwards, alongside the parental income test threshold for Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY.
Postgraduate Students and Carers See Specific Gains
The most substantial boost is reserved for higher degree students. Those undertaking Masters and Doctorate courses will see their basic fortnightly rate jump to $1,316.20, a rise of $30.80.
Meanwhile, approximately 680,000 individuals who receive the Carer Allowance will benefit from a smaller increment. Their payment will increase to $162.60 per fortnight, which is $3.30 more than before.
Government Commits to Ongoing Support
Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, stated that the Albanese government remains focused on supporting Australians who are doing it tough. She emphasised that the indexation process directly helps those balancing study or caring duties.
"Thanks to indexation, more than one million Aussies balancing study or caring responsibilities will receive a boost to their payments," Minister Plibersek said.
She also pointed to a broader suite of government measures aimed at easing financial pressure. These include Labor's tax cuts, increased rent assistance, reductions to student debt, free TAFE places, cheaper medicines, and more bulk-billing doctors. "We'll continue to make sure our social security system is there to support those who need it most," she added, "ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind."
The complete list of the new payment rates that will take effect on January 1 is available on the official Department of Social Services website.
