Pensioners in Chifley will this week receive their long-anticipated rise in the Pension rate along with the increased New Pension Supplement.
Federal Member for Chifley, Roger Price said that the historic increase will be welcomed by pensioners who have been doing it tough.
Centrelink has contacted all 20,815 pensioners in Chifley to explain how their payments have changed from 20 September, under the Australian Government’s Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform.
From 20 September, single pensioners on the maximum rate receive a total increase of $70.83 per fortnight, bringing their total pension to $671.90 per fortnight.
Couple pensioners combined on the maximum rate will receive an increase of $29.93 per fortnight, taking their payment up to $1,013 per fortnight.
This increase includes the rise announced in the May Budget, plus the regular quarterly indexation.
“Pensioners in Chifley have been eagerly waiting to find out how they will benefit from the changes,” Mr Price said.
“It is important that every pensioner reads their letter carefully to understand how their payments have changed after 20 September.
Mr Price said the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reform will provide much-needed support to pensioners in Chifley and ensure that the pension system provides for those in need into the future.
Full details of the changes to rates and thresholds are available at www.australia.gov.au/pensions