The Australian Government has given its consent to a Mobility Allowance increase in January 2026. The change is targeted to provide assistance to those with disabilities or severe health conditions who are unable to use public transport from a variety of reasons. The payment meets the travel expenses of eligible persons going for work or study or community participation. The upcoming increase will provide much-needed relief when living costs continue to rise.
What Is the Mobility Allowance?
The Mobility Allowance is a Centrelink payment, which provides assistance to persons with long-term disabilities, illnesses, or injuries who are unable to use systems of public transport without a contributing amount of assistance. The allowance is intended to help with transport expenses through taxis or rideshares or private vehicle operation from employers in order to allow persons to be employed, gain training, or carry out community activities.
New Rates from January 2026
In an operation transferring allowance price increases with inflation and increasing transport costs, from January 2026, the allowance will be raised. The government states that the allowance rising will be higher than today’s fortnightly rate so as to provide recipients some added financial security. This is the cash assistance pay increment agglomerated with all of the support payments indexed to cost-of-living pressures across Australia.
Payment Schedule
Payments will continue to be paid in direct fortnightly payments into the recipient’s nominated bank account. The increased payment for the first time will be made in mid-January 2026, along with regular Centrelink payments, meaning all eligible Australians will see the increase in their first payment of the new year.
Who Is Eligible for the Increased Payment?
Eligibility for the Mobility Allowance has not changed. You must have a disability or medical condition that prevents you from using public transport without assistance. And, you must be working, studying, or job training, or in approved voluntary activity that requires travel. Those in receipt of the allowance do not need to apply again for the increase to be applied.
What This Means for Australians
The increase in the Mobility Allowance will hopefully provide much-needed support for many Australian persons with disabilities. Transport costs have been steadily rising, and it is an adjustment ensuring that people are not left behind in the access to employment and community opportunities. The increase should ease financial pressure while also allowing additional independence for many.
Conclusion
The Mobility Allowance increase from January 2026 will surely provide a relief to many persons with disabilities requiring a financial supplement towards their critical travel costs. With the new payment rate and assured schedule, recipients can continue to anticipate further support towards accessibility and improve on earnings quality.