Age Pension rate increase: how to check your new payment amount

How the Age Pension rate increase works in Australia

Has the Age Pension gone up? This is one of the most common questions Australian retirees and their families search for every year. The Age Pension rate is reviewed and adjusted twice a year — in March and September — by the Australian Government through Services Australia (Centrelink). These adjustments are designed to keep your fortnightly payment in line with changes in the cost of living, wages and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The Age Pension rate increase is applied automatically by Centrelink — you do not need to apply or submit any forms. If you are already receiving the Age Pension, your new fortnightly payment amount will appear in your myGov account linked to Centrelink shortly after the new rates take effect. The increase applies to both the base pension rate and the Pension Supplement.

Many retirees rely on unofficial sources — Facebook groups, forums or word of mouth — to find out about pension increases. This can lead to confusion, incorrect expectations and even exposure to scams. The safest and most accurate way to check your updated payment amount is through your myGov account, the Express Plus Centrelink app or by calling the Centrelink older Australians line.

Why it matters: even a small increase in your fortnightly pension adds up over the year. Understanding your exact new rate helps you adjust your budget, plan your direct debits and make the most of every dollar in your bank account.

Family tip: help older family members check their updated pension rate through myGov. Bookmark the Centrelink payment summary page and note the new fortnightly amount on their home calendar so they know exactly what to expect in their bank account each payment day.

The Age Pension rate is determined by a formula that considers the higher of two benchmarks: the CPI (measuring price changes) and the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI). There is also a wages benchmark that ensures the maximum pension rate stays at a minimum percentage of average male total earnings. Whichever benchmark produces the higher result is the one applied.

Your actual payment amount depends on whether you receive the full rate or a part rate. Part-rate recipients still benefit from increases, but the exact amount credited to their bank account also depends on their income test and assets test results.

In this guide you will find how the rate increase is calculated, the current maximum rates for singles and couples, how to check your updated amount and common mistakes to avoid so your pension payment is never disrupted.