Older Australians who are 67 years and above are entitled to receive retirement support from the government through the Age Pension. This benefit is managed by Services Australia under Centrelink and is designed to give seniors financial stability in their later years.
Starting from 20 September 2025, a new adjustment will take place—seniors will see an $888 Centrelink Age Pension boost, credited directly to their bank accounts on a fortnightly basis.
This increase comes as part of the government’s plan to help pensioners cope with inflation, rising living costs, and housing pressures.
This article explains what the Age Pension is, how much it will increase by, who is eligible, and the exact new payment rates.
Overview
The Age Pension is one of the most important welfare benefits in Australia, designed to ensure that seniors can maintain a reasonable quality of life after retirement. Services Australia provides these payments every 15 days, offering much-needed relief to retirees facing higher expenses due to inflation.
To qualify, applicants need to be at least 67 years old and must pass the income and assets test. Both singles and couples will see changes in their payment amounts. For couples, the new $888 per fortnight boost applies to each partner, while single pensioners will also notice higher rates.
Program Details
Here’s a snapshot of the Age Pension boost in 2025:
| Post Title | $888 Centrelink Age Pension Boost From September 2025 |
|---|---|
| Agency | Centrelink (Services Australia) |
| Payment Name | Age Pension |
| Country | Australia |
| Eligibility | Low-income seniors |
| Age Limit | 67 years or older |
| Individual’s payment | $1178.70 per fortnight |
| Couple’s payment (per partner) | $888 per fortnight |
| Frequency | Fortnightly |
| Mode | Direct deposit |
| Website | servicesaustralia.gov.au |
Age Pension
The Age Pension is a retirement benefit available to Australians who meet the required age, residency, and financial criteria. It provides essential support to cover daily living expenses such as food, rent, healthcare, and energy bills.
From 20 September 2025, the government will roll out the new $888 boost for couples, with adjusted amounts for singles as well. This payment includes the pension supplement and the energy supplement, ensuring that beneficiaries can better manage rising household costs.
Applicants must also have lived in Australia for at least 10 years before they can receive the pension.
Eligibility
To qualify for the $888 Centrelink Age Pension boost in 2025, you must:
- Be an Australian resident for at least 10 years
- Be aged 67 years or older
- Be living in Australia at the time of lodging the claim
- Meet the income and assets test set by Services Australia
- If partnered, file taxes as a couple and meet joint eligibility requirements
These conditions ensure that only those with genuine need and strong ties to Australia benefit from the program.
Payment Changes
The boost reflects adjustments to the base rate and supplements. Here’s how the pension rates change from September 2025:
| Particulars | Previous Rate | New Rate | Increase (Per Fortnight) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base rate | $792.50 | $813.90 | $21.40 |
| Supplement | $63.00 | $64.00 | $1.00 |
| Energy supplement | $10.60 | $10.60 | – |
| Total | $866.10 | $888.50 | $22.40 |
For individuals, the new total payment is $1178.70 per fortnight, while each member of a couple will now receive $888 per fortnight.
Facts
- Payments are delivered directly into bank accounts every fortnight.
- The increase officially begins from 20 September 2025.
- The payment includes all supplements, so seniors don’t need to apply separately.
- This adjustment has been confirmed and will apply automatically to all eligible pensioners.
The $888 Centrelink Age Pension boost is a timely step to protect Australia’s retirees from rising costs of living. By providing steady, predictable payments, Services Australia ensures that pensioners have the financial support they need in retirement.
FAQs
When does the Age Pension boost start?
The $888 boost starts on 20 September 2025.
How often are Age Pension payments made?
They are paid fortnightly to bank accounts.
What is the new rate for couples?
Each partner will receive $888 per fortnight.
What is the new single pension rate?
Singles will get $1178.70 per fortnight.
Do I need to reapply for the boost?
No, eligible pensioners get it automatically.
