From September 20, 2026, more than 5.3 million people in Australia will have some benefits and related thresholds in the social security system adjusted. Adjustments include Old Age Pension, Disability Support Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY and rental assistance.
This is a periodic adjustment to update the benefit level according to changes in living costs and wages. Therefore, this is not a one-time bonus or support.
How much does old money increase?
For singles receiving the maximum Old Age Pension, the amount received will increase by 36.80 AUD, up to 1,237.70 AUD every two weeks. For a husband and wife couple, the total maximum for two people will increase by AUD55.60, to about AUD1,866 per fortnight, or about AUD933 per person.
However, this is the maximum. Not everyone receiving the Old Age Pension will receive this increase. The actual level depends on income, assets, family status and conditions applicable to each case.
JobSeeker and Parenting Payment are also adjusted
People receiving JobSeeker will also have their benefit levels adjusted. Single people without dependents will receive a maximum increase of AUD 16.20, to AUD 833.70 per fortnight. For Parenting Payment, single people will receive a maximum increase of AUD 20.90, to AUD 1,087.20 per fortnight. The rate for people with a partner will be adjusted to approximately AUD 763 per fortnight per person, depending on the circumstances.
Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY are also adjusted. Because these amounts depend on age, education, place of residence and family situation, recipients need to check specific notifications in their account.
Rent assistance also increased
Federal Rent Assistance was also adjusted from September 20, 2026. For single people without children, the maximum will increase by AUD 4.40, to AUD 223.80 per fortnight. However, just because you are receiving Centrelink payments does not mean you will automatically receive the maximum rental assistance rate. The actual amount depends on the type of housing, the amount of rent, the family situation and the level of support the person is receiving.
When moving house or rent changes, the recipient should update the information so that the authorities can recalculate the appropriate support amount.
Why do some people increase their benefits but the actual amount received does not increase much?
A notable point in this adjustment is that the assumed income rate from financial assets also increased. This ratio is used to estimate income from assets such as bank deposits, term deposits, stocks and some investments. From September 20, 2026, the rate applied to assets within a certain threshold will increase from 1.25% to 1.75%, while higher assets will apply 3.75% instead of 3.25%.
This may affect the calculation of benefits for some people, especially those who are receiving less than the maximum amount of support and have significant financial assets. Therefore, one should not just look at the “increased benefit” figure and assume that all Centrelink recipients will receive the same amount of extra money.
What should people receiving Centrelink do?
Generally, currently eligible people do not need to reapply just because the benefit level is adjusted. Updates will be made according to the payment period. After September 20, recipients should check their myGov accounts for notifications and new payment rates. If income, assets, rent, address or family circumstances have changed, the information needs to be updated so the benefit is calculated accurately.
In particular, if you are receiving benefits based on your income or assets, you should not rely solely on the published maximum but should check the actual amount applicable to your situation. From September 20, 2026, many Centrelink benefits in Australia will be adjusted to increase. However, the increase is not the same for everyone. The actual amount received depends on income, assets, rent and personal circumstances.
If you are receiving Centrelink, you should check your myGov notifications after the adjustment and update your information if your circumstances change.
Reference source: SBS Vietnamese,
