As Australia continues to face economic pressures and rising cost-of-living challenges, June 2025 brings significant changes to Centrelink payments that will affect millions of recipients.
The adjustments represent the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring social security payments remain sufficient amid inflation and economic uncertainty. Understanding these changes is crucial for both current and prospective Centrelink recipients.
From payment rate adjustments to policy changes, here’s what you need to know about the Centrelink June 2025 payment updates.
Major Payment Rate Increases for June 2025
The most significant development for June 2025 involves substantial increases across multiple Centrelink payment categories. In response to inflation and the rising cost of living, the government has implemented biannual indexation adjustments to various Centrelink payments.
| Payment Type | New Payment Amount | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Singles) | $1,149 per fortnight | +$4.60 |
| Age Pension (Couples) | $866.10 per fortnight | +$3.50 each |
| JobSeeker (Singles) | $789.90 per fortnight | +$3.10 |
| JobSeeker (Single Parents) | $836.50 per fortnight | Adjusted for parenthood |
| Parenting Payment | Adjusted rates for families | New rate increases |
These increases aim to provide meaningful relief for pensioners, job seekers, and parents, who have been particularly affected by rising costs for groceries, utilities, and healthcare.
Revolutionary Changes to Parental Leave Provisions
Starting July 1, 2025, a major policy change to the Paid Parental Leave scheme will benefit primary carers. The leave duration will be extended from 20 weeks to 24 weeks, offering additional time for parents to bond with their children during their early developmental stages.
Even more groundbreaking, superannuation contributions will now be included in the Paid Parental Leave scheme. Eligible parents will accumulate retirement savings during their leave, addressing a long-standing gap. This improvement ensures that parental leave does not compromise long-term financial security.
Work Requirement Flexibility for Carers
As of March 2025, important changes were made for carers receiving Carer Payment. Carers can now work up to 100 hours within a four-week period without it affecting their payment. This increase replaces the previous limit of 25 hours per week.
This flexibility recognizes the unpredictable nature of caring responsibilities and allows carers more freedom to engage in employment when their circumstances allow. The new limit aims to improve the work-life balance of carers while ensuring they maintain their vital support payments.
Enhanced Compliance and Support Measures
In June 2025, several changes were introduced to improve compliance management. The aim is to prioritize support over penalties and create a more effective and compassionate system for managing obligations.
- First-Time Non-Compliance Protection: New recipients will receive a grace period, avoiding penalties for their first instance of non-compliance.
- Employment Engagement Flexibility: Job seekers who work at least 30 hours per fortnight for two months will be exempt from payment suspensions if they miss an appointment.
These changes ensure that recipients are not penalized unduly while also fostering genuine efforts towards self-sufficiency.
Payment Schedule and Administrative Updates
Centrelink payments will continue on their established fortnightly schedules. International recipients will still receive payments every four weeks.
As of June 2025, recipients can track their specific payment dates through myGov accounts or the Centrelink mobile app.
Services Australia continues to emphasize digital services, ensuring that recipients can easily manage their claims, update personal information, and check entitlements. These digital-first approaches provide quicker access to information and help recipients avoid delays.
Income and Asset Test Adjustments
As part of the June 2025 changes, new income and asset test thresholds will be implemented. These updated thresholds ensure that Centrelink payments continue to target those most in need while maintaining incentives for workforce participation and asset accumulation.
The revised thresholds reflect the current economic realities of inflation and the cost of living.
Technology and Service Delivery Improvements
To enhance the service delivery experience, Services Australia has continued investing in technological improvements. The Payment and Service Finder tool on the Services Australia website has been updated to reflect the June 2025 changes, ensuring users can access accurate, real-time information about their entitlements.
Mobile app functionality has also been expanded to include real-time notifications, making it easier for recipients to stay informed about their payment status.
The June 2025 changes to Centrelink payments represent a significant step in improving the financial stability of vulnerable Australians.
With increased payment rates, more flexible work requirements for carers, and expanded parental leave provisions, the government is working to ensure that social security support remains adequate in the face of economic pressures.
As recipients adjust to these changes, it is crucial to stay informed and understand how the new policies apply to your individual circumstances.
Regularly checking your myGov account and staying up-to-date with Centrelink’s policies will help ensure you maximize your entitlements during this period of change.
FAQs
How much will Centrelink payments increase in June 2025?
Centrelink payments will increase across various categories, with notable increases for Age Pension, JobSeeker, and Parenting Payment.
What changes are being made to Paid Parental Leave in 2025?
Paid Parental Leave will be extended to 24 weeks, and superannuation contributions will be included during leave.
How can I track my Centrelink payments in June 2025?
Use your myGov account or the Centrelink mobile app to track your payments and manage claims effectively.