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Adjusting Maximum Payment Rates:

The maximum rate of all payments from Centrelink will change from time to time. Most payments are adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) but other payments are adjusted by changes in legislation.

At the same time the maximum rate of payment is changed, the single rate of pension payments is also checked. If necessary, the single payment rate is increased to make sure it does not fall below 25 per cent of the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) figure. The partnered payment rate is also increased as a proportion of the single rate.

To find out when each payment is adjusted, see the list below. Your payment will be adjusted on the first pay day on or after this date.

Payments are adjusted in line with CPI unless indicated.

Payment Name When Adjusted (each year)
ABSTUDY Living Allowance
  • 1 January (customers under 21)
  • 20 March and 20 September (21 years and over)
Age Pension
  • 20 March and 20 September
  • Rates also adjusted in line with MTAWE figure
Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme
  • 1 January
Austudy
  • 1 January
Baby Bonus
  • 1 July
Bereavement Allowance
  • 20 March and 20 September
Carer Allowance (adult)
  • 1 January
Carer Allowance (child)
  • 1 January
Carer Payment (adult)
  • 20 March and 20 September
  • Rates also adjusted in line with MTAWE figure
Carer Payment (child)
  • 20 March and 20 September
  • Rates also adjusted in line with MTAWE figure
Child Care Benefit
  • 1 July
Disability Support Pension
  • 20 March and 20 September (if you are over 21 or under 21, single with children)
  • 1 January (if you are under 21 [except those single with children] )
  • Rates also adjusted in line with MTAWE figure
Double Orphan Pension
  • 1 January
Education Entry Payment
  • Adjusted by a change in the legislation
Family Tax Benefit Part A
  • 1 July
Family Tax Benefit Part B
  • 1 July
Large Family Supplement - paid with Family Tax Benefit A
  • 1 July
Maternity Immunisation Allowance
  • 20 March and 20 September
Mature Age Allowance
  • 20 March and 20 September
Mobility Allowance
  • 1 January
Multiple Birth Allowance - paid with Family Tax Benefit A
  • 1 July
Newstart Allowance
  • 20 March and 20 September
Parenting Payment
  • 20 March and 20 September
  • Rates also adjusted in line with MTAWE figure
Partner Allowance
  • 20 March and 20 September
Pensioner Education Supplement
  • Adjusted by a change in the legislation
Pharmaceutical Allowance
  • 1 January - see indexation of Pharmaceutical Allowance for important information
Remote Area Allowance
  • Adjusted by a change in the legislation
Rent Assistance
  • 20 March and 20 September
Seniors Concession Allowance
  • 20 March and 20 September
Sickness Allowance
  • 20 March and 20 September
Special Benefit
  • 1 January (if you are under 21 and don't have any children)
  • 20 March and 20 September (if you are aged 21 or more, or under 21 if you have dependent children.)
Telephone Allowance
  • 20 September
Utilities Allowance
  • 20 March and 20 September
Widow Allowance
  • 20 March and 20 September
Widow 'B' Pension
  • 20 March and 20 September
Wife Pension
  • 20 March and 20 September
Youth Allowance
  • 1 January
Youth Disability Supplement
  • 1 January

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