Australia Age Pension Increased $1732 – Coming On this Day

Australia Age Pension payment is set to rise beginning September 20, 2025, bringing a meaningful boost for millions of retirees. The increase, part of the government’s biannual indexation process, will see single pensioners receive an additional $29.70 per fortnight and couples collectively gain $44.80 per fortnight. This translates to more than $1,700 extra annually for couples, aiming to ease the impact of living cost pressures.

Key Payment Boosts Unveiled

Starting September 20, singles will now receive a maximum full Age Pension of $1,178.70 per fortnight, up from $1,149.00 previously. Couples living together will be awarded a combined amount of $1,777.00 per fortnight, a rise from $1,732.00. These increments occur automatically, with no action required from recipients. Centrelink encourages people to check updated amounts via their online account or Centrelink app.

The rise is calculated through a mix of inflation data and average wage increases, ensuring pensioners can maintain their purchasing power in an evolving economy. The government reviews these pension rates in March and September each year, adjusting for Consumer Price Index (CPI) movement and living costs specific to pensioners.

Income and Asset Test Adjustments

Alongside these pension rate increases, thresholds for income and assets are also being raised, enabling more Australians to qualify or to receive a larger payment. The income cut-offs for full pension eligibility have increased to $218 per fortnight for singles and $380 per fortnight combined for couples. Similarly, asset limits have been lifted, allowing pensioners to hold slightly more in financial and property assets before reducing payments.

However, some pensioners might see their overall pension affected by changes to deeming rates—rates applied to financial investments when calculating pension eligibility. For about 180,000 pensioners, these deeming rate adjustments may offset part of the gained increase, although most will benefit from the overall indexation boost.

 Future Increases

The next scheduled pension payment review is set for March 2026. Government calculations on future adjustments will continue using CPI, wage averages, and a pensioner-specific living cost index. While increases have occurred most years, they are not guaranteed, with some past years seeing no increase due to economic conditions. This latest adjustment reiterates the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting retirees’ financial security amid rising expenses and changing economic landscapes.

Age Pension Rates From 20 September 2025