In October 2025, eligible Centrelink recipients will receive a major cost-of-living support package that includes:
- A one‑off $900 bonus payment
- An annualized increase worth up to $5,048, delivered through indexation to regular payments like Age Pension, Job Seeker, Disability Support, Career Payment, and Family Benefits
These combined supports aim to offset rising prices, improve household budgets, and help vulnerable Australians cope with inflation.
Breakdown of the $5,048 Annual Increase
Australia’s Centrelink payments are indexed twice a year, in March and July, based on inflation and wage growth. Together in 2025, these updates have delivered:
- A small 0.4% bump in March
- Followed by a larger 2.4% increase in July
When combined, recipients at the maximum payment rate can expect up to an extra $5,048 per year, or close to $100 a week.
October 2025 Support Table
Here’s how both the one-off $900 bonus and the annual indexation benefit stack up:
| Age Pension (single max rate) | ~$5,048 | $900 | ~$5,948 |
| Disability Support Pension | ~$5,000 | $900 | ~$5,900 |
| Job Seeker (single, no children) | ~$3,800 | $900 | ~$4,700 |
| Career Payment / Career Allowance | ~$4,000 | $900 | ~$4,900 |
| Youth Allowance / Parenting | ~$3,000–4,000 | $900 | ~$3,900–4,900 |
Timeline & How You’ll Be Paid
March & July 2025 Indexation
- In March, Centrelink adjusted all major payments (Age Pension, Job Seeker, Pensioner Payments) with modest lifts—the single Age Pension increased by $4.60 per fortnight, and Job Seeker by around $3.10 per fortnight.
- In July, indexed increases applied across payments and eligibility thresholds, delivering the bulk of the 2.4% uplift.
October 2025 Bonus
- The $900 one-off bonus is paid automatically in your regular payment cycle in October 2025.
- Job Seeker and pension recipients receive their bonus in the week corresponding with their standard fortnightly payment timing.
- No separate application is needed; Centrelink will automatically deposit it via your registered bank account.
Who Is Eligible — And Who Might Miss Out
Eligible Recipients
You qualify for both the indexation uplift and the $900 bonus if you:
- Receive an eligible Centrelink payment (e.g., Age Pension, Disability Support, Job Seeker, Career Payment) as of July 2025.
- Are an Australian resident and citizen, or hold a qualifying visa.
- Have up-to-date identity, address, and bank account information with Centrelink.
Who Doesn’t Qualify
You won’t receive these extras if you:
- Are not on an active Centrelink payment by July 2025.
- Have incorrect or missing personal data—especially unpaid or unverified identity or bank details.
- Hold only temporary or short‑term payments not included in the government’s eligible list.
- Have had your payment paused or cancelled for any reason.
Why This October Support Pack Matters
- The $900 bonus offers immediate relief ahead of upcoming cost spikes (e.g., heating, school expenses).
- The $5,048 annual indexation bump ensures that regular payments roughly match inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
- Together, they provide significant financial breathing space—especially for aged pensioners, carers, and low‑income households.
- This support aligns with broader federal Budget 2025 commitments to help vulnerable Australians.
The October 2025 Centrelink cost-of-living package is a timely and generous intervention: a one-time $900 bonus combined with up to $5,048 in annual support for full-rate recipients.
Designed to shield vulnerable Australians from inflation and rising living costs, this dual boost is delivered automatically, across ageing, disability, caregiving, job-seeking, and family support categories.
If you meet eligibility as of mid‑2025 and your Centrelink records are updated, you will automatically benefit—no paperwork required.
But please check that your personal and banking information is current, and respond to any Centrelink correspondence to avoid on-hold payments.
All in all: it’s a powerful relief package that puts money where it counts—immediate support plus a lasting uplift to help Australians navigate 2025 with greater financial stability.
FAQs
Do I need to apply to receive the $900 bonus and the extra $5,048?
No. Both the one-off $900 bonus and the annual indexation increases are automatically applied if you’re a recipient of an eligible Centrelink payment as of July 2025. Keep your personal and banking details current.
When will I receive the $900 one-off bonus?
It will be included in your usual payment fortnight in October 2025, timed with your standard Centrelink cycle. You don’t need to take any action—it’s automatically deposited.
Will the extra $5,048 count as taxable income or affect my eligibility for other benefits?
No. Increased Centrelink payments are non-taxable and not considered additional income in assessments for other means-tested programs. It may, however, reduce sensitivity to other income-based supports over time as eligibility thresholds adjust.