Centrelink Couple Payment Increase to $1,654.80 Fortnightly from October 21 – Key Details Explained

Starting October 21, 2025, Australian couples receiving Centrelink support will see a welcome boost in their payments. The new fortnightly rate will rise to $1,654.80, providing additional relief to help couples cope with rising living expenses, inflation, and household costs.

This increase is part of the Australian Government’s regular indexation adjustment, designed to ensure that pensions and income support payments keep pace with the cost of living. Here’s a complete breakdown of what the increase means, who qualifies, and how it will affect Centrelink couples across Australia.

What Is the Centrelink Couple Payment?

The Centrelink couple payment refers to the amount paid to eligible couples receiving government support under programs like the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension (DSP), and Carer Payment. These payments are designed to help Australians who are retired, disabled, or caring for someone with a disability to maintain a basic standard of living.

Couples are assessed together under Centrelink’s income and asset tests, and the total combined amount they receive is based on these financial circumstances. The rate increase applies equally to each eligible partner, meaning both individuals in a couple share the combined fortnightly amount.

New Payment Rate from October 21, 2025

From October 21, 2025, the combined couple rate will rise to $1,654.80 per fortnight, which equals $827.40 per person. This increase represents roughly a $25–$30 boost compared to the previous rate, depending on the specific benefit type.

This adjustment will apply automatically to all eligible couples receiving one of the following:

• Age Pension
• Disability Support Pension (DSP)
• Carer Payment
• Veteran and Service Pensions (aligned with Centrelink rates)

Why Are Centrelink Payments Increasing?

Centrelink payments are reviewed and adjusted twice a year — in March and September (or October in 2025) through a process called indexation.

This adjustment ensures that payments reflect:

• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) – which tracks inflation and cost-of-living changes.
• Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) – ensuring payments keep up with general wage growth.

Because the cost of essentials like food, rent, and utilities has increased significantly throughout 2025, this latest update gives couples much-needed financial relief.

Who Is Eligible for the New Rate?

The new rate applies automatically to all eligible couples receiving Centrelink payments, provided they meet income and asset tests.

To qualify, couples must:

• Be in a recognized relationship (married or de facto).
• Be receiving an eligible Centrelink benefit such as the Age Pension, DSP, or Carer Payment.
• Fall within the income and asset thresholds set by Centrelink.

If your combined income or assets exceed these limits, your payment may be reduced or partially adjusted rather than denied entirely.

Key Payment Breakdown (from October 21, 2025)

Here’s how the new $1,654.80 couple rate fits into the broader Centrelink structure:

Payment Type	Current Rate (Before Oct 21)	New Rate (From Oct 21, 2025)	Increase
Age Pension (Couple Combined)	$1,624.00	$1,654.80	+$30.80
Disability Support Pension (Couple Combined)	$1,624.00	$1,654.80	+$30.80
Carer Payment (Couple Combined)	$1,624.00	$1,654.80	+$30.80

This increase ensures that couples continue to receive adequate support to cover everyday expenses and maintain financial stability.

Do Couples Need to Apply for the Increase?

No, eligible couples do not need to apply for the payment increase. The adjustment will be automatically applied to your Centrelink payments starting October 21, 2025. You will see the new rate reflected in your next payment deposit after that date.

To confirm the change, you can check your myGov account or the Centrelink mobile app under the “Payment and Claims” section.

How Will This Increase Help Couples?

The increase to $1,654.80 per fortnight will provide meaningful support for Australian couples, particularly those facing higher costs for essentials.

Here’s how it can make a difference:

• Better financial security for retired and disabled couples.
• More flexibility to manage rising utility and grocery prices.
• Relief for carers, allowing them to focus on loved ones without constant financial strain.
• Greater stability for low-income households during ongoing inflationary pressures.

Even a modest rise can make a significant difference for couples living on fixed incomes, especially when combined with other supplements and concessions.

Other Benefits That May Apply

In addition to the base rate increase, eligible Centrelink couples may also receive other payments and supplements, such as:

• Energy Supplement – helps offset electricity and gas costs.
• Pension Supplement – adds extra support for daily expenses.
• Rent Assistance – for couples paying rent or in retirement villages.
• Career Allowance – if one partner is caring for someone with a disability.

These add-ons are often adjusted in line with major rate changes, ensuring overall financial support keeps pace with inflation.

Income and Asset Test Thresholds

While all eligible couples receive the base rate, the income and asset tests can affect how much is actually paid.

Income Test (as of October 2025):

• Couples can earn up to $360 per fortnight combined before payments start to reduce.
• Payments taper down gradually beyond that threshold.

Asset Test (as of October 2025):

• For homeowners, the combined asset limit is around $1.05 million.
• For non-homeowners, the limit rises to about $1.28 million.

If your combined income or assets exceed these limits, you may receive a reduced payment rather than the full $1,654.80.

Payment Dates and Deposit Schedule

The new rate officially begins on October 21, 2025, but payment dates can vary depending on your regular Centrelink schedule.

Typically, payments are made every fortnight, and you can check your next deposit date through:

• The Centrelink app
• my Gov online portal
• Your latest Centrelink letter or statement

It’s important to note that if October 21 falls close to a weekend or public holiday, deposits may appear a few days earlier or later.

What About Single Recipients?

While this update focuses on couples, single pensioners are also receiving a smaller payment boost as part of the same adjustment cycle. Single recipients will see their fortnightly rate rise by around $15–$18, depending on their benefit type.

This ensures that both singles and couples maintain fair support levels under Australia’s social welfare system.

Impact on Other Benefits

The increase in the couple rate may slightly impact other income-tested benefits, such as:

• Commonwealth Rent Assistance
• Energy Supplement
• Low Income Health Care Card eligibility

However, in most cases, the effect will be minimal or positive, as the goal of the adjustment is to improve overall affordability, not reduce access.

Government’s Response to Cost of Living Pressures

The Australian Government continues to prioritize cost-of-living relief for pensioners, carers, and those on income support.

In addition to Centrelink payment increases, the government has introduced:

• Energy bill rebates for low-income households.
• Cheaper PBS medications for pensioners.
• Expanded rent assistance for those in the private market.

The Centrelink payment rise aligns with these measures to help vulnerable Australians cope with inflation and economic uncertainty.

How to Check Your Updated Payment

If you’re unsure whether your payment has increased, follow these steps:

• Log in to your my Gov account linked with Centrelink.
• Go to the Payments and Claims section.
• Select Payment History or Payment Summary.
• Review your most recent deposit and compare it with your previous payment.

You should see the updated amount after October 21, 2025.

What to Do if You Don’t Receive the Increase

If your payment hasn’t updated after the effective date, try the following:

• Confirm your eligibility through your Centrelink account.
• Check for any outstanding reporting requirements.
• Contact Centrelink directly via the Services Australia helpline.

Delays are rare but may occur if there are pending verifications or account changes.

Final Thoughts

The Centrelink couple payment increase to $1,654.80 per fortnight marks a positive step in helping Australian couples manage their finances amid rising living costs. This adjustment offers stability, dignity, and much-needed breathing room for those who depend on Centrelink support.

Whether you’re retired, caring for a loved one, or living with a disability, this increase is a welcome sign that the government is responding to the financial realities many households face.

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