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The Government has announced that social security deeming rates will increase from 20 September 2025.

This is the first increase in deeming rates since 2020, as rates have been frozen at historically low levels.
 
From 20 September 2025, deeming rates will increase by 0.5% to:

  • Lower deeming rate:  0.75% p.a. (previously 0.25% p.a.)
  • Upper deeming rate:  2.75% p.a. (previously 2.25% p.a.)

In the announcement, the Government indicated that this increase is the first of a series of increases.  

'As Australians begin to feel the positive impacts of inflation easing, the Government will now gradually return deeming rates to pre-pandemic settings - that is, to reflect rates of return that pensioners and other payment recipients can reasonably access on their investments.'

Future increases in deeming rates will occur in line with the indexation of payments (expected to be 20 March and 20 September).


Deeming rates from 20 September 2025:
 

Rate
 

Single
 

Pensioner couple (combined)

Non-pensioner couple (each)

0.75%    


First $64,200 ($481.50)
 

First $106,200
($796.50)

First $53,100
($398.25)

2.75%

Excess

Excess


Excess
 



Centrelink have released the rates and thresholds that apply from 20 September to 31 December 2025.

 
 

The Aged Care Rules are a legislative instrument that outlines how the new Aged Care Act 2024 will be implemented from 1 November 2025.

 

Following a period of public consultation, the government has released the final draft of these rules. The Rules will come into effect once they have been signed by the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors and published on the Federal Register of Legislation.

 

The final version is subject to passage and Royal Assent of related amending legislation passing Parliament.

 

Further information regarding the key changes made to the rules following the consultation period can be found here.

Latest articles

Tax return tips to help implement financial planning strategies successfully

Several financial planning strategies rely on the correct completion of the individual tax return.

If key items are missed or incorrectly reported, the strategy may not work as intended, and in some cases, may even trigger adverse tax consequences.

 

 

Exceeding the non-concessional cap - options

Where a client exceeds their non-concessional contributions cap, the ATO will issue a determination notice advising options to deal with the excess.   This article looks at common scenarios and the impact on the client’s super and tax positions. 

 

 

 

 

 

Company directors and the retirement condition of release

 
 

Is it possible for the director of a private company to trigger the retirement condition of release by resigning their directorship after turning age 60? 

 

 

 

 

 

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