March 2026 indexation: new Centrelink rates
On 20 March 2026, the following payments were re-indexed. Measure: Pensions: higher of CPI and PBLCI, benchmarked to MTAWE; allowances and Rent Assistance: CPI.
| Payment | Previous | New | Increase | Increase % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Pension — Single, total (per fortnight) | $1,178.70 | $1,200.90 | $22.20 | +1.88% |
| JobSeeker — Single, no children, basic rate (per fortnight) | $793.60 | $808.70 | $15.10 | +1.90% |
| Parenting Payment Single — total (per fortnight) | $1,046.70 | $1,066.30 | $19.60 | +1.87% |
| Rent Assistance — Single, maximum (per fortnight) | $215.40 | $219.40 | $4.00 | +1.86% |
Every payment on 20 March 2026
| Payment | Maximum a fortnight, incl. supplements | Basic rate | Before 20 March 2026 | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age PensionSingle | $1,200.90 | $1,100.30 | $1,178.70 | +$22.20 | +1.88% |
| JobSeeker PaymentSingle, no dependent children | $817.50 | $808.70 | $802.40 | +$15.10 | +1.88% |
| Youth Allowance (job seekers)18 or over, living away from home | $684.20 | $677.20 | Not indexed on 20 March 2026 | ||
| Youth Allowance (students and apprentices)18 or over, living away from home | $684.20 | $677.20 | Not indexed on 20 March 2026 | ||
| AustudySingle, no children | $684.20 | $677.20 | Not indexed on 20 March 2026 | ||
| ABSTUDY Living AllowanceAged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $817.50 | $808.70 | $802.40 | +$15.10 | +1.88% |
| Parenting Payment (single)Single principal carer | $1,066.30 | $1,017.20 | $1,046.70 | +$19.60 | +1.87% |
| Parenting Payment (partnered)Partnered (each) | $748.20 | $740.30 | $734.40 | +$13.80 | +1.88% |
| Disability Support PensionSingle | $1,200.90 | $1,100.30 | $1,178.70 | +$22.20 | +1.88% |
| Disability Support Pension (under 21)Single, under 18 — Dependent (at home) | $594.40 | $581.50 | Not indexed on 20 March 2026 | ||
| Carer PaymentSingle | $1,200.90 | $1,100.30 | $1,178.70 | +$22.20 | +1.88% |
| Carer AllowancePer care receiver | $162.60 | — | Not indexed on 20 March 2026 | ||
| Family Tax Benefit Part AMaximum, aged under 13 | $227.36 | — | Not indexed on 20 March 2026 | ||
| Family Tax Benefit Part BMaximum, youngest child aged under 5 | $193.34 | — | Not indexed on 20 March 2026 | ||
| Commonwealth Rent AssistanceMaximum, single with no children | $219.40 | — | $215.40 | +$4.00 | +1.86% |
| Energy SupplementSingle pensioner | $14.10 | — | Fixed amount, not indexed | ||
| Pension SupplementMaximum, single | $86.50 | — | $84.90 | +$1.60 | +1.88% |
| Pensioner Education SupplementFull rate (full-time study) | $62.40 | — | Fixed amount, not indexed | ||
- Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment shared the largest rise in dollars, $22.20, more than any other payment indexed on 20 March 2026.
- The single Age Pension rose 1.88% ($22.20), compared with 1.88% ($15.10) for JobSeeker, single with no children.
- Commonwealth Rent Assistance, maximum, single with no children, rose 1.86%, lower than every other payment indexed on 20 March 2026.
Every change on 20 March 2026
From the 20 March 2026 rates list; per fortnight unless the heading says otherwise.
Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment (per fortnight)
All three pensions are paid at the same rate. Totals include the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement.
| Situation | Basic rate | Total | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,079.70→$1,100.30 | $1,178.70→$1,200.90 | +$22.20 | +1.88% |
| Couple (each) | $813.90→$829.40 | $888.50→$905.20 | +$16.70 | +1.88% |
| Single — Outside Australia (non-resident rate) | $1,079.70→$1,100.30 | $1,109.20→$1,130.40 | +$21.20 | +1.91% |
| Couple (each) — Outside Australia (non-resident rate) | $813.90→$829.40 | $838.20→$854.20 | +$16.00 | +1.91% |
JobSeeker Payment (per fortnight)
Totals include the Energy Supplement, and Pharmaceutical Allowance where it applies.
| Situation | Basic rate | Total | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no dependent children | $793.60→$808.70 | $802.40→$817.50 | +$15.10 | +1.88% |
| Single, with dependent children | $849.90→$866.00 | $859.40→$875.50 | +$16.10 | +1.87% |
| Single, principal carer of a dependent child | $849.90→$866.00 | $866.40→$882.50 | +$16.10 | +1.86% |
| Single, principal carer, exempt from the activity test | $1,027.70→$1,047.30 | $1,046.70→$1,066.30 | +$19.60 | +1.87% |
| Single, aged 55 or over (after 9 months on payment) | $849.90→$866.00 | $866.40→$882.50 | +$16.10 | +1.86% |
| Single, partial capacity to work (0–14 hours) | $849.90→$866.00 | $866.40→$882.50 | +$16.10 | +1.86% |
| Partnered (each) | $726.50→$740.30 | $734.40→$748.20 | +$13.80 | +1.88% |
Parenting Payment (per fortnight)
| Situation | Basic rate | Total | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parenting Payment Single | $998.20→$1,017.20 | $1,046.70→$1,066.30 | +$19.60 | +1.87% |
| Parenting Payment Partnered (each) | $726.50→$740.30 | $734.40→$748.20 | +$13.80 | +1.88% |
Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY rates indexed on this date (per fortnight)
Most Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY rates change on 1 January; these are the categories re-indexed on 20 March and 20 September.
| Situation | Basic rate | Total | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Allowance — single principal carer, exempt from the activity test | $1,027.70→$1,047.30 | $1,046.70→$1,066.30 | +$19.60 | +1.87% |
| ABSTUDY — Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $793.60→$808.70 | $802.40→$817.50 | +$15.10 | +1.88% |
| ABSTUDY — Aged 22 or over — Independent — Single, with children | $849.90→$866.00 | $859.40→$875.50 | +$16.10 | +1.87% |
| ABSTUDY — Aged 55 or over — Independent — Single, no children | $849.90→$866.00 | $866.40→$882.50 | +$16.10 | +1.86% |
| ABSTUDY — Aged 22 or over — Independent — Partnered (each), no children | $726.50→$740.30 | $734.40→$748.20 | +$13.80 | +1.88% |
| ABSTUDY — Aged 22 or over — Independent — Partnered (each), with children | $726.50→$740.30 | $734.40→$748.20 | +$13.80 | +1.88% |
Pension Supplement (per fortnight)
| Item | Before → after | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum amount — Single | $84.90→$86.50 | +$1.60 | +1.88% |
| Maximum amount — Partnered — Illness separated, respite care or partner in gaol | $84.90→$86.50 | +$1.60 | +1.88% |
| Maximum amount — Partnered (each) | $64.00→$65.20 | +$1.20 | +1.88% |
| Basic amount — Single | $29.50→$30.10 | +$0.60 | +2.03% |
| Basic amount — Partnered — Illness separated, respite care or partner in gaol | $29.50→$30.10 | +$0.60 | +2.03% |
| Basic amount — Partnered (each) | $24.30→$24.80 | +$0.50 | +2.06% |
| Minimum amount — Single | $45.60→$46.60 | +$1.00 | +2.19% |
| Minimum amount — Partnered — Illness separated, respite care or partner in gaol | $45.60→$46.60 | +$1.00 | +2.19% |
| Minimum amount — Partnered (each) | $34.40→$35.10 | +$0.70 | +2.03% |
Rent Assistance — maximum rates (per fortnight)
| Item | Before → after | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| No children — Single | $215.40→$219.40 | +$4.00 | +1.86% |
| No children — Single — Sharer | $143.60→$146.27 | +$2.67 | +1.86% |
| No children — Partnered — Illness separated | $215.40→$219.40 | +$4.00 | +1.86% |
| No children — Partnered — Temporarily separated | $203.00→$206.80 | +$3.80 | +1.87% |
| No children — Couple | $203.00→$206.80 | +$3.80 | +1.87% |
| With children — Single — 1 to 2 children | $253.12→$257.88 | +$4.76 | +1.88% |
| With children — Single — 3 or more children | $286.02→$291.48 | +$5.46 | +1.91% |
| With children — Partnered — Illness or temporarily separated — 1 to 2 children | $253.12→$257.88 | +$4.76 | +1.88% |
| With children — Partnered — Illness or temporarily separated — 3 or more children | $286.02→$291.48 | +$5.46 | +1.91% |
| With children — Couple — 1 to 2 children | $253.12→$257.88 | +$4.76 | +1.88% |
| With children — Couple — 3 or more children | $286.02→$291.48 | +$5.46 | +1.91% |
Rent Assistance — rent thresholds (per fortnight)
Rent Assistance starts once rent is above this amount.
| Item | Before → after | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| No children — Single | $152.00→$154.80 | +$2.80 | +1.84% |
| No children — Single — Sharer | $152.00→$154.80 | +$2.80 | +1.84% |
| No children — Partnered — Illness separated | $152.00→$154.80 | +$2.80 | +1.84% |
| No children — Partnered — Temporarily separated | $152.00→$154.80 | +$2.80 | +1.84% |
| No children — Couple | $246.20→$250.80 | +$4.60 | +1.87% |
| With children — Single — 1 to 2 children | $199.50→$203.28 | +$3.78 | +1.89% |
| With children — Single — 3 or more children | $199.50→$203.28 | +$3.78 | +1.89% |
| With children — Partnered — Illness or temporarily separated — 1 to 2 children | $199.50→$203.28 | +$3.78 | +1.89% |
| With children — Partnered — Illness or temporarily separated — 3 or more children | $199.50→$203.28 | +$3.78 | +1.89% |
| With children — Couple — 1 to 2 children | $294.98→$300.58 | +$5.60 | +1.90% |
| With children — Couple — 3 or more children | $294.98→$300.58 | +$5.60 | +1.90% |
Pension income limits (per fortnight)
Income at which the pension stops. The income free areas did not change on this date.
| Item | Before → after | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $2,575.40→$2,619.80 | +$44.40 | +1.72% |
| Couple (combined) | $3,934.00→$4,000.80 | +$66.80 | +1.70% |
| Couple (combined) — Illness separated | $5,094.80→$5,183.60 | +$88.80 | +1.74% |
Pension assets limits
Assets at which the pension stops. The assets free areas did not change on this date.
| Item | Before → after | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeowner — Single | $714,500→$722,000 | +$7,500 | +1.05% |
| Homeowner — Couple (combined) | $1,074,000→$1,085,000 | +$11,000 | +1.02% |
| Homeowner — Couple (combined) — One partner eligible | $1,074,000→$1,085,000 | +$11,000 | +1.02% |
| Homeowner — Couple (combined) — Illness separated | $1,267,500→$1,282,500 | +$15,000 | +1.18% |
| Non-homeowner — Single | $972,500→$980,000 | +$7,500 | +0.77% |
| Non-homeowner — Couple (combined) | $1,332,000→$1,343,000 | +$11,000 | +0.83% |
| Non-homeowner — Couple (combined) — One partner eligible | $1,332,000→$1,343,000 | +$11,000 | +0.83% |
| Non-homeowner — Couple (combined) — Illness separated | $1,525,500→$1,540,500 | +$15,000 | +0.98% |
Allowance income limits (per fortnight)
Income at which the payment stops.
| Item | Before → after | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| JobSeeker — Single — No dependent children | $1,505.00→$1,530.17 | +$25.17 | +1.67% |
| JobSeeker — Single — With dependent children | $1,600.00→$1,626.84 | +$26.84 | +1.68% |
| JobSeeker — Single — Principal carer of a dependent child | $2,316.00→$2,356.25 | +$40.25 | +1.74% |
| JobSeeker — Single — Principal carer of a dependent child, exempt from the activity test | $2,766.75→$2,815.75 | +$49.00 | +1.77% |
| JobSeeker — Single — Aged 55 or over — After 9 months on payment | $1,611.67→$1,638.50 | +$26.83 | +1.66% |
| JobSeeker — Single — Partial capacity to work 0-14 hours | $1,611.67→$1,638.50 | +$26.83 | +1.66% |
| JobSeeker — Partnered (each) | $1,391.67→$1,414.67 | +$23.00 | +1.65% |
| JobSeeker — Couple — Single income | $2,616→$2,662 | +$46 | +1.76% |
| Parenting Payment Single, 1 child — Income limit | $2,841.35→$2,890.35 | +$49.00 | +1.72% |
| Parenting Payment Partnered — Personal income limit | $1,391.67→$1,414.67 | +$23.00 | +1.65% |
| Parenting Payment Partnered — Partner income limit | $2,616→$2,662 | +$46 | +1.76% |
| Parenting Payment Partnered — Couple (combined) income limit | $2,783.67→$2,829.67 | +$46.00 | +1.65% |
| Parenting Payment Partnered — Couple (combined) income limit if partner receives a pension | $2,783.34→$2,829.34 | +$46.00 | +1.65% |
| Youth Allowance (job seekers), exempt principal carer — Single — Principal carer of a dependent child, exempt from the | $1,911.17→$1,943.84 | +$32.67 | +1.71% |
| ABSTUDY — Single — Aged 22 or over — No dependent children | $1,894.17→$1,919.34 | +$25.17 | +1.33% |
| ABSTUDY — Single — Aged 22 or over — With dependent children | $1,989.17→$2,016.00 | +$26.83 | +1.35% |
| ABSTUDY — Single — Aged 55 or over | $2,000.84→$2,027.67 | +$26.83 | +1.34% |
| ABSTUDY — Partnered (each) | $1,780.84→$1,803.84 | +$23.00 | +1.29% |
Other amounts
| Item | Before → after | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partner income free area — Partner aged between 22 and Age Pension age | $1,392→$1,415 | +$23 | +1.65% |
| Utilities Allowance — per year (single or couple combined) | $795.20→$810.40 | +$15.20 | +1.91% |
- Across the 19 fortnightly rates in these tables, the rises ranged from 1.86% (single, principal carer of a dependent child, JobSeeker Payment) to 1.91% (single — Outside Australia (non-resident rate), Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment).
Notes
- Energy Supplement amounts are fixed and did not change.
Payments affected
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- JobSeeker Payment
- Parenting Payment (single)
- Parenting Payment (partnered)
- Commonwealth Rent Assistance
- ABSTUDY Living Allowance
- Youth Allowance (job seekers)
- Pension Supplement
See the full indexation schedule and all four yearly dates.
Rates effective 20 March 2026. Source: DSS / Services Australia. Last checked 23 September 2026.