Pension payments including the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment will increase by $9.90 a fortnight to $926.20 for singles, and by $14.80 a fortnight to $1,396.20 for couples combined, the Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said.
“Since we were first elected, the Age Pension has increased by $117.80 per fortnight for single pensioners and by $177.40 per fortnight for couples combined,” he said.
“This will directly benefit the 25,000 Age Pensioners living in our community.”
Individuals receiving Newstart Allowance, Widow Allowance and Sickness Allowance will benefit from an increase of $5.50 a fortnight to $564.50, including the Energy Supplement. Members of a couple will see an increase of $5 a fortnight to $509.60 each, including the Energy Supplement.
The rate of Parenting Payment (Single) will increase by $7.60 to $788.10 a fortnight, including the Pension Supplement and the Energy Supplement.
“We understand the importance of these increases to help pensioners and allowance recipients keep up with the cost of living,” Mr Hogan said.
“Rent Assistance rates will also increase from 20 March, as well as a range of income and assets limits for pensions and allowances. This includes higher limits to the income and assets tests for Age Pensioners.”
Full details of new rates and thresholds can be found on the Department of Social Services website at www.dss.gov.au/about-the-department/benefits-payments.
