Pension payments increased

THE federal government has increased the payment rates for pension and allowance recipients as of last week.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said that as of March 20, pension payments including Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment would increase by $9.90 a fortnight to $926.20 for singles, and by $14.80 a fortnight to $1,396.20 for couples combined.

“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.

“This will directly benefit 17,597 people living in Corangamite.”

Individuals receiving Newstart Allowance, Widow Allowance and Sickness Allowance will benefit from an increase of $5.50 a fortnight to $564.50, including Energy Supplement. Members of a couple will see an increase of $5.00 a fortnight to $509.60 each, including Energy Supplement.

The rate of Parenting Payment (Single) will increase by $7.60 to $788.10 a fortnight, including Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement.

“The Morrison Government understands the importance of these increases to help pensioners and allowance recipients keep up with the cost of living,” Ms Henderson said.

“Rent Assistance rates will also increase from March 20, 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.”