centrelink cash boost will land for more than five million Australians from March 20 (ET), lifting fortnightly payments for Age Pension, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment and others; the move follows the bi‑annual indexation process and includes a simultaneous rise in deeming rates. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek says the changes reflect routine indexation applied in March and September and a recommendation from the Australian Government Actuary. The Department of Social Services lists detailed increases that take effect on March 20 (ET).
Centrelink Cash Boost: Who gets how much
The largest increases cited affect full single Age Pension recipients and equivalent full single rates for Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment — single maximum payments will rise to $1, 200. 90 a fortnight, an uplift of $22. 20. Couples on pension rates will see those payments increase to $905. 20 each per fortnight, up $16. 70. For single recipients with no dependents on JobSeeker the maximum will rise to $817. 50 a fortnight, an increase of $15. 10; partnered JobSeeker will increase to $748. 20 each, up $13. 80.
Other listed changes include an increase of the single rate that reaches $1, 066. 30 a fortnight (up $19. 60) where pension supplement and allowances apply, partnered rates to $748. 20 (up $13. 80), and single benefit rates of $219. 40 per fortnight (up $4) with partnered rates at $206. 80 (up $3. 80). Rent Assistance lifts are expected but are not likely to exceed $4 a fortnight for recipients. The Department of Social Services provides the complete list of payment increases effective March 20 (ET).
Deeming rate changes and immediate reactions
Deeming rates will increase by 0. 5 percentage points on March 20 (ET): the lower deeming rate will move to 1. 25% and the upper rate to 3. 25%. The Australian Government Actuary recommended lifting deeming rates, and the government accepted that recommendation. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said, “To make sure our social security system delivers value for taxpayers it must be grounded in fairness, which is why we have made responsible adjustments to deeming rates. “
Plibersek added, “We’ll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind. ” She also framed deeming as a long‑standing mechanism, noting, “Deeming was introduced over 30 years ago and is a simplified way of assessing how much income people can earn from their financial assets. “
What to expect next
Indexation is applied twice yearly in March and September; the upcoming change is the scheduled March adjustment now taking effect on March 20 (ET). Officials say the increases are designed to help payments keep pace with inflationary pressures and updated calculations for income from financial assets.
Recipients should check communications from Services Australia and the Department of Social Services for personalised statements and the full breakdown of their entitlements. Administrative updates and any guidance on how the deeming changes interact with assets and income tests will be the next items to watch as these measures take effect on March 20 (ET). The centrelink cash boost will be reflected in fortnightly payments after that date and officials expect more than five million people to see the change.
