Centrelink Cost of Living Increase 2025: New Updates and Amount, Eligibility Criteria

Centrelink Cost of Living Increase 2025: New Updates and Amount, Eligibility Criteria. The Australian government has increased the payment amounts for many Centrelink benefits to pace with inflation and the rise in the costs of living. These amounts are going to make a significant impact on the lives of many Australians. There are many people who rely completely on the Centrelink payments. To know full details about the increase in the amount of Centrelink’s cost of living in 2025, read the complete article below.

Centrelink Cost of Living Increase 2025

The Centrelink cost of living payment aims to provide help to eligible people with necessary expenses during the rise in costs of living. The increase in Centrelink payments will be visible from the start of January 2025. For many Australians, these payments are the only source of income are they are dependent on it entirely. However, these payments are not enough for them due to the rise in the costs of living.

This change has been introduced by the South Australian government in response to growing monetary challenges. There have been new updates in the process and regulations of Centrelink which will make it easier for many South Australians to be able to cover the costs of essentials. For individuals looking for jobs, Centrelink launched a payment to help them able to cope with unemployment for a short time period and find a job.

Key Highlights

Particulars  Details 
Program Name Centrelink Cost of Living Increase 2025
Providing Authority  Centrelink and the Australian Government
Country Australia
Payment Date  January 25, 2025 (Expected)
Payment Mode  Direct Deposits or paper checks
Objective To provide additional monetary support to eligible individuals
Category  Finance
Official Website  Services Australia

 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Centrelink payment the applicants must meet the given eligibility criteria:

  • Income Threshold: This payment is aimed at individuals with low income. To be eligible you must not earn more than the limitation set by the government.
  • Centrelink Recipients: Applicants already receiving other payments from Centrelink are eligible for this payment. These payments include:
    1. Age Pension and Disability Support Pension Recipients: If you are receiving the age and disability support pension, you have a chance to be eligible for the Centrelink increased payments in 2025.
    2. JobSeeker Payment Recipients: Jobseekers will see a smaller increase in their payments from Centrelink. Jobseekers who are aged 55+ have a chance of receiving higher rates because of their extra supplements.
    3. Energy Bill Rebate Recipients: If you’re having difficulties with high energy costs and are not able to pay for it, then you may be eligible for the energy rebate. This rebate will be provided to households that are currently getting benefits from the government and small businesses.
    4. Commonwealth Rent Assistance Recipients: For renters, the Australian government has boosted assistance by 10%. This is equal to:
      • Up to $27.02 more per fortnight for families with children.
      • Singles and couples without dependents also see a notable increase.
  • Citizenship and Residence: The applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Australia.
  • Housing: Individuals living in shared housing or transitional housing are also qualified for the discount.

Payment Amounts

Expenses Amount
Cost-of-living expenses $255.60
Energy costs $274.85
Water costs Up to $398.40
Sewerage costs  $162.00
Medical heating and cooling $274.85
Emergency Services Levy $46.00

 

How to Claim Centrelink Cost of Living Payment 2025?

Follow the steps given below to claim the Centrelink cost of living payment for 2025:

  • Check Eligibility: Before applying, check the eligibility criteria to confirm whether you’re eligible for the payment or not. If you are eligible to can follow the procedure to apply for the payments.
  • Official Website: To fill out the form for receiving the payment, go to the official website of Services Australia.
  • Application Form: The application form will be visible on your screen. Fill out the form by providing the necessary details about yourself and your finance details.
  • Upload Documents: Provide the required documents to prove your eligibility for the benefit. Documents such as proof of income, proof of eligibility, and details about your property and assets will be required.
  • Submit and Wait: Carefully check the application form twice to avoid mistakes. After this, submit the form and wait for the government to review the application.
  • Payment Distribution: The applicants whose applications will be approved will receive the payment either as a credit to their energy supplier account or directly into their bank account.

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