As the cost of living continues to rise across the country, the government has officially released the Australia Age Pension September 2025 Update, bringing much-anticipated changes to how much older Australians will receive from Centrelink. These adjustments include a new pension rate Australia 2025 and changes to the asset and income test thresholds.
This revision comes as part of the government’s semi-annual indexation process, ensuring pension payments keep pace with inflation and wage movements. If you’re receiving the Age Pension or planning for retirement, this guide provides the full breakdown.
What’s Changing in the September 2025 Age Pension?
The Australia Age Pension September 2025 Update includes increases to the base fortnightly payment for both singles and couples. This change is set to take effect from September 20, 2025, and is automatically applied for eligible recipients.
This increase is in response to rising inflation and higher living expenses, particularly for essential services like electricity, groceries, and medical care. The new pension rate Australia 2025 aims to provide retirees with more financial stability in challenging economic conditions.
Centrelink will also adjust the income and asset test thresholds used to determine partial pension eligibility. This ensures that more seniors may qualify or maintain their current level of support.
Updated Age Pension Rates from September 2025
Below is the official table reflecting the new pension rate Australia 2025 from September 20:
| Category | Old Rate (per fortnight) | New Rate (per fortnight) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Pensioner | $1,116.30 | $1,148.10 | +$31.80 |
| Couple (each) | $841.40 | $865.30 | +$23.90 |
| Couple (combined) | $1,682.80 | $1,730.60 | +$47.80 |
| Pension Supplement (single) | $80.10 | $82.50 | +$2.40 |
| Energy Supplement | $14.10 | $14.10 | No change |
These increases include both the base rate and supplementary components, which are all indexed bi-annually.
Asset and Income Test Threshold Changes
Along with the Australia Age Pension September 2025 Update, the Department of Social Services also raised the limits for the income and asset tests. These determine your eligibility for a full or part pension.
Key changes include:
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Asset Test (Full Pension Cut-Off):
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Single homeowner: from $667,500 → $687,000
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Couple homeowners (combined): from $1,003,000 → $1,032,500
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Income Test (Per Fortnight for Full Pension):
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Single: from $204 → $212
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Couple (combined): from $360 → $372
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These revised limits provide breathing room for seniors who may have modest investments, savings, or part-time income and still wish to qualify under the new pension rate Australia 2025.
Who Will Benefit from These Changes?
The Australia Age Pension September 2025 Update will benefit:
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Existing pensioners receiving Age Pension through Centrelink
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New applicants who meet eligibility criteria based on age, residency, and financial situation
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Seniors relying on part-pensions impacted by asset/income tests
All changes are automatically updated by Centrelink, so eligible recipients don’t need to take any action. However, seniors are advised to review their MyGov accounts or speak with Centrelink to confirm the new payment amounts reflect their circumstances.
Conclusion
The Australia Age Pension September 2025 Update is a timely and necessary adjustment for retirees dealing with rising living costs. With the new pension rate Australia 2025 providing an increase in fortnightly payments, and higher thresholds allowing more seniors to qualify, this update is a positive step toward stronger social support.
Retirees are encouraged to monitor their payment summaries and stay informed through official Centrelink channels. These changes reinforce the government’s ongoing effort to ensure age pension payments are fair and responsive to the financial needs of older Australians.
FAQs
What is the Australia Age Pension September 2025 Update?
The Australia Age Pension September 2025 Update refers to increased pension payment rates and updated income/asset thresholds that take effect from September 20, 2025.
What is the new pension rate Australia 2025?
Under the new pension rate Australia 2025, a single pensioner will receive $1,148.10 per fortnight, while a couple (combined) will receive $1,730.60.
Do I need to apply to get the new pension rate?
No, eligible pensioners will automatically receive the updated rates as part of the Australia Age Pension September 2025 Update through Centrelink.
How do the new income and asset test limits affect me?
The higher thresholds under the new pension rate Australia 2025 mean more seniors may qualify for full or part pension payments if they previously exceeded the limits.
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