Centrelink Payment Rates 2025
Last Updated: August 28, 2025 | Next Indexation: September 20, 2025
Current Payment Rates (Fortnightly)
JobSeeker Payment
| Recipient Status | Base Rate | Energy Supplement | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | $778.30 | $11.60 | $789.90 |
| Single, with children | $825.00 | $11.60 | $836.60 |
| Single, aged 60+ | $825.00 | $11.60 | $836.60 |
| Single, principal carer | $993.37 | $11.30 | $1,004.67 |
| Partnered (each) | $711.70 | $11.30 | $723.00 |
Youth Allowance
| Living Situation | Age | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|
| At home | 16-17 | $410.30 |
| At home | 18-21 | $472.50 |
| At home | 22+ | $523.50 |
| Away from home | 16-17 | $603.30 |
| Away from home | 18+ | $663.30 |
| With children | Any | $836.60 |
Supplements and Additional Payments
Rent Assistance (Maximum Rates)
| Household Type | Maximum Fortnightly |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $157.20 |
| Single, 1-2 children | $184.94 |
| Couple, no children | $148.00 |
| Couple, 1-2 children | $176.76 |
Other Supplements
- Pharmaceutical Allowance: $6.20 (single) / $12.40 (couple)
- Remote Area Allowance: $18.20 (single) / $31.20 (couple)
- Energy Supplement: Included in base payment rates
Income and Assets Tests
JobSeeker Income Test
Income affects your payment as follows:
- $0-$150/fortnight: No reduction
- $150-$250/fortnight: 50¢ reduction per dollar
- Over $250/fortnight: 60¢ reduction per dollar
Youth Allowance Income Test
- $0-$150/fortnight: No reduction
- $150-$250/fortnight: 50¢ per dollar
- Over $250/fortnight: 60¢ per dollar
Assets Test Limits
| Status | Homeowner | Non-homeowner |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $270,000 | $487,000 |
| Couple combined | $405,000 | $622,000 |
Payment Schedule
Key Dates
- Payment Day: Based on your CRN (Customer Reference Number)
- Reporting: Fortnightly for job seekers
- Indexation: March 20 and September 20 each year
Public Holidays
Payments are made on the last business day before public holidays.
Recent Changes
March 2025
- JobSeeker single rate increased by $3.10/fortnight
- Proportional increases to other payment types
July 2025
Living Away From Home Allowance increases:
- Year 1: $120/week (+$42.83)
- Year 2: $90/week (+$51.41)
- Year 3: $45/week (+$20.00)
November 2025 (Upcoming)
- Launch of Inclusive Employment Australia
- Enhanced disability employment support
How to Apply
Use Services Australia payment finder
Register and link Centrelink
Complete online application
Upload supporting evidence
Phone or in-person assessment
Payment Calculators
Quick Calculator
Example: Single JobSeeker with part-time work
- Base payment: $789.90/fortnight
- Earnings: $300/fortnight
- Reduction: $150 (free) + $100 × 0.5 + $50 × 0.6 = $80
- Final payment: $789.90 - $80 = $709.90/fortnight
Frequently Asked Questions
Payment Questions
When will payments increase next? Next scheduled indexation is September 20, 2025, based on CPI and wage growth.
Can I work while receiving payments? Yes, you can earn up to $150/fortnight with no reduction to JobSeeker.
How much can my partner earn? Partners can earn up to $994/fortnight before your payment reduces.
Eligibility Questions
What’s the difference between JobSeeker and Youth Allowance? JobSeeker is for people 22+, Youth Allowance for 16-21 (job seekers) or 16-24 (students).
How long can I receive payments? No maximum time limit while you meet eligibility requirements.
Can international students get payments? Generally no, must be Australian resident with specific residency requirements.
Special Circumstances
What about crisis situations? Crisis Payment (~$1,000) available for domestic violence, natural disasters, or emergencies.
Can I get an advance payment? Eligible recipients can request up to $500 advance, repaid through future deductions.
Support Services
Employment Support
- Workforce Australia: Job search assistance
- Disability Employment Services: Specialized support
- Transition to Work: Youth programs
Financial Help
- National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007
- Financial Counselling: Free service
- MoneySmart: ASIC guidance
Mental Health
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Headspace: Youth mental health
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
Contact Information
Centrelink Phone Numbers
- JobSeeker: 132 850
- Youth Allowance: 132 490
- Multilingual Service: 131 202
- TTY: 1800 810 586
Online Services
Tips for Managing Payments
Do’s ✅
- Report income accurately and on time
- Update personal details promptly
- Check all eligible supplements
- Use income bank (students)
- Keep records of all correspondence
Don’ts ❌
- Forget to report partner income
- Miss reporting deadlines
- Ignore Centrelink letters
- Provide incorrect information
- Miss appointments
Need help? Contact Centrelink on 132 850 (JobSeeker) or 132 490 (Youth Allowance) for personalized assistance.