With 2025 bringing big updates to Centrelink payments, many Australians are wondering how these changes will impact them. From a new $780 monthly payment for seniors to a $5,000 cash boost, here’s a complete breakdown of what’s happening — and how you can make sure you don't miss out.
🔥 New $780 Monthly Payment for Seniors
Starting May 2025, eligible senior citizens in Australia will automatically receive a $780 monthly boost to help with the rising cost of living.
Who Qualifies?
You’re eligible if you:
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Are 67 years or older
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Are a permanent Australian resident
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Currently receive the Age Pension, Carer Payment, or Disability Support Pension
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Hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
✅ Good news: You don’t need to apply separately. The money will be deposited straight into your bank account.
📈 Age Pension Increase (Effective March 2025)
From March 20, 2025, Age Pension rates were officially increased:
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Single pensioners now receive an extra $4.60 per fortnight, totaling around $1,149.
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Couples see an additional $3.50 each per fortnight, bringing their combined rate to $1,732.20.
This adjustment is part of the government's regular indexation to keep up with inflation.
💵 $1,144 Cost of Living Boost
A special $1,144 one-time payment was introduced starting in March 2025 to help Aussies manage everyday expenses.
If you haven’t received it yet, make sure to:
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Check your myGov account
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Contact Services Australia for assistance
⚡ Payments are made in batches, so timing may vary.
🏠 Up to $5,000 Centrelink Cash Boost
Eligible Centrelink recipients could also receive a $5,000 cash boost starting March 2025.
Like the cost-of-living boost, these payments are being rolled out in stages.
👉 Important: If you haven’t seen this payment yet, verify your eligibility via myGov or reach out to Services Australia.
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📝 How to Apply for Centrelink Payments 2025
If you’re eligible for the new Centrelink payments in 2025 — including the $780 monthly support, $5,000 cash boost, or the $1,144 Cost of Living Boost — here’s how you can make sure you receive them:
🔹 Existing Centrelink Customers
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No new application is needed if you already receive Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, or Carer Payment.
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Payments will be deposited automatically into your registered bank account.
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Just make sure your myGov account details (bank account, address, marital status) are up to date.
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Regularly check your myGov inbox for any notices or updates from Services Australia.
🔹 New Applicants
If you're not already receiving Centrelink support but believe you're eligible:
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Create a myGov Account
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Visit the myGov website and set up an account if you don't have one already.
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Link Centrelink to myGov
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After signing into myGov, link it to Centrelink services.
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Submit a Claim
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Navigate to ‘Payments and Claims’ and select ‘Make a Claim’.
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Choose the payment you are applying for (e.g., Age Pension, Carer Payment).
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Fill in the application form carefully and upload any requested documents (such as proof of age, income statements, residency papers).
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Wait for Assessment
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Centrelink will review your claim.
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You will be notified via your myGov inbox about the outcome or if additional information is needed.
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📞 Need Help Applying?
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You can also call Services Australia at 132 300 for support with your application.
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Visit your nearest Centrelink office if you prefer in-person assistance.
✅ Pro Tip:
Apply early and double-check your documents to avoid any payment delays!
📅 Payment Date Adjustments Due to Public Holidays
To accommodate public holidays in April and May 2025, Centrelink made some temporary changes:
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If you were due to report on Tuesday, April 15, you would have reported on Monday, April 14 instead.
✅ Always double-check your reporting dates via Services Australia’s official website to avoid delays.
🧾 Deeming Rate Freeze Ending June 30, 2025
The deeming rates used to assess financial investments for certain Centrelink payments remain:
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Lower rate: 0.25%
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Upper rate: 2.25%
However, this freeze ends on June 30, 2025. Any changes afterward could impact your Centrelink payment amounts.
❌ No Extra One-Off Payments in 2025
Despite lobbying and public demand, both major political parties have confirmed there will be no additional one-off payments this year beyond standard indexation increases.
📌 How to Stay Updated
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Update your myGov profile regularly.
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Check your account notifications to catch important updates.
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Contact Services Australia if you notice payment issues or delays.
Keeping proactive ensures you receive all benefits you're entitled to.
