Recipients of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments can expect an increase of $32.70 a fortnight for singles and $24.70 for couples.
- More than 4.7 million Australians will receive a boost to their welfare payments on 20 September.
- Single recepients of the Age pension will receive a maximum fortnightly rate of $1,096.70 while couples will receive $1,653.40 combined.
- JobSeeker, ABSTUDY, and Commonwealth Rent Assistance recepients will also receive boosts to their fortnightly allowances.
This will bring the maximum fortnightly rate to $1,096.70 for singles and $826.70 for each member of a pensioner couple, or $1,653.40 combined.
The indexation of welfare payments kicks in on 20 September.
JobSeeker and Commonwealth Rent Assistance boosts
Single JobSeeker and ABSTUDY recipients aged over 22 with no children will receive an extra $56.10 per fortnight, taking the base rate to $749.20.
Meanwhile, couples will receive an extra $54.80 each a fortnight.
For a single aged 55 or over (after nine months), the rate will increase from $745.20 per fortnight to $802.50.
This increase is in addition to the $40 boost announced in the May Federal Budget.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) estimates that two in three (67%) Australians aged 65 and over receive an income support payment.
ACOSS Deputy CEO Edwina MacDonald said people relying on low income support payments have been hit hard by the rising cost of living and are in severe financial distress.
“Australia’s income support payments are among the lowest in wealthy nations and do not cover the essentials of life such as rent, energy and food, causing serious harm to those who rely on them,” Ms MacDonald said.
“People are regularly skipping meals, going without heating and cooling, forgoing essential medication and medical care, and experiencing social isolation.
“We must raise income support payments to at least the pension rate – currently $76 a day – to lift people out of poverty, improve wellbeing and support people to participate in employment and society.”
Single Aussies receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance will see maximum payment rates lift from $157.20 to $184.80.
While each member of a couple will receive an extra $26 per fortnight with the allowance rising from $148 per fortnight to $174.
"Age pensioners set to receive Centrelink payment increase this month" was originally published on Savings.com.au and was republished with permission.