Major changes are coming to Centrelink in March 2025, impacting pensions, JobSeeker payments, family benefits, and digital services. Whether you receive government support or are applying for the first time, these updates could affect your financial situation.
From increased payments to stricter job search rules and faster claims processing, here’s a detailed breakdown of everything changing in March 2025 and how you can prepare.
Overview
| Change | Impact |
|---|---|
| Increase in Age Pension & JobSeeker | Higher payments for eligible recipients |
| New Income Thresholds for Family Payments | More families will qualify for benefits |
| Stricter Mutual Obligation Requirements | Tougher job search rules for JobSeeker recipients |
| Faster Processing for Claims & Appeals | Quicker application approvals and appeals |
| Expansion of Digital Services | More self-service options online |
The Centrelink changes in March 2025 will bring higher payments, tighter job-seeking rules, and improved online services. Staying informed will help you maximize your benefits and avoid disruptions to your payments.
For official updates, visit the Centrelink website or contact their support services.
Centrelink Changes
To keep up with rising living costs, the Australian government adjusts Centrelink payments twice a year. Starting March 20, 2025, the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and JobSeeker payments will rise.
Payment Increases
| Payment Type | Increase (Single) | Increase (Couples Combined) |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | $30 per fortnight | $45 per fortnight |
| JobSeeker Payment | $20 per fortnight | N/A |
Why the increase? Payments are adjusted based on inflation (CPI) and wage growth to help recipients keep up with the cost of living.
Higher Income Thresholds
Families receiving Family Tax Benefit (FTB) and Parenting Payment will see higher income limits, allowing more families to qualify.
- Family Tax Benefit Part A: The income threshold will rise by $2,000, meaning more families can now access payments.
- Parenting Payment: Single parents will have more flexibility to earn additional income before payments reduce.
If your family was previously ineligible due to income limits, check if you now qualify under the new rules.
Stricter Job Search Rules
The government is tightening mutual obligation requirements to encourage more job-seeking activity.
New Job Search Rules
- JobSeekers must apply for at least 10 jobs per fortnight (previously 8).
- Mandatory training programs for those unemployed longer than 6 months.
- Harsher penalties for missing job search requirements, including payment suspensions.
Stay compliant
- Regularly check your job search commitments in your myGov account.
- Attend all training programs and employment service appointments.
- Keep detailed records of your job applications.
Failing to meet these requirements could result in payment suspensions or loss of benefits.
Faster Processing
Long wait times have been a major frustration for Centrelink users. From March 2025, processing times will be reduced for both new claims and appeals.
What’s Changing?
| Process | Current Wait Time | New Wait Time (March 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| New Claims | 35 days | 25 days |
| Appeals & Reviews | 30 days | 15 days |
Additionally, more Centrelink staff will be hired to speed up processing times and reduce backlogs.
Digital Services Expansion
Centrelink is expanding digital services to make it easier to manage claims, payments, and appointments online.
New Digital Features
- Improved Centrelink mobile app for submitting documents and tracking applications.
- Virtual assistant expansion for faster responses to common queries.
- More automated processing for simple claims, reducing human delays.
With these updates, fewer people will need to visit Centrelink offices, cutting wait times and improving efficiency.
Prepare for These Changes
- Log into your myGov account to see if your payment amount is increasing.
- Centrelink will send notifications via email or mail if your payment is affected.
Update Your Income
Keeping your details up to date ensures you receive the correct payment amount.
Ways to update:
- Online: Use the Centrelink mobile app or log into myGov.
- In Person: Visit your nearest Centrelink office if necessary.
Meet Your JobSeeker Obligations
If you receive JobSeeker or Youth Allowance, make sure to:
- Track job applications and meet the new job search quota.
- Attend all mandatory training programs.
- Keep an eye on myGov messages for updates.
Take Advantage of Online Services
- Use Centrelink’s self-service tools to submit claims, update details, and check payments.
- Avoid long queues at service centers by handling most tasks online.
Final Thoughts
The Centrelink changes in March 2025 will bring higher payments, stricter job-seeking rules, and improved digital services. Staying informed will help you maximize your benefits and avoid payment disruptions.
Be proactive by:
- Checking if your payments are changing.
- Updating income and household details.
- Meeting new mutual obligation requirements.
- Using online services for faster processing.
For official updates, visit the Services Australia website or contact Centrelink directly.
FAQs
What payments are increasing in March 2025?
Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and JobSeeker payments will increase.
How much will JobSeeker increase in March 2025?
The JobSeeker Payment will rise by approximately $20 per fortnight.
What are the new JobSeeker requirements?
Recipients must apply for 10 jobs per fortnight and complete training programs if unemployed for over 6 months.
Will Family Tax Benefit income limits change?
Yes, the income threshold for Family Tax Benefit Part A will increase by $2,000.
How can I check if my payments are changing?
Log into your myGov account or check Centrelink notifications for updates.
