Significant financial assistance is being rendered by Centrelink in the form of increased fortnightly payments and extra one-off bonuses for pensioners in May 2025.The adjustments will be a means to mitigate some of the pressures of rising cost of living for recipients.
Fortnightly Pension Increase
From 20 March 2025 onwards, the Age Pension maximum fortnightly payments have been increased. Single recipients now receive $1,149.00 per fortnight, an increase of $4.60 from $1,144.40. Couples receive $866.10 per fortnight each, creating a total of $1,732.20, a $3.50 increase per person.
These increases were applied under the usual system of indexation, which looks into inflation indexes like Consumer Price Index/Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index.
One-Off Payments in May 2025
To aid an even greater financial boost, those eligible among pensioners will be partakers of one-off payments broken down into two prices of $250 and $750. The first payment in the sum of $250 will be paid from 15 to 30 May 2025, while the second payment of $750 will be paid 1 to 15 June 2025.
The whole idea behind such payments is to render real-time help; the amounts will therefore be automatically credited to the relevant accounts of qualified recipients.
Advance Payment Options
Financially strained pensioners can apply for advance payments. Most advance payments are paid back over time and can be applied for through Services Australia. The amount of advance payment and eligibility will vary; hence, it is best for recipients to call and discuss their options directly with Services Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
Lastly, for the Age Pension, one must fit into some age requirements and residence requirements. The qualifying age is at 67 as of May 2025. In addition, an applicant must be an Australian resident for at least 10 years.
The income and asset tests also apply; for a single person to receive the full pension, the assets must be below $314,000 if they own their home, or $566,000 if they do not. For couples, the respective levels will be $470,000 and $722,000 . ([Age Pension rates (March 2025 to September 2025)