To shield Australia’s most vulnerable citizens from ongoing inflation and cost-of-living pressures, the federal government has announced a $2,250 Double Boost for qualified aged pensioners and disability support recipients in May 2025. The increased payment rate is part of a broader Centrelink support initiative to ease financial stress on low-income Australians.
This guide explains who qualifies for the boost, how much each category will receive, and how to apply if you’re not yet enrolled.
Why the $2,250 Double Boost Matters in May 2025
As rent, food, and utility prices continue rising, many retirees and people with disabilities are struggling to maintain a basic standard of living. This new payment aims to increase their purchasing power and improve access to essential services like healthcare, medication, groceries, and electricity.
The boost is structured to double the standard amount for eligible recipients under the Age Pension and Disability Support Pension (DSP), making $2,250 available under adjusted rates and supplements.
Centrelink’s Role in the Disbursement
All payments under this program will be disbursed through Centrelink, either automatically or through successful application. The boost includes multiple components:
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Base pension increase
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Supplement adjustments
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Additional energy supplement
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One-time inflation-linked boost for high-need recipients
Funds are credited directly to the recipients’ bank accounts unless otherwise specified.
Eligibility Criteria for the Double Boost
To receive the full benefit, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Citizenship/Residency: Must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident for a specified period as per Services Australia guidelines
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Age Pension: Must be 67 years or older by July 2025
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Disability Pension: Must be:
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21 or older (with or without children), or
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Under 21 and caring for a child
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Medical Documentation: Disability applicants must provide valid medical evidence to support their condition
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Means Test Compliance: Income and assets must fall within the accepted Centrelink thresholds
If you are not currently receiving either pension, you will need to apply manually through the MyGov portal.
Breakdown of Expected Increases in May 2025
The payment structure is composed of three core elements: basic rate, pension supplement, and energy supplement. Here’s how the increases compare:
| Payment Component | Current (Single) | Boosted (Single) | Current (Couple) | Boosted (Couple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Basic Rate | $1,020.60 | $1,047.10 | $1,538.60 | $1,578.60 |
| Maximum Pension Supplement | $81.60 | $83.20 | $123.00 | $125.40 |
| Energy Supplement | $14.40 | $14.10 | $21.20 | $21.20 |
| Total (Fortnightly) | $1,116.30 | $1,144.40 | $1,682.80 | $1,725.20 |
Additional adjustments may be granted for individuals with complex health needs or those living in high-cost areas.
How to Apply for the Double Boost
For most existing recipients, no application is required. The increase will be applied automatically. However, if you’re not yet enrolled, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Application Process:
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Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet income, residency, and age/disability requirements. -
Log in to MyGov
Visit Services Australia and log in or create a MyGov account. -
Fill Out the Online Form
Choose the relevant pension application and enter your personal and financial details. -
Upload Required Documents
Include documents such as:-
Proof of income
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Medical records (for DSP)
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Property/asset declarations
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Proof of citizenship/residency
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Submit and Wait for Approval
After reviewing for accuracy, submit the form. Services Australia will review and notify you via MyGov or SMS.
When Will the Boost Be Paid?
The increased amounts will be included in the May 2025 pension disbursement cycle, with payments starting from May 6. Depending on your payment schedule and location, the credited amount may vary slightly.
If you’re new to Centrelink or still applying, expect the processing time to be between 2–6 weeks after submission.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $2,250 Double Boost in May 2025?
Eligible recipients include Australian citizens or permanent residents receiving the Age Pension (aged 67+) or Disability Support Pension (21+ with valid medical proof).
Is the increase automatic for existing pensioners?
Yes. If you’re already receiving either pension, the adjusted amount will be paid automatically through Centrelink in May 2025.
Can I still apply if I don’t currently receive any pension?
Yes. If you meet the criteria, apply through MyGov by submitting the necessary forms and documents before the end of May.
What if my disability application is still pending?
Your increase will only be processed once your DSP application is approved. Ensure your documentation is complete for faster verification.
Will there be another increase after this boost?
There may be additional indexation-based increases later in 2025 depending on inflation trends. These will be announced by Services Australia separately.
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