Centrelink Pension Hike – Australia’s Centrelink has officially confirmed a major pension hike for 2025, raising the base rate to $1,187.70 along with a new bonus top-up for eligible seniors. This increase aims to help retirees manage rising living costs, covering essentials such as groceries, energy, and healthcare expenses. The government’s move ensures that Age Pension recipients and disability support pensioners receive higher fortnightly payments starting from October 2025. With inflation pressures continuing, this pension hike provides much-needed relief to millions of older Australians who rely on Centrelink payments for their daily needs.

Centrelink Age Pension Increase 2025 – Full Breakdown of New Rates
The new Centrelink pension hike increases the base rate to $1,187.70 per fortnight for single recipients, with couples receiving a combined amount exceeding $1,790. The update also includes a supplementary bonus component designed to offset inflation-related expenses. These additional funds are expected to reach pensioners’ bank accounts automatically without any new application required. According to Services Australia, this adjustment aligns with the biannual indexation process based on the Consumer Price Index and the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index, ensuring fair and consistent growth in payments across Australia.

How the $1,187.70 Centrelink Pension Boost Will Benefit Seniors
The revised Centrelink payment structure offers significant support for seniors dealing with increased utility bills, rent, and healthcare costs. The new base rate plus the one-time bonus is aimed at improving financial security for low-income and fixed-income retirees. For many Australians, this change will mean an additional $50 to $100 per fortnight compared to earlier payments. Pensioners are advised to check their MyGov and Centrelink online accounts for updated schedules, as most adjustments will automatically reflect by mid-October 2025, with no manual action required from recipients.
Eligibility and Automatic Adjustment Process Explained
All existing Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment recipients automatically qualify for the new $1,187.70 payment rate. Eligibility is determined by income and asset thresholds, which are reviewed regularly by Centrelink. Australians reaching retirement age in 2025 can apply through Services Australia or visit a local Centrelink office for assessment. Those receiving part pensions will also see proportional increases. The bonus amount will be included in the same cycle as the regular pension payments, credited directly into the bank accounts of eligible individuals and couples.
When Will the New Centrelink Pension Payments Start?
The upgraded Centrelink pension rates will be applied starting from 10 October 2025, with the first revised payments reaching eligible seniors within the same fortnight. Centrelink has confirmed that no separate claim is necessary, as the system will automatically recalculate payments for all pension categories. Beneficiaries can expect detailed payment breakdowns in their MyGov inbox. The update reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting elderly citizens amid inflation challenges and higher living expenses across Australia in 2025.
FAQs
1. What is the new Centrelink base pension amount for 2025?
The new base amount is $1,187.70 per fortnight for single recipents.
2. When will the new pension payments start?
Payments under the new rate begin from 10 October 2025.
3. Do I need to apply for the bonus payment?
No, the bonus and rate adjustments are applied automatically to eligible accounts.
4. Who qualifies for the Centrelink pension increase?
All eligible Age Pension, Disability Pension, and Carer Payment recipients in Australia qualify automatically.
What is the total amount of the Centrelink pension hike?
$1,187.70 base amount with confirmed bonus increase.