More than 30,000 pensioners in Blaxland will receive an increase in their pension from today, Member for Blaxland Jason Clare said.
“Single pensioners on the maximum rate will receive an extra $6.70 a fortnight, and pensioner couples on the maximum rate will receive an extra $10.00 a fortnight combined,” Mr Clare said.
“The increase applies to age pensioners, disability support pensioners, and veterans’ income support recipients.
“The boost is because of indexation, which we introduced in 2009. When the cost of living goes up, the pension goes up to match it.
“Every dollar counts when you’re living on the pension.
In 2009 the Labor Government delivered the biggest increase to the pension in over 100 years.
In the last two years, the maximum pension rate has increased by $154 per fortnight for singles and $156 per fortnight for couples combined.
Following the latest increase, total pension payments for people on the maximum rate, including the base rate and pension supplement, will be:
- $755.50 a fortnight for singles, and;
- $1,139.00 a fortnight for couples combined
The pension will increase again in May as part of the Clean Energy Future package.
Single pensioners will receive a $338 a year increase, and pensioner couple will receive about $510 per year combined.
