Starting from today, millions of Australians will receive more money in their Centrelink accounts due to the indexing of payments.
People receiving rent assistance, unemployment benefits, single parenting support, and the pension for caregivers will all benefit from the increase.
Some of these payments will also be available to more people, following the expansion of eligibility.
An extra 77,000 parents will be eligible for higher payments due to the new rule that covers parents with children under 14 years old.
The assets and income limits for the payments are also increased to reflect the changes brought about by the indexation.
Single parenting payments will increase by around $17.50 a fortnight, while the combined payments for partners will go up by $12.30.
People with children under the age of 55 will receive an increase of around $14.40 in their fortnightly payments.
On the other hand, those on the ABSTUDY will receive an extra $13.50 a fortnight.
Single Jobseeker recipients will also get an extra $13.50 a fortnight, while couples will receive an additional $12.30.
The maximum amount of rent assistance that people can receive will vary depending on the situation of their families.
Individuals receiving the disability support pension, age pension, and carer payment will get an extra $19.60.
When combined with the energy supplement and pension, this will result in a maximum rate of $1116.30.
According to Amanda Rishworth, the minister for social services, indexing is a vital measure that will ensure that welfare recipients receive more money. She noted that addressing the cost of living is the government’s top priority.