Centrelink Bonus Payment In March 2025: In March 2025, millions of Australians receiving Centrelink payments will see an increase in their benefits due to routine indexation adjustments. This increase is not a one-time bonus payment but a standard adjustment made twice a year (in March and September) to keep up with inflation and wage growth. This article provides all the details about the Centrelink payment increases, including who is eligible, the new payment rates, and when you will receive your money.
Centrelink Bonus Payment In March 2025
The Centrelink payment increases in March 2025 will provide much-needed financial relief to pensioners, job seekers, and carers. These indexation adjustments ensure that payments keep up with rising living costs, helping millions of Australians maintain financial stability. If you’re a Centrelink recipient, check your payment details and update your information to ensure you receive the correct amount.
| Payment Type | Increase per Fortnight | New Maximum Rate per Fortnight | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | $4.60 | $1,149.00 | Must be 67+, meet residency, income, and asset test. |
| Age Pension (Couple, each) | $3.50 | $866.10 per person | Both must meet age and residency requirements. |
| JobSeeker (Single, no children) | $3.10 | $696.20 | Must be actively seeking work and meet income/assets tests. |
| JobSeeker (Couple, each) | $2.80 | $636.20 | Both partners must meet eligibility criteria. |
| Carer Payment | To be announced | Variable | Must be providing full-time care to an eligible person. |
Why Are Centrelink Payments Increasing in March 2025?
Every March and September, the Australian Government adjusts social security payments to ensure they keep up with the cost of living. This is called indexation, and it is based on factors such as:
- Consumer Price Index (CPI): Measures changes in the cost of goods and services.
- Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI): Ensures pension increases match living costs.
- Wage Growth: Ensures pensioners and welfare recipients maintain relative financial stability.
These adjustments help low-income Australians, pensioners, job seekers, and carers manage rising expenses.
Detailed Breakdown of Centrelink Payment Increases
1. Age Pension (March 2025 Increase)
The Age Pension is the largest welfare payment in Australia, supporting retirees and older Australians. From March 20, 2025, the new pension rates will be:
- Single Pensioners: $1,149.00 per fortnight (increase of $4.60)
- Couples (each): $866.10 per fortnight (increase of $3.50)
- To be eligible, you must:
- Be 67 years or older
- Meet the income and assets test
- Be an Australian resident for at least 10 years
Example:
John, a single pensioner, currently receives $1,144.40 per fortnight. From March 2025, his pension will increase to $1,149.00 per fortnight.
2. JobSeeker Payment (March 2025 Increase)
The JobSeeker Payment supports unemployed Australians. The new rates will be:
- Single (no children): $696.20 per fortnight (increase of $3.10)
- Single (with children): $751.60 per fortnight (increase of $3.10)
- Couples (each): $636.20 per fortnight (increase of $2.80)
To be eligible, you must:
- Be actively looking for work
- Be aged 22 or over and below pension age
- Meet income and assets tests
Example:
Emma, a single mother, currently receives $748.50 per fortnight. From March 2025, she will receive $751.60 per fortnight.
3. Carer Payment (March 2025 Increase)
The Carer Payment supports those providing full-time care to someone with a disability, severe illness, or frail aged person. While exact increases haven’t been announced yet, payments will be adjusted in line with inflation.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be providing full-time care
- Meet the income and assets tests
- Have a long-term caring responsibility
Example:
Mark, who cares for his elderly father, currently receives $987.60 per fortnight. His new rate will be confirmed in March 2025.
Who Is Eligible for These Centrelink Payment Increases?
General Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Must already be receiving a Centrelink payment
- Must meet income and asset limits
Tip: If your circumstances have changed (e.g., new job, more savings, or new relationship), update your details with Centrelink to avoid overpayments or penalties.
When Will You Receive the March 2025 Centrelink Payment Increase?
The new payment rates take effect from March 20, 2025.
Your next scheduled payment after this date will reflect the increase.
How to Claim Centrelink Bonus Payment or Update Your Details?
If you qualify but have not applied, follow these steps:
- Create a myGov account and link it to Centrelink
- Submit a claim online through Centrelink
- Provide supporting documents (e.g., ID, financial statements, medical reports)
- Wait for approval (Centrelink will notify you within a few weeks)
Need help? Call Centrelink at 13 23 00 or visit a local Centrelink office.
Australia Centrelink Cost of Living Payment 2025 – Check Payment Amount, Eligibility
Centrelink Lump Sum One Off Payment 2025 – Check Eligibility Criteria, Credit Amount
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this a Centrelink bonus payment?
No, this is not a one-time bonus. It is a scheduled increase based on inflation adjustments.
2. Will these payments increase again in September 2025?
Yes, another indexation adjustment is expected in September 2025.
3. Do I need to apply for this increase?
No, if you already receive Centrelink payments, the increase will be automatically applied.
4. How do I check my new payment amount?
Log into myGov, go to Centrelink, and check your payment details.
5. What happens if my circumstances change?
You must update your details through myGov or by calling Centrelink.
