Centrelink Cash Boost for Millions of Australians this Week: More Money in Pockets
This week, millions of Australians are set to receive a welcome financial boost as part of the government’s regular Centrelink payment indexation, which occurs twice a year in March and September. The increases will affect payments like the Age Pension, JobSeeker, Disability Support Pension, and Commonwealth Rent Assistance, ensuring that many Aussies will have more money to help manage their everyday expenses. The changes will officially take effect on Friday, September 20, offering relief to more than five million Australians amid rising cost-of-living pressures.
The government has recognized the significant impact of inflation and increasing living expenses on vulnerable groups. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth confirmed that the boost is designed to provide timely financial relief. The increases will vary depending on the specific payments and individual circumstances, but they range up to $41.50 per fortnight.
For those receiving JobSeeker payments, single recipients without children will see their payments increase by $15.30 per fortnight, bringing their total payment to $778. For couples, the payment will rise by $14 per fortnight, reaching $712.30 each, or $1,424.60 combined. The Age Pension will increase by $28.10 per fortnight for singles, bringing the total to $1,047.10, while couples will receive a combined increase of $42.40 per fortnight.
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Those on the Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment will experience the same increase as Age Pension recipients. Parents receiving the Parenting Payment will also benefit, with the base rate for single parents rising by $19.80 to $978.60 per fortnight. Couples receiving the partnered rate will see their payments increase by $14 to $712.30 per fortnight.
Additionally, Commonwealth Rent Assistance will see a notable increase of 10%, with single recipients renting alone set to receive an extra $23 per fortnight, while families with one or two children will receive $27.02 more. These boosts aim to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by many as they manage rising rent costs and other essentials.
This round of increases also brings changes to JobSeeker eligibility criteria, as previously announced in the federal budget. Recipients with a partial capacity to work 0-14 hours per week will now qualify for the higher JobSeeker rate, leading to a significant boost of $71.20 per fortnight for those moving to the increased payment category.
However, not everyone is satisfied with the increases. The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) has welcomed the government's effort but insists that the current rates remain inadequate. They argue that many Australians are still struggling, with rising costs of living outpacing these adjustments. ACOSS continues to advocate for JobSeeker and related payments to be raised to at least $80 per day, ensuring recipients can cover basic expenses.
Despite the mixed response, for many Australians, the cash boost will offer much-needed relief in difficult economic times. Whether it's helping to cover rent, groceries, or utilities, these payment increases mark a step towards supporting those who need it most.
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