Australia payments and deeming rates change on 20 September 2026

Several Australian social security payments increase from 20 September 2026 as part of regular indexation. The changes affect millions of people receiving pensions, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment and Commonwealth Rent Assistance.

Important 20 September update: Services Australia has also increased social security deeming rates to 1.75% and 3.75%. Deemed income is counted under the income test, so the change may affect how much some people with financial assets receive.

What are the new deeming rates from 20 September 2026?

The lower deeming rate is now 1.75% on financial assets up to $66,800 for a single person or $110,600 for a couple combined. Financial assets above those thresholds are deemed at 3.75%. The Australian Government says the new rates are applied automatically, so recipients do not need to request the change.

The practical effect will vary by person. A higher deemed income amount can reduce a means-tested payment or offset part of an indexed payment increase, depending on the recipient’s financial assets and income-test position. The thresholds and rates were confirmed by the Department of Social Services.

What changes on 20 September?

The Australian Government says the maximum single pension rate will rise by $36.80 to $1,237.70 per fortnight. The maximum combined rate for a pensioner couple will rise by $55.60 to $1,866.00 per fortnight.

For a single JobSeeker recipient without children, the maximum rate will increase by $16.20 to $833.70 per fortnight.

Parenting Payment rates and Commonwealth Rent Assistance limits also rise.

Does everyone receive the maximum amount?

No. Social security payments can depend on income, assets, family circumstances, rent and other factors. The headline figures are maximum rates, not a promise that every recipient will receive that amount.

What should recipients do?

If you already receive a payment, check your Services Australia account after the new rates take effect. You normally do not need to submit a separate claim just because an indexed rate changes.

If you have recently arrived in Australia, remember that many payments have residency and waiting-period rules. Check eligibility directly with Services Australia rather than assuming that a payment is available immediately.

For general settling-in information, see Babylon’s Australia country guide.

Official source

Department of Social Services Ministers: September indexation to deliver more cost-of-living relief, 20 August 2026.