Introduction
The rising cost of living in Australia has placed considerable financial strain on older citizens and vulnerable income groups. In response to these growing concerns, the Australian Government, through Services Australia and Centrelink, has confirmed a pension increase of up to $400 for June 2025. This is aimed at easing inflationary pressures and providing much-needed financial relief to eligible Australians, especially age pensioners and those on disability support.
Whether you are a current pension recipient or preparing to apply, this article will break down who qualifies, how the increase is calculated, payment dates, and what to expect next.
Chapter 1: What Is the June 2025 Centrelink Pension Increase?
1.1 Overview
The June 2025 pension increase is part of a routine indexation and special adjustment triggered by changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Wage Price Index (WPI). However, this year, the government has added a one-time $400 boost to respond to public outcry about rising housing, healthcare, and food costs.
This increase is not a separate payment, but rather added to the regular fortnightly payments, phased in during June 2025.
1.2 Aims of the Pension Boost
- Offset the impact of inflation
- Improve quality of life for low-income retirees
- Support those relying solely on government income streams
- Address cost-of-living pressures in metro and regional areas
Chapter 2: Who Is Eligible for the $400 Pension Increase?
2.1 General Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Centrelink pension and the increase:
- Age: You must be at or above Age Pension age (67 for most by 2025).
- Residency: Must be an Australian resident for at least 10 years.
- Income & Assets: Must fall within thresholds defined by Services Australia.
- Payment Status: Must be currently receiving full or part pension.
2.2 Eligible Payment Types
Payment Type | Eligible for Increase |
---|---|
Age Pension | ✅ |
Disability Support Pension | ✅ |
Carer Payment | ✅ |
Widow B Pension | ✅ |
Wife Pension | ✅ |
Veteran Service Pension | ✅ |
Parenting Payment (Single) | ❌ |
Youth Allowance/JobSeeker | ❌ (other rates apply) |

Chapter 3: Understanding the $400 Increase
3.1 Breakdown of Increase
The $400 is not a lump-sum payment. Instead, it is spread across multiple fortnightly pension cycles starting in June 2025.
Period | Fortnightly Boost | Total Boost by End of Phase |
---|---|---|
1–15 June 2025 | $100 | $100 |
16–30 June 2025 | $100 | $200 |
1–15 July 2025 | $100 | $300 |
16–31 July 2025 | $100 | $400 |
Note: Payment increases may reflect as “adjusted pension rates” in your Centrelink payment summary.
Chapter 4: Updated Pension Rates for June 2025
Recipient Type | Previous Fortnightly Rate | New Fortnightly Rate (incl. $100) |
---|---|---|
Single Age Pensioner | $1,096.70 | $1,196.70 |
Couple (each) | $826.70 | $926.70 |
Disability Pension (single) | $1,096.70 | $1,196.70 |
Carer Payment (single) | $1,096.70 | $1,196.70 |
These rates include base rate + supplements (Energy Supplement, Pension Supplement).
Chapter 5: Income and Asset Thresholds (As of June 2025)
5.1 Income Test Thresholds
Status | Max Fortnightly Income (Full Pension) |
---|---|
Single | $204 |
Couple (combined) | $360 |
Above these limits, a 50c reduction per $1 applies for partial pension.
5.2 Asset Test Thresholds
Status | Homeowner | Non-Homeowner |
---|---|---|
Single | $301,750 | $543,750 |
Couple (combined) | $451,500 | $693,500 |
Chapter 6: When Will You Receive the Increase?

6.1 Official Payment Dates for June 2025
Fortnight Period | Expected Payment Date |
---|---|
1st–15th June | 6 June 2025 |
16th–30th June | 20 June 2025 |
1st–15th July | 4 July 2025 |
16th–31st July | 18 July 2025 |
Note: Dates may vary slightly due to weekends and public holidays.
Chapter 7: How to Ensure You Receive the Increase
7.1 Update Your Details
- Ensure your income and asset records are up to date in your myGov account.
- Report changes to your living situation or partner status promptly.
7.2 Link myGov to Centrelink
If not already done:
- Visit my.gov.au
- Sign in > Link Centrelink
- Enter CRN and answer security questions
7.3 Use the Centrelink App
Track your pension increase via the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app for:
- Payment history
- Next scheduled payment
- Adjustments or recalculations
Chapter 8: Budget Impact and Government Response
The June 2025 pension boost is expected to impact over 2.4 million Australians, costing the federal budget an estimated $1.2 billion over two months. Despite concerns from fiscal conservatives, the Treasurer confirmed the move was necessary to:
- Sustain elderly dignity
- Prevent homelessness and poverty
- Maintain social equity in times of inflation
Chapter 9: Real-Life Impact – Stories from Recipients
Story 1: Mary from Brisbane
“The $400 boost helps with my medications and fresh groceries. Every little bit makes a big difference when you’re retired.”
Story 2: John & Angela from Adelaide
“We’re both on a pension. That extra $200 each month together helps us cover our rising electricity bills.”
Chapter 10: Comparison with Past Increases
Year | Mid-Year Increase | Reason |
---|---|---|
2021 | $250 (COVID Relief) | Pandemic relief |
2022 | $330 (Inflation) | CPI & fuel subsidy |
2023 | $175 (Indexation only) | Routine adjustment |
2024 | $285 (Cost of Living) | CPI + Rent hike support |
2025 | $400 | Inflation & housing |
Conclusion
The Centrelink $400 pension increase in June 2025 comes as a crucial step toward supporting senior Australians through economic uncertainty. With rising living expenses and limited income sources, this increase is more than just financial relief—it’s a signal of recognition and respect for pensioners who have contributed to the nation.
To ensure you don’t miss out:
- Confirm your eligibility
- Keep your records up-to-date
- Use myGov or the app to track your payments
In times of economic turbulence, policy decisions like this bring much-needed peace of mind and financial confidence to those who need it most.
FAQs
Q1: Will I automatically receive the $400 increase?
A: Yes, if you are an eligible pensioner and your records with Centrelink are current, you’ll automatically receive the adjusted payment without needing to apply.
Q2: Will this affect my other benefits?
A: No, the pension increase will not negatively impact other benefits like Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or Energy Supplement.
Q3: I’m a new applicant in June 2025. Am I eligible?
A: If your claim is processed and approved during June 2025, you will receive the increased rate from your first payment onward.
Q4: What if I didn’t receive my payment on time?
A: Contact Services Australia via myGov or their helpline. Payment delays may result from incomplete information or verification issues.
Q5: Will this $400 increase be permanent?
A: While the base adjustment from indexation may stay, the $400 boost is temporary unless future budgets include further supplements.