March is more than just the start of autumn for a lot of Australians; it’s also when Centrelink payments change. Starting in mid-March 2026, the old payment rates will no longer be valid. This will affect pensioners, families, carers, and job seekers all over the country.
The new numbers show the regular indexation changes that are meant to keep payments in line with changes in wages and inflation. Even though the increases may not seem like much every two weeks, they can add up over the course of a year.
This is what is changing and who will benefit the most.
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What will happen in March 2026?
Payments made through Centrelink by Services Australia are adjusted for inflation twice a year, usually in March and September.
Starting in March 2026:
The highest rates for the Age Pension go up.
JobSeeker Payment base rates change
The amounts of Parenting Payment and Carer Payment go up.
The limits for the income and asset tests have been changed.
Rates for Commonwealth Rent Assistance go up.
These changes happen automatically, so people don’t have to reapply.
Age Pension: More Money Every Two Weeks
The maximum basic rate for Age Pensioners will go up.
The March adjustment includes the following, but the exact numbers depend on whether you are single or in a couple:
Higher maximum payment every two weeks
Changes to income-free areas before cuts take effect
New limits for the asset test
For instance, a rise of $15 to $25 every two weeks can add up to several hundred dollars over a year.
JobSeeker Payment: Small Increase
People who get JobSeeker will also get a rate change in March.
Important changes include:
Increase in the indexed base rate
Higher income level before payment goes down
Requirements for continued mutual obligation
Advocacy groups say that the payment is still low compared to rent and groceries, but the increase helps a little.
Payment for Parenting and Caregiving
The changes in March 2026 also affect parents and carers.
Changes include:
Higher rates for parenting payments
New limits for Carer Payments
Changed allowances and supplements
Families with dependent children may see a little bit more overall support once the supplements are taken into account.
Commonwealth Rent Assistance: A Must for Renters
In March, Rent Assistance is also indexed.
Those who qualify may see:
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More help with rent up to a certain amount
Changed the rent limits
More help for the whole family
This change is especially important for pensioners and low-income families because rental markets are still tight in many cities.
Before and after March 2026, a comparison
Payments Change in March for What Reason
Australia’s social security system ties big payments to things like the economy, such as:
CPI, or the Consumer Price Index
Living Cost Index for Pensioners and Beneficiaries
Standards for wage growth
Indexation every six months helps keep buying power, which is especially important for retirees who get a fixed income.
| Payment Type | Before March 2026 | After March 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Age Pension | Previous indexed rate | Increased maximum rate |
| JobSeeker | Lower base rate | Indexed higher rate |
| Parenting Payment | Prior rate | Adjusted upward |
| Rent Assistance | Old maximum | Increased cap |
What People Really Said
Margaret, 72, from Adelaide, says that even small changes are important.
“Every little bit helps when the cost of groceries and electricity keeps going up,” she said.
Daniel, a single JobSeeker recipient in Brisbane, said:
“It won’t fix everything, but at least it goes up with inflation.”
For a lot of families, the increase may help ease the pressure of rising food and utility costs.
Do you have to do anything?
If you already get a payment, you don’t have to do anything.
The rise will:
Automatically apply
Show up in your next payment after mid-March that you can use
Show up in your online Centrelink account
However, people who get payments should make sure that their income reporting is up to date, since payment calculations depend on correct information.
Who is most affected?
The changes that will happen in March 2026 will mostly affect:
People who get the Age Pension
People who get the Disability Support Pension
People who get JobSeeker
People who get Parenting Payment
People who get Carer Payment
People who get rent help
Multiple supports for the same household may lead to cumulative increases.
