Starting in October 2025, the Age Pension will increase by $1,179.70. This adjustment is intended to provide older Australians with more financial support given the ever-increasing living costs. This article explains who exactly will benefit from the increase, by how much, the qualifying conditions, and what information retirees need to be aware of.
Who Will Get the Age Pension Increased in October 2025?
The Age Pension increase will be received by qualifying Australians that access Age Pension payments from Centrelink. Starting September 20, 2025, the maximum pension payment for single recipients will be $1,178.70, and for couples, they will receive $1,777.00 total, which means that each partner gets $888.50. There is no need for existing recipients to reapply for the adjustment, as it is done automatically for everyone who continues to satisfy the applicable criteria, and the new recipients will also be given the adjusted payments if they meet the framework component.
To obtain the Age Pension—and the associated increase in payment—an individual must:
- Turn 67 years of age (if born on or after January 1, 1957)
- Be an Australian resident and in Australia when claiming the pension
- Residency and Income assessments with strict asset tests provide social security payments only to the most financially deserving individuals.
- This is rigidly monitored by Centrelink for payments to fully or partially pensioned retirees, or none independently their personal financial residual wealth.
Centrelink offers Age Pension Payments by Income and Asset or Residual Wealth tests the lower of the two is the payment. In this for aged pensioners with shared assets with their home, single home owners as of October 2025 and for homeoweners in couple situation would need to be under $321,500 and $481,500, respectively for the full rate.
Why Is This Increase Happening
This is part of Australia’s semi-annual pension indexation, which is intended to ensure that the payment’s real value is maintained and subsequently rises to the payment’s real value. The indexation of the pension is proportional to the wage, inflation and cost of living increase and provides pensioners with financial assistance necessary to secure their well-being. It is most helpful with respect to the increasing financial pressure on seniors, especially during the year 2025.
Quick Summary Table
| Pension Type | New Fortnightly Payment | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Single | A$1,178.70 | A$29.70 |
| Couple (each) | A$888.50 | A$22.40 |
| Couple (combined) | A$1,777.00 | A$44.80 |
What Recipients Should Do
There is no required action for eligible Age Pensioners, as it is Centrelink that automatically applies the increase. For the ongoing eligibility though, in the case of changes to income, assets, or residency, Centrelink is to be notified. People nearing pensionable age are advised to examine their financial situation and, when in doubt, get advice to help them realise their full entitlement to entitlements.
FAQs
1. Who is automatically eligible for the Age Pension advances in October 2025?
All current recipients who continue to meet the age, residency, and means-tested criteria.
2. Do any new applicants in October 2025 get the higher rates?
Yes, provided the age, residency, and means tests are also met.
3. Do I have to reapply, or will payments be delayed?
No. Centrelink automatically updates payments for eligible pensioners.
