Beginning this month, millions of Australians who are Centrelink recipients saw their fortnightly payments increase. The Centrelink Payments Increase November 2026 apply to the main welfare and support payments, such as the Age Pension, JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, Carer Payment, Carer Allowance, and Disability Support Pension.
For many recipients, this means there is more money in their pockets to help support increases in the cost of living. However, the increase in the deeming rates (which is the rate used to assess financial assets) means that some pensioners might only see a slight gain – or, in fact, a slight drop in their real payments.
So, let’s look at the new Centrelink Age Pension, Jobseeker, Abstudy Allowance Increase, and what that means for Australians who are relying on the government to support them. Many changes are going to happen in Centrelink payments from November 2026, including amount changes, dates, and many other things.
Centrelink Payments Increase November 2026
Centrelink payments are indexed semi-annually, in March and September, to ensure that income support does not fall behind inflation or changes in living standards. The Centrelink Payments Increase November 2026 are made with reference to the consumer price index, Pensioner & Beneficiary Living Cost index (PBLCI) and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE).
The government will use the highest of these measures to apply to the pension, to ensure that payments do not fall behind inflation or the growth in wages. This is an equitable way to deal with the adjustment, which will be crucial in 2026, especially with the ongoing pressure on the cost of living.
Centrelink Age Pension, Jobseeker, Abstudy Allowance Increase
| About | Centrelink Age Pension, Jobseeker, Abstudy Allowance Increase |
| Payment Mode | Direct Deposit |
| Payment Date | 20th September, 2026 |
| Payment Amount | Depends on the eligibility |
| Year | 2026 |
| Category | Finance |
| Verification | Yes |
| Authority | Centrelink |
| Country | Australia |
| Resources | https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ |
New Centrelink Age Pension Rates 2026
The Age Pension is the largest Centrelink payment, with over 2.5 million Australians relying on the payment.
New Rates (Effective from 20 September 2026)
- Single Pensioner – Increased by $29.70 per fortnight to $1,178.70 per fortnight (new maximum).
- Couples – An increase of $22.40 per fortnight per person to $888.50 per fortnight (new maximum per person).
Additional Supplements and Add-Ons for Pensioners
All pensioners may also be eligible for:
- Pension Supplement – to help with utilities and everyday bills.
- Energy Supplement – a small additional payment to help with increasing energy costs.
- Rent Assistance – for those renting privately who meet the criteria.
This means a single pensioner renting may receive more than $1,394 per fortnight (maximum rate + all supplements + maximum rent assistance).
New JobSeeker Payment Amount 2026
JobSeeker Payment provides help for unemployed Australian adults, or those who cannot work an adequate number of hours.
New Rates (Effective from 20th September 2026)
- Single (22 years and over, with no children): Increase of $12.50 – newly $793.60 per fortnight.
- Single with children: Now $849.90 per fortnight.
- Partnered: Now $725.00 per fortnight (for each).
New Youth Allowance Benefit Amount 2026
Youth Allowance
- In addition, Youth Allowance rates have increased for students, apprentices and job seekers who are under the age of 22.
- Single, 18+ living away from the parental home: Approximately $663.30 per fortnight.
- Partnered students/apprentices: Approximately $617.40 per fortnight, each.
New Carer Allowance Benefit Rates 2026
Looking after an individual with a disability, a medical condition, or age-related requirements is a full-time job, and there are two payments that the Commonwealth Government, through Centrelink, provides, which are Carer Payment and Carer Allowance.
New Rates (Effective 20 September 2026)
- Carer Payment: Increased in accordance with the Age Pension (as they are paid at the same rate).
- Carer Allowance: Slightly upped, now $153.50 per fortnight.
New Centrelink DSP Rates 2026
The Disability Support Pension increased in line with changes to the Age Pension, with the following amounts paid to the recipient:
- Single DSP recipient: Up to $1,178.70, paid fortnightly.
- Couple DSP recipients: $888.50, paid fortnightly.
Similar to pensioners, DSP recipients are paid supplements and can also receive rent assistance.
FACT CHECK
The updates to the Centrelink payments in November 2026 provide much-needed relief to millions of Australians, particularly pensioners, carers, job seekers, and students. The Age Pension recipients are the biggest winners of the boost in payments, with rises available of up to $29.70 per fortnight for singles.
Frequently Asked Questions On Centrelink Payments Increase November 2026
When did the new Centrelink payment rates commence?
Beginning on 20th September 2026, applying to payments received from early November.
What was the increase in the Age Pension in 2026?
Singles were given an additional $29.70 per fortnight, while couples received $22.40 a fortnight increase each.
Did JobSeeker payments rise in November 2026?
Everyone in Centrelink’s systems received an increase in payments, and the single, no-children rate reached $793.60 per fortnight.
Who would be impacted by the new deeming rates?
Those who are pensioners with bank savings and investments. Approximately 70,000 Australians would have a reduction in their payments due to the deeming rates decreasing.
