In response to rising inflation and cost pressures, the Australian Government has officially announced new income thresholds for the Cost of Living Supplement coming in September 2025.
This adjustment is part of a broader economic strategy to support lower- and middle-income households dealing with increased expenses in energy, groceries, rent, and healthcare.
Let’s break down who qualifies, how much you could receive, and when payments will be delivered.
Why the Cost of Living Supplement Is Being Updated
With inflation rates impacting essential goods and services across the board, the federal government is expanding eligibility to ensure more Australians can access support.
- Energy prices remain high in 2025, especially after winter usage.
- Groceries and household goods continue to see price increases.
- Health and transport costs have steadily climbed due to supply constraints and wage growth.
To combat these challenges, the income thresholds for eligibility have been increased, meaning more households will now qualify for the one-time supplement payment in September 2025.
Updated Income Thresholds for September 2025
Here are the revised Centrelink eligibility limits that apply starting from September 1, 2025:
| Category | Old Threshold (2024) | New Threshold (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Individual | $62,000 | $68,000 |
| Couple (No Children) | $96,000 | $108,000 |
| Couple (With Children) | $118,000 | $130,000 |
These updates are projected to expand access to over 200,000 additional households, especially working families and single parents balancing rising expenses.
How Much Will You Receive?
Eligible recipients will receive between $250 and $750, depending on their household type and income. The payment will be tax-free and non-assessable, meaning it won’t affect other Centrelink entitlements.
| Household Type | Estimated Payment |
|---|---|
| Single individuals | $250 – $300 |
| Couples without children | $400 – $500 |
| Families with dependents | $600 – $750 |
This is a one-time payment and is designed to directly assist with short-term cost burdens.
Payment Dates and Schedule
The government payout schedule will occur in three structured rounds to prevent Centrelink system overload and ensure smooth processing:
- Round 1: September 9, 2025 – Single individuals
- Round 2: Week of September 16 – Couples without children
- Round 3: From September 23 – Families with dependents
Payments will be directly deposited into the bank account linked to your Centrelink or MyGov profile.
What You Need to Do: Application and Updates
While many payments will be processed automatically, you should update your Centrelink details immediately to avoid payment delays.
Steps to follow:
- Log in to your MyGov account
- Update income and asset details
- Confirm dependent information
- Verify bank account for direct deposit
Those who have recently changed income brackets or household status are especially urged to update their information.
The Cost of Living Supplement September 2025 is a strategic and much-needed financial boost for millions of Australians.
With revised income thresholds and a structured rollout plan, this one-time payment aims to reduce the financial strain caused by inflation.
By staying informed and ensuring your details are current with Centrelink, you can make sure you receive the full benefit you’re entitled to.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the September Cost of Living Supplement?
Most eligible recipients will receive the payment automatically, but updating MyGov details is highly recommended.
Will this payment affect my other Centrelink benefits?
No. It is a standalone, non-taxable payment and does not impact other entitlements.
What if I don’t receive the payment in September?
You should contact Services Australia and verify that your Centrelink profile and income information are accurate and up to date.