20 September 2009
Peter Garrett AM
Federal Member for Kingsford Smith
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts
Over the coming weeks, pensioners in Kingsford Smith will receive letters from Centrelink explaining changes to their pension payments.
These changes, under the Australian Government’s Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform, will boost the payments to 3.3 million Age, Disability, Carer, Wife, and Widow B pensioners.
From 20 September:
-
Single pensioners on the maximum rate will receive a total increase of $70.83 per fortnight, bringing their fortnightly payment to $671.90;
-
Couple pensioners combined on the maximum rate will receive an increase of $29.93 per fortnight, bringing their fortnightly payment to $1,013.
These increased payments include the rise announced in the May Budget, plus regular indexation.
“Kingsford Smith is home to 20,000 pensioners and they are keen to hear how they will benefit from the changes,” Mr Garrett said.
“It is important that every pensioner reads their letter carefully to understand how their payments will change.
“The Centrelink letters will outline in detail the payment changes for each individual pensioner. The payment changes will be automatic and will be paid to pensioners in the fortnight beginning 20 September.”
Mr Garrett said the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform will provide much-needed support to pensioners and ensure that the pension system provides for those in need into the future.
The Australian Government's pension reforms would improve the adequacy of the pension, make its operation simpler, and secure its sustainability into the future.
“These are the most significant reforms to the pension since it was introduced 100 years ago, and are a vital investment in preparing Australia for the future,” Mr Garrett said.
Pensioners do not need to contact Centrelink to receive the increase. The Department of Veterans Affairs will contact veterans separately.
Total pension payments from 20 September 2009
(full rate, per fortnight)
|
Base pension |
Single |
Couple
(combined) |
|
Current rate (pre-20/9) |
$550.30 |
$919.20 |
|
Indexation |
$5.50 |
$9.20 |
|
Pension reform increase |
$60.00 |
- |
|
Total base pension (post-20/9) |
$615.80 |
$928.40 |
|
Pension Supplement |
|
|
|
Current total value of allowances (pre-20/9) |
$50.77 |
$63.87 |
|
Indexation |
$0.33 |
$0.43 |
|
Pension reform increase |
$5.00 |
$20.30 |
|
Total pension supplement (post-20/9) |
$56.10 |
$84.60 |
|
Total pension payments |
$671.90 |
$1,013.00 |