Your Centrelink payments may rise in January

More than one million Australians will receive higher social security payments from the beginning of next year, with the Federal Government confirming a series of indexed increases across youth, student and carer support programs.

Around 680,000 people receiving the Carer Allowance will see their fortnightly payment lifted to $162.60, which the Government says amounts to almost $700 more per year compared with the start of its term. The allowance is paid in addition to the Carer Supplement and other social security payments carers may receive.

The changes are part of the regular indexation process, designed to adjust payments in line with inflation and maintain the system as a financial safety net.

Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, said the increases would help people managing study or caring responsibilities.

“Thanks to indexation, more than one million Aussies balancing study or caring responsibilities will receive a boost to their payments,” she said.

She noted that recipients may also benefit from broader government measures.

“Social security recipients may also benefit from Labor’s tax cuts, increased rent assistance, cuts to student debt, free TAFE, cheaper medicines, more bulk billing and a whole range of other cost of living measures we’ve delivered since coming into Government.

“We’ll continue to make sure our social security system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind.”

Additionally, the maximum fortnightly rate for a single Youth Allowance recipient aged over 18, living away from home and with no dependents, will increase to $684.20. The Government says this represents an annual increase of more than $3,800 since Labor took office.

Payments for students receiving Austudy and ABSTUDY will also rise, accompanied by higher income thresholds for student payments and an increase to the parental income test threshold for Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY.

A full list of updated payment rates will be available on the Department of Social Services website.