Good news for Australians – these are the major changes to Centrelink that will affect the pocketbooks of thousands of people

Attention, because if you receive assistance from Centrelink, from March 20 your payments will increase. Yes, it sounds incredible, but no, don’t expect to become a millionaire. More than five million people in Australia will see changes in their social assistance payments.

This adjustment is nothing new and responds to the inflation that is affecting the country and seeks to help all people who receive financial support from the government, including those who receive the age pension, JobSeeker, disability support, Carer Payment, Parenting Payment and Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

So, if you depend on these benefits, prepare a coffee and the calculator because we tell you how much more you will receive with this change.

Change in Centrelink payments

The changes are based on the CPI (Consumer Price Index) and will be announced at the beginning of next month. Normally, these changes are modified in March and September and help control inflation so that users who receive this money do not see their money diminished by the price increases that we are continually experiencing. In other words, they modify the amount of money that users receive so that they can continue to maintain their standard of living without being suffocated by inflation.

How much are Centrelink payments going up?

Here’s the part we all want to know:

• Retirement Essentials has estimated that the changes to the age pension will be as follows:
• Singles’ pension: up $4.52 a fortnight, reaching $1,148.92.
• Couples’ pension: up $6.84, reaching $1,732.02 a fortnight.

It’s not a huge amount, but a little extra always helps anyone. While it won’t buy you a trip to the Maldives, it might buy you a couple more coffees a month or cushion the price hike at the supermarket a little.

The income and asset limits of the age pension test are also expected to increase on 20 March, as they depend on the value of payment rates, so we will have to wait for the full details.

JobSeeker changes

Under the changes, jobseekers who have registered with Workforce Australia or Disability Employment Services will not face enforcement action if it is the first time they fail to meet the requirements.

In addition, those who have worked 30 hours every fortnight for at least two months will also be exempt from withholdings from Centrelink payments.

In summary, the new rules are:

1. Fewer penalties for unemployed people: If you are on Workforce Australia or Disability Employment Services, your payments will now not be cut the first time you fail to meet a requirement. 2. More flexibility for those in work and receiving support:
2. If you get a job and reach 30 hours a fortnight for two months, you will no longer be penalised if you miss a Centrelink appointment.
3. If you receive Carer Payment, you can now work up to 100 hours in four weeks without losing the benefit. Previously, the limit was 25 hours per week, which made it difficult to find a job without risking aid.

The increase coming this March is not a huge amount, but at the end of the month, it all adds up, especially in a context where everything is increasingly more expensive, every extra dollar counts and is welcome.

Also, changes in penalties and work flexibility make payments much more accessible than they were before. Centrelink seems to be listening (finally) to those who depend on these benefits and adjusting its rules so as not to make their lives more difficult than it already is.

If you are a beneficiary, check your account after March 20 to confirm the new amount. And if you have any doubts, go to the Services Australia website to make sure everything is right!!

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