Centrelink payments to increase for over one million Australians starting January 1

Starting January 1, over one million Australians will see an increase in Centrelink payments. This includes university students, carers, and individuals with disabilities, with a boost of 3.8 percent, surpassing the recent inflation rate of 2.8 percent. Youth Allowance for teenagers living at home will rise by $15 to $410.30 per fortnight. Payments for those aged 18 to 24 studying away from home will increase by $24.30 to $663.30. The Disability Support Pension for under-18s living at home will go up by $20.80 to $569.60. The Carer Allowance will also increase by $5.80 to $159.30. Additionally, the parental income test threshold for Youth Allowance will rise to $65,189, reflecting a 4.1 percent increase. These changes come as part of broader government efforts to support those in need.