Centrelink payments increase for over one million Australians starting January 1

Starting January 1, over one million Australians will receive a Centrelink payment increase. This includes university students, carers, and individuals with disabilities, with a boost of 3.8 percent, exceeding the current inflation rate of 2.8 percent. Youth Allowance for teenagers under 18 living at home will rise by $15 to $410.30 per fortnight. Payments for those aged 18 to 24 living away from home will increase by $24.30 to $663.30. Disability Support Pension and Carer Allowance will also see similar increases. The changes aim to help recipients manage living costs. The adjustments are based on the June quarter's consumer price index, which is higher than recent inflation figures.