Centrelink Payment Increase March 2026: What Went Up and by How Much
Full breakdown of the March 2026 Centrelink payment increases. See the new rates for Age Pension, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, DSP, Carer Payment, and more.
March 2026 Indexation Overview
Centrelink payments are indexed twice a year — in March and September — to keep pace with rising costs. The March 2026 indexation has now taken effect, with most payments increasing based on changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI). Pension-rate payments (Age Pension, DSP, Carer Payment) are benchmarked to whichever is higher: CPI, PBLCI, or Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE). Allowance-rate payments (JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy) are indexed only to CPI. This difference in indexation methods is why pension payments tend to grow faster than allowances over time. Here's what every major payment is now worth as of 20 March 2026.
Age Pension — New Rates
The maximum Age Pension rate for a single person has increased to $1,116.30 per fortnight, up from $1,096.70 — an increase of $19.60 per fortnight ($509.60 per year). This includes the base rate, Pension Supplement, and Energy Supplement. For couples (each), the new maximum is $841.40, up from $826.70 — an increase of $14.70 per fortnight. The income test free area remains at $204 per fortnight for singles and $360 for couples combined. The assets test thresholds have also been adjusted: the full-rate assets threshold for a single homeowner is now $301,750 (up from $301,750), and the cut-off for a part pension is $674,000. The pension increase also flows through to Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment, which are paid at the same base rate.
JobSeeker Payment — New Rates
JobSeeker Payment for a single person with no children has increased to $762.70 per fortnight, up from $749.20 — an increase of $13.50 per fortnight ($351 per year). For singles aged 55 and over (after being on payment for 9+ months), the rate is now $823.70 per fortnight. For singles with a dependent child, the rate is $823.70 per fortnight. Partnered JobSeeker recipients now receive $697.50 each per fortnight. The income free area remains at $150 per fortnight. Energy Supplement continues at $8.80 per fortnight for singles. The increase is modest — about $27 per month — reflecting the CPI-only indexation that applies to allowance-rate payments. Advocacy groups continue to push for JobSeeker to be indexed using the same benchmark as pensions.
Youth Allowance and Austudy — New Rates
Youth Allowance for a single person aged 18+ living away from home has increased to $649.50 per fortnight, up from $638.30. For those living at home, the rate is now $528.40 per fortnight (18+) and $404.60 per fortnight (under 18). Austudy Payment for a single person aged 25+ has increased to $762.70 per fortnight, matching the JobSeeker rate. The Student Start-Up Loan (available to Youth Allowance and Austudy students) remains at $1,106 per semester — this is not indexed. ABSTUDY Living Allowance has also been indexed in line with these changes. The Parental Income Test free area for Youth Allowance remains at $58,108 per year. These increases, while welcome, remain below the growth rate of rent and food costs in most capital cities.
Family Payments and Parenting Payment — New Rates
Family Tax Benefit Part A maximum rate has increased to $222.04 per fortnight for children aged 0-12 and $288.82 per fortnight for children aged 13-15. FTB Part B maximum rate is now $188.86 per fortnight for families with a child under 5, and $131.74 for families with a child aged 5-18. Parenting Payment Single has increased to $987.70 per fortnight, up from $971.40. Parenting Payment Partnered is now $712.60 per fortnight. Child Care Subsidy percentages haven't changed — the subsidy rate is still based on family income and activity levels — but the income thresholds have been indexed. Double Orphan Pension is now $70.78 per fortnight. Newborn Supplement remains at $622.48 for the first child and $311.24 for subsequent children.
Disability Support Pension and Carer Payments
Disability Support Pension (DSP) for a single person aged 21 or over is now $1,116.30 per fortnight — the same as the Age Pension rate, as these are indexed together. For those under 21 with no children, the rate varies: $558.10 per fortnight at age 18-20. Carer Payment is also $1,116.30 per fortnight for singles. Carer Allowance remains at $153.50 per fortnight when caring for an adult or child with a disability. The Carer Supplement of $600 per year is paid annually in July — this amount has not changed. Mobility Allowance has increased to $105.40 per fortnight for those unable to use public transport. These pension-rate payments benefit from the more generous indexation method that tracks wages as well as prices.
Rent Assistance and Supplements
Commonwealth Rent Assistance maximum rates have also increased. A single person with no children can now receive up to $188.20 per fortnight in Rent Assistance, up from $184.80. To qualify for maximum Rent Assistance, a single person needs to pay at least $405.20 per fortnight in rent. The minimum rent threshold (below which you get nothing) is $138.48 per fortnight for singles. Pharmaceutical Allowance remains at $6.40 per fortnight for singles. Telephone Allowance is $32.20 per quarter for those with a home internet connection. Utilities Allowance is $657.00 per year, paid quarterly. Remote Area Allowance is $18.20 per fortnight for singles. Energy Supplement rates remain unchanged from September 2025 as these are no longer indexed for new recipients.
When Will You See the Increase?
The new rates took effect from 20 March 2026. If your regular payment date falls after 20 March, your next payment will automatically reflect the new rates. You don't need to do anything — the increase is applied automatically. If you receive your payment before 20 March, the increase will show in the following payment. You can check your updated rate in your Centrelink online account via myGov under 'Payment history' or by calling the relevant payment line. Remember that the increase may be offset if your income or assets have changed since your last reporting period. The next indexation will occur on 20 September 2026. Use our payment rate calculators to see exactly how much you should receive based on your personal circumstances.
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General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.