Get the latest on the $450 Centrelink Pension Increase 2025: eligibility, payment dates, how much more you’ll receive, and what it means for Australians.
Centrelink Pension Increase 2025: What You Need to Know
Rising living costs are affecting many Australians, so any change to the Centrelink pension is big news. For 2025, the government confirmed a boost in Age Pension rates, but let’s clarify the real details about the widely-discussed $450 increase and what is actually happening for pensioners.
What’s the Real Pension Increase in 2025?
Contrary to headlines about a one-off $450 rise, here’s what’s actually changing:
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From 20 March 2025, the maximum full Age Pension increases by $4.60 per fortnight for singles and $7.00 per fortnight for couples (that’s $4.60 per person).
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Annually, this adds up to an extra $119.60 for singles and $182 for couples.superguide
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The overall talk about a $450 million budget move actually refers to the government’s efforts to help pensioners by freezing deeming rates, not handing out $450 directly to every pensioner.finance.yahoo
So, there isn’t a $450 one-off payment, but pensioners get a modest increase in their payments throughout the year.
Who Is Eligible for the 2025 Centrelink Pension Increase?
Eligibility hasn’t changed, but understanding the process matters:
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You need to be at least 67 years old.
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Must be an Australian resident (generally for 10 years, with at least 5 years continuous).
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Pass both the income and assets tests.
Income Test
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Single: Under $218 per fortnight for full pension, or up to $2,510 per fortnight for a part pension.
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Couple: Under $380 per fortnight combined for full pension, or up to $3,844.40 combined for a part pension.
Assets Test
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Singles (homeowner): Less than $321,500 for full pension.
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Couples (homeowner): Less than $481,500 combined for full pension.
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Higher limits apply if you don’t own your home.
When Will the Pension Increase Be Paid?
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The increase takes effect from 20 March 2025.
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Fortnightly payments will reflect the new rates from this date.
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Payment dates land on the usual Centrelink schedule—generally every two weeks. Payment dates for 2025 include: March 26, April 25, May 26, and so on throughout the year.
Scheme Details Table
| Scheme Component | Value/Limit |
|---|---|
| Single Max Base Rate (fortnightly) | $1,051.30 |
| Single Pension Supplement (fortnightly) | $83.60 |
| Single Energy Supplement (fortnightly) | $14.10 |
| Single Total Payment (fortnightly) | $1,149.00 |
| Couple Max Base Rate Each (fortnightly) | $866.10 |
| Couple Pension Supplement Each (fortnightly) | $83.60 |
| Couple Energy Supplement Each (fortnightly) | $14.10 |
| Couple Total (combined, fortnightly) | $1,732.20 |
| Assets Test Limit (Single Homeowner) | $321,500 |
| Assets Test Limit (Single Non-homeowner) | $579,500 |
| Assets Test Limit (Couple Homeowner) | $481,500 |
| Assets Test Limit (Couple Non-homeowner) | $739,500 |
| Income Test Limit Full Pension (Single, fortnightly) | $218 |
| Income Test Limit Full Pension (Couple, fortnightly, combined) | $380 |
In 2025, deeming rates on financial assets remain frozen. This helps about 460,000 pensioners to keep more of their payments. It means Centrelink continues to use the same low rates to “deem” what income your savings make, usually resulting in higher pension payments than if rates increased.
Quick Reference FAQ
Q1: Is there a $450 bonus for pensioners in 2025?
A1: No. The $450 refers to the total federal budget spend, not a one-off payment. The real increase is about $4.60 per fortnight for singles.
Q2: Who qualifies for the increased Age Pension?
A2: Australians aged 67+ who meet strict residency, income, and assets tests.
Q3: When will the higher pension be paid?
A3: From 20 March 2025, on Centrelink’s regular payment schedule.
Australia’s Age Pension Has Changed – Here’s How It Affects Retirees and Pensioners…