Centrelink payments are a vital financial lifeline for millions of Australians. As of June 2025, several important updates have been confirmed, affecting recipients of Parenting Payment, Age Pension, JobSeeker, Parental Leave Pay, and students relocating for tertiary study. This article details the latest changes, including payment increases, new eligibility rules, and the impact of public holidays on payment schedules.
Key Centrelink Payment Changes for June 2025
Parental Leave Pay: Extended Duration and Superannuation
From 1 July 2025, families welcoming a new child—either by birth or adoption—will see significant improvements in Parental Leave Pay:
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Duration Increase: Parental Leave Pay rises from 20 to 24 weeks (110 days to 120 days), giving parents more time to bond with their child.
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Superannuation Contributions: For the first time, the government will pay a 12% superannuation contribution on Parental Leave Pay, directly to your super fund after the financial year ends, starting July 2026.
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Eligibility: Applies to children born or adopted on or after 1 July 2025. Claims can be lodged up to three months before the expected birth or adoption date.
Table: Parental Leave Pay Changes
| Feature | Until 30 June 2025 | From 1 July 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum duration | 20 weeks (110 days) | 24 weeks (120 days) |
| Superannuation contribution | None | 12% paid by government |
| Claim window | 3 months prior | 3 months prior |
| Applies to | Birth/adoption | Birth/adoption |
Indexation: Ongoing Payment Increases
While June itself brings no new rate rises, the indexed increases from March 20, 2025, remain in effect. These increases are part of the routine biannual updates to help recipients keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living.
Recent Payment Rate Increases:
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Age Pension (Single): Up by approximately $4.60 per week.
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JobSeeker: Increased by $3.10–$3.30 per fortnight, depending on age.
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Parenting Payment: Up by $2.80–$4.00.
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Rent Assistance: Increased by $0.53–$0.80.
These changes should already be reflected in your Centrelink or myGov account statements.
Table: Indexed Payment Rate Rises (March 2025)
| Payment Type | Increase Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension (Single) | +$4.60 | Weekly |
| JobSeeker | +$3.10–$3.30 | Fortnightly |
| Parenting Payment | +$2.80–$4.00 | Fortnightly |
| Rent Assistance | +$0.53–$0.80 | Fortnightly |
Tertiary Access Payment: Broader Eligibility
A major development in 2025 is the expansion of the Tertiary Access Payment, which now allows more young Australians to receive up to $5,000 to help with relocation costs for higher education.
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Eligibility Expanded: Students who take a gap year after high school can now apply, not just those who go directly to university or TAFE.
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Age Limit: Applicants must be 22 years or younger and meet other requirements.
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Payment Structure:
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$5,000 (two payments) for those moving from outer regional or remote areas
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$3,000 (single payment) for those from inner regional areas
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Can Be Combined: This payment is independent of Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, or Relocation Scholarship.
Table: Tertiary Access Payment Overview
| Region of Origin | Amount | Payment Structure | Age Limit | Gap Year Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outer/Remote | $5,000 | Two payments | ≤22 | Yes |
| Inner Regional | $3,000 | Single payment | ≤22 | Yes |
Public Holiday Payment Date Changes
Due to the King’s Birthday public holiday (Monday, 9 June 2025), some Centrelink payments were issued early, typically on Friday, 6 June 2025. If you were expecting a payment on the public holiday, check your account for early deposits.
Minimum Debt Repayment Change
From 12 June 2025, the minimum amount you can repay to Centrelink at Australia Post rises to $5 per transaction. This change only affects in-person repayments at Australia Post; other payment methods remain unchanged.
Quick Checklist for Centrelink Recipients (June 2025)
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Log in to myGov to check your payment schedule and update details.
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If applying for Parental Leave Pay, claims can be lodged up to three months in advance.
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Review your payment history to ensure indexed increases are applied.
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For debt repayments, consider alternative methods if you usually pay less than $5 at Australia Post.
Stay Informed: Trust Only Official Sources
All changes outlined here are officially confirmed by Services Australia. Be cautious of rumors about extra payments or bonuses, and always verify through myGov or the Services Australia website before acting.
FAQs
Q1: When do the new Parental Leave Pay changes start?
The changes take effect for children born or adopted on or after 1 July 2025.
Q2: Can I receive the Tertiary Access Payment if I take a gap year?
Yes, the eligibility has been expanded to include students who take one or more gap years after high school.
Q3: Do I need to apply to receive the indexed payment increases?
No, the increases are applied automatically to all eligible recipients.
June 2025 brings significant updates for Centrelink recipients, including extended Parental Leave Pay, superannuation contributions, broadened student support, and routine indexation increases. Staying informed and checking your myGov account regularly will ensure you receive the correct entitlements and understand how these changes affect your financial planning.
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