This week, more than five million Australians will experience a welcome increase in their Centrelink payments and pensions. The increase is part of the Australian government’s bi-annual indexation, which occurs in March and December each year.
This update will affect a range of payments, including:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- JobSeeker
- Commonwealth Rent Assistance
Centrelink Cash Boost For Aussies December 2024
Indexation is the regular adjustment of welfare payments to keep up with inflation and rising living costs. This process ensures that individuals and families relying on these payments are not left behind as everyday expenses increase.
These updated rates will take effect on Friday, December 20, offering vulnerable Australians a much-needed financial boost. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth emphasized that the increases ensure recipients have more money for everyday expenses.
Key Payment Increases
The increase will differ depending on the specific payment and the recipient’s individual circumstances. Below are some examples of the upcoming changes:
| Payment Type | Increase per Fortnight | New Total Payment |
|---|---|---|
| JobSeeker (Single, no children) | $15.30 | $778.00 |
| JobSeeker (Partnered) | $14.00 | $712.30 per person ($1,424.60 combined) |
| Age Pension (Single) | $28.10 | $1,047.10 |
| Age Pension (Couples combined) | $42.40 | $1,725.20 |
| Disability Support Pension (Single) | $28.10 | $1,047.10 |
| Carer Payment | $28.10 | $1,047.10 |
| Parenting Payment (Single) | $19.80 | $978.60 |
| Parenting Payment (Partnered) | $14.00 | $712.30 |
| Commonwealth Rent Assistance (Single) | $23.00 | $211.20 |
| Commonwealth Rent Assistance (Families with 1-2 kids) | $27.02 | $248.22 |
JobSeeker Payment Changes
The JobSeeker Payment for a single person with no children will increase by $15.30 per fortnight, raising the total amount to $778 per fortnight. Partnered recipients will receive an extra $14 each, totalling $712.30 per person or $1,424.60 combined.
Age Pension Increase
For aged pensioners, the rise amounts to $28.10 per fortnight for singles, bringing the total payment to $1,047.10. Couples receiving the Age Pension will see an increase of $42.40 combined, bringing their total to $1,725.20.
Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment
The Disability Support Pension & Carer Payment will match the increase of the Age Pension, with singles receiving $1,047.10 per fortnight.
Parenting Payments
Single parents receiving the Parenting Payment will get an extra $19.80, bringing their fortnightly payment to $978.60. Partnered parents will receive $712.30 after an increase of $14.
Commonwealth Rent Assistance
Commonwealth Rent Assistance will also rise for renters. Singles renting alone will see an increase of $23, resulting in a total payment of $211.20 per fortnight. Families with single or two children will get an extra $27.02, bringing the total to $248.22.
Changes to JobSeeker Eligibility Criteria
In addition to payment increases, changes to JobSeeker eligibility will also take effect. Announced earlier in the federal budget, these changes mean that recipients who have assessed partial work capacity between 0 to 14 hours per week can now move onto the higher JobSeeker rate. This will boost $71.20 per fortnight for those transitioning from the lower to the higher rate.
Concerns About Adequacy of Payment Increases
While the increase in payments will provide some relief, Australia’s peak welfare body, the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), expressed concerns that the rates remain insufficient for many. ACOSS noted that even with the indexation, payments like JobSeeker and Youth Allowance still fall below measures of adequacy.
ACOSS welcomed the government’s investment in social security but pointed out that many Australians receiving JobSeeker payments still struggle to make ends meet, particularly given the rising cost of living. ACOSS has urged the government to further raise the rate of payments to at least $80 per day to ensure people can cover basic necessities.
Voices from JobSeeker Recipients
JobSeeker recipients have reported that the additional funds from indexation are not enough to keep up with escalating costs. Many have shared that it remains challenging to survive on the current rates, even after these recent increases. Rising expenses, including food, rent, and utilities, continue to strain their budgets.
Government Response to Cost of Living Pressures
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth acknowledged that many Australians are still feeling the impact of rising living costs. She said the government recognizes these challenges and will continue to monitor and support vulnerable Australians through these regular adjustments.
For a full list of the payment increases, recipients are encouraged to visit the government’s official website.
While offering necessary relief, the indexation of Centrelink payments highlights the ongoing debate about the adequacy of welfare support in Australia. Many are hopeful for further reforms better to address the financial struggles of those on social security.
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