New Centrelink Pension Rates Are Here – See If You’re Getting More in April 2025!

On: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 7:14 AM

New Centrelink Pension Rates Are Here (1)

New Centrelink Pension Rates Are Here: If you receive Centrelink’s Age Pension in Australia, then the beginning of April 2025 has brought good news for you. The government has officially released the new pension rates and now many pensioners will get more money in their bank accounts than before. This change is part of the process done by the government every six months, under which social security payments are adjusted in accordance with inflation and cost of living.

What are the new rates?

The government has increased the pension amount from 20 March 2025. Now the pension rates are as follows:

Single pensioner: $1,149.00 per fortnight (ie $29,874 annually)
Each person in a couple: $866.10 per fortnight (ie $22,519 annually)
Couple jointly: $1,732.20 per fortnight (ie $45,037 annually)

These amounts are being given by combining the base rate, pension supplement and energy supplement. Its purpose is to help the elderly to easily meet their daily needs – such as rent, ration, medicine and electricity and water bills.

Bonus payment:

Apart from the regular increase in pension, the government has announced an additional one-time tax-free bonus payment of $1,900 in April 2025. This amount will be deposited directly into the bank account of eligible citizens receiving Age Pension.

Completely tax-free
No need to fill any form
No impact on other Centerlink payments
If you are already receiving Age Pension, then this amount will be automatically transferred to your account in the month of April.

New Centrelink Pension Rates Are Here – See If You’re Getting More in April 2025!

Who is eligible? Know your eligibility

To get this pension, it is necessary to fulfill some criteria. Below is given who is eligible for this scheme:

Age condition: You must be at least 67 years of age. This minimum age has come into effect from 1 July 2023.
Residence condition: Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. It is mandatory to live in Australia for at least 10 years (out of which 5 years should be continuous). Must reside in Australia at the time of application.
Income test: Centrelink determines your pension by taking into account your total income, including

Income limits as of March 2025:

Single full pension: Income less than $212/fortnight
Single partial pension: Income up to $2,510/fortnight
Couple full pension: Combined income less than $372/fortnight
Couple partial pension: Combined income up to $3,836.40/fortnight

Asset test:

Asset limits Single homeowner: Full pension up to $314,000; Partial up to $697,00
Couples (homeowners): Full pension up to $470,000; Partial up to $1,047,500

How to apply?

Check your eligibility: Use the Eligibility Checker on the Services Australia website.

Gather documents:

Proof of identity (passport, Medicare card)
Residence details
Financial documents (bank statements, investment statements)
Create a myGov account and link to Centrelink.
Apply online or visit your nearest service centre.
Update and monitor: Check application status from myGov.
Extra support: Rent Assistance and Work Bonus

Rent Assistance:

If you live in a rental home, there may be additional support:

Singles: up to $146.60 per fortnight
Couples (with children): up to $194.68 per fortnight
Work Bonus: You can now work on a limited basis even after you retire and your pension will not be affected. You can earn up to $11,800 a year without a reduction in your pension.

Payments during public holidays:

R1,400 Monthly Payment Rolling Out in April – Check If You’re on the List!

There are some public holidays in April 2025 that may affect payment dates:

Good Friday: 18 April
Easter Monday: 21 April
ANZAC Day: 25 April

Centrelink usually makes payments earlier around these days. Keep checking your bank statement and myGov account.

Conclusion:

Centrelink’s new pension rates and $1,900 bonus payment are a big step towards financial security for older people. Whether you’re already receiving a pension or thinking about applying now, knowing about this change will help you plan better. This change is not just an increase in funds, but an important step towards empowering older people’s dignity and independence. If you need further assistance with this, visit the Services Australia website or contact your nearest service centre.

FAQs

Q1. Do I need to apply for the $1,900 bonus?

A. No. The payment is automatically issued to Age Pension recipients in April 2025.

Q2. Is there any additional bonus payment in April 2025?

A. Yes. The government has announced a one-time bonus payment of $1,900, completely tax-free, for eligible Age Pension recipients. This is part of a broader financial relief package.

Q3. How will I receive the $1,900 bonus? Do I need to apply?

A. No application is needed. If you’re already receiving the Age Pension, this amount will be automatically deposited into your bank account sometime during April 2025.

Q4. Can I still work while receiving the Age Pension?

A. Yes. Through the Work Bonus scheme, you can earn up to $11,800 per year without it reducing your pension. This is ideal for part-time or occasional work, and helps older Australians stay active and financially supported.

Q5. Will the $1,900 bonus or new rates affect my taxes or other payments?

A. No. The $1,900 payment is completely tax-free and won’t affect your eligibility for other Centrelink payments. It’s not counted as income and won’t reduce other benefits.