The cost-of-living is increasing as a result of inflation across the world. There are millions of people who are facing challenges in managing their expenses. However, in Australia, the Social Service Agency, Centrelink has announced an increase in the benefit programs it provides. The main targeted citizens are those with low-income, are disabled or unemployed. Let’s get into the details of increased payments of Centrelink benefit programs in 2024 in the article below.
Centrelink Payment Increase September 2024
Due to a 3.6% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), all the Centrelink payment programs will see an increase from July 1, 2024. The Government of Australia has decided to make an increase in the payments to allow low-income, disabled, and unemployed people to manage their finances efficiently. The Centrelink Payment is provided on yearly and monthly basis.
People who are unemployed in the country are receiving the Youth Allowance Benefit which is paid biweekly. Senior citizens are receiving an old age pension which is also paid biweekly with a basic amount of $1020.60. Old age pension is available to only those people who are 67 and above.
People with low income who are facing financial issues in raising their children receive Family Tax Benefit. Similarly, disabled individuals are eligible for Disability Support Pension payment in Australia. The increased amounts and payment dates of all of these benefits are mentioned in the below article.
Highlights of Centrelink Increase September 2024
| Title | Centrelink Increase September 2024: new payment amount & eligibility for higher amount |
| Country | Australia |
| Department | Social Service Australia, Centrelink |
| Beneficiaries | Low-income, disabled, old age people, or unemployed |
| Benefit Programs | Youth Allowance Benefit, Family Tax Benefit, Disability Support Pension, Old age Pension |
| Reason of Increase | Inflation |
| Post Category | Government Aid |
| Official Portal | https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ |
Eligibility Criteria
To manage the rising cost of inflation, the government of Australia has made an increase of up to $750 on the Centrelink financial benefit programs.
To qualify for the increased amount of Centrelink benefits, the people who wants to apply for the programs need to meet these below eligibility standards:
- Residential Status: The residential status of candidates must be Australia.
- Disability Support Documents: People who are suffering from some disability and want to apply for the Centrelink programs must have some valid documents for proof. The certificate or document must be signed by a legal authority.
- Income Criteria: People applying for the Centrelink must have a limited source of income and should not surpass the income criteria set by the government.
- Emergency Remittance: The emergency allowance can only be after showing valid proofs. People who are in urgent need of money and facing financial crisis can also apply for the Centrelink programs.
Increased Payment Amount of Centrelink
Increased payment amounts of various Centrelink benefits are mentioned below:
- Old Age Pension for Singles: Old age people who are single individuals will see an increase in the old age pension amount of $19.60 per fortnight.
- Old Age Pension for Couples: Senior couples will see an increase in their old age pension amount of $14.70 per fortnight.
- Family Tax Benefit Part B: The Family Tax Benefit payments are also going to see an increase of $288.82 per child.
- Disability Support Pension: The recipients of Disability Support Pension are going to see an increase of 6% in the amount of Disability Support Pension.
New Payment Dates
The new upcoming payment dates of Centrelink are mentioned below:
- 22 August 2024: Payment was previously going to be made on August 28, 2024
- 19 September 2024: Payment was previously going to be made on September 25, 2024
- 7 October 2024: Payment date was previously going to be made on October 23, 2024
Note: An amount of $250 is also available for the urgent financial needs but a valid document must be shown as a proof.
How to check the application status?
Follow these below steps to check the Centrelink application status:
- Visit the official website of Centrelink and go to the Centrelink Payment Section.
- Select the status tab and enter the reference ID and other relevant details.
- Ensure all the enrollment requirements are completed accurately.
- If someone has not received the payment, then eligible people must reach out to Centrelink. They can visit their local office or contact them through online services.
| Home Page | https://www.easthamptonchamber.com/ |
FAQs of Centrelink Increase September 2024
The new payment dates of Centrelink in 2024 are September 22, September 19, and October 7.
An increase of approx. $750 has been made in the payment amount of Centrelink benefit programs.
The increment in the payment amount of Centrelink benefits programs will come into effect from July 1, 2024.
Riya Claire is the Editor-in-Chief of the East Hampton Chamber Portal. She holds a degree in Mass Communication, an MBA in Finance, and a diploma in HR, making her a versatile professional for an online portal