September 2026 changes: Centrelink Age Pension, JobSeeker, rent assistance, stamp prices and interest rates

Australians will pay more for stamps as age pensioners, the unemployed, university students, renters and parents get a cost-of-living boost but at least borrowers are more likely to be spared another interest rate rise next month with economists expecting inflation to ease.

The start of spring on September 1 will coincide with Australia Post charging 15 cents more for a postage stamp, which from next month will cost $1.85 after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission approved of the increase.

September 20 also coincides with the twice-yearly indexation of key Centrelink benefits for 5.3 million recipients, that track either movements in pensioner living costs or inflation over six months, costing the Budget $4 billion.

“Whether it’s paying the rent, putting food on the table or covering everyday bills, this extra support will help Australians on income support make ends meet,” Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said.

“We’ll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind.”

The age pension on that day is increasing by 3.2 per cent or $35.10 a fortnight to $1135.40, with the increase in line with the pensioner and beneficiary living cost index rise in the six months to June 30, as measured by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The deeming rate, or the interest on financial assets used to calculate benefit eligibility, will also increase to 1.75 per cent for financial assets up to $66,800 for singles and $110,600 for couples combined, with a rate of 3.75 per cent for any financial assets above the threshold.

JobSeeker benefits for the unemployed are increasing by 2 per cent or $16.20 a fortnight to $824.90, with that increase reflecting the growth in headline inflation over six months.

That includes the 1.4 per cent increase in the consumer price index during the March quarter and the 0.6 per cent increase during the June quarter.

Abstudy is increasing by the same dollar amount as JobSeeker while Youth Allowance is increase by $20.90 a fortnight, or by 2 per cent, to $1068.20.

Parenting payments are also increasing by 2 per cent, or $20.30 a fortnight to $1037.50, while Commonwealth Rent Assistance also rises by 2 per cent, or $4.40 a fortnight to $223.80.

Headline inflation is the benchmark for a series of Centrelink payments, based on movements in the September and December quarters for the March 20 indexation, and the March and June quarters for the September 20 indexation.

The consumer price index, which includes all volatile items like petrol prices, is expected to show further easing in July, when the ABS releases new data on Wednesday.

Westpac and NAB are expecting the CPI to have eased to 3.3 per cent in July, down from June’s annual pace of 3.8 per cent, which would mark the most moderate inflation since August last year.