There is no across-the-board extra $3,600 per year commencing in October 2025. The Age Pension is indexed twice a year (March and September). For the September 2025 indexation, the maximum Age Pension rose by $29.70 per fortnight for singles and $44.80 per fortnight for couples combined. Most people first notice this rise in their October payment cycle because Services Australia pays on set fortnights.
Centrelink Age Pension 2025 Quick Summary
| Item | What to know in 2025 |
|---|---|
| What changed | Routine indexation from 20 September 2025 increased maximum rates: +$29.70/fn (single); +$44.80/fn (couple combined). |
| New maximum rates | Single: $1,178.70 per fortnight; Partnered: $888.50 each per fortnight (combined $1,777.00). |
| What that means yearly (max) | Approx. $30,646 (single) and $46,202 (couple combined). |
| Who gets it | Anyone on Age Pension actual amount depends on income and assets tests (and supplements). |
| When you’ll see it | Legally effective 20 Sep 2025; appears in your October pay run depending on your scheduled payday. No action required. |
| Official information | Services Australia: “How much Age Pension you can get” and September 2025 rate update. (Services Australia) |
What Changed for Age Pension in Late 2025
1) Indexed Increase from 20 September 2025
Under legislated indexation, Age Pension maximum rates rose on 20 September 2025. The official figures are: +$29.70 per fortnight (single) and +$44.80 per fortnight (couple combined). These amounts are for maximum rates; your personal rate may be lower if you are affected by the income and/or assets tests.
2) What You’ll Actually Be Paid
- Singles (maximum): $1,178.70 per fortnight (inclusive of supplements) after the September increase.
- Couples (maximum): $888.50 each per fortnight that is $1,777.00 combined.
Converted to annual equivalents (26 fortnights), that’s around $30,646 for singles and $46,202 for couples combined at the maximum rate.
3) Why Many People See the Rise in October
Although the legal change date is 20 September, your first higher deposit may fall in October depending on where your regular Centrelink fortnight lands. Services Australia confirms people do not need to apply the update is automatic.
4) No Extra $3,600 “Bonus”
A number of blog posts and videos have circulated claiming a $3,600 annual boost from October 2025. This is not supported by official guidance. Services Australia has also warned about fake information relating to “cash boosts” and “new bonuses.” Always double-check claims against the official site.
Eligibility Still Depends on Age, Residency, Income and Assets
You may receive the maximum or a reduced pension depending on your assessed means. Services Australia explains how the income and assets tests are applied, and those rules continue to operate in 2025. If your financial situation (e.g., deemed income from investments) changes, your rate can move up or down even when indexation lifts maximums.
How to Confirm Your New Rate
- Check your MyGov/Centrelink account for your current assessed rate and upcoming payment date.
- Review the official “How much Age Pension you can get” page for current tables and thresholds.
- See Services Australia’s September 2025 pension rate update notice for the exact indexation amounts and timing.
Common Scenarios
- Already on Age Pension: You do not need to do anything. The indexed rate flows through automatically from the September change and will show in your next scheduled payment (often in October).
- New applicant in 2025: Apply online, by phone, or at a Services Australia service centre. Once granted, your payment is assessed under the current income/assets rules, with indexation applied automatically at each cycle.
- Changes in investments or work: Report changes promptly; deeming and income rules can affect your rate even when maximums rise with indexation.
FAQs
Q1. Is there a new $3,600 annual increase from October 2025?
No. The official September 2025 indexation adds $29.70 per fortnight (single) and $44.80 per fortnight (couple combined) to the maximum Age Pension. That equates to roughly $772 per year (single) or $1,165 per year (couple combined) at maximum rates, not $3,600. Your outcome can be lower if you are not on the maximum.
Q2. When will I see the higher amount?
The legal effective date is 20 September 2025, but many recipients will see the increase in October due to the timing of their regular fortnightly deposit. No application is required.
Q3. Do income and assets tests still apply?
Yes. The Age Pension is means-tested. The income and assets tests determine whether you receive the maximum rate or a reduced amount.
Q4. Where can I confirm my personal rate?
Check your MyGov/Centrelink online account or review the official Services Australia rate tables and notices for the current period.
Q5. How often do rates change?
Age Pension maximum rates are typically indexed in March and September each year to maintain purchasing power.
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