The federal government has delivered another increase to payment rates for pension and allowance recipients in Far North Queensland.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said payments including Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment will increase by $9.90 a fortnight to $926.20 for singles and by $14.80 a fortnight to $1,396.20 for couples combined.
He said the changed would come into effect from today.
“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,” Mr Entsch said.
“Today’s new increase will directly benefit 14,480 aged pensioners living in Far North Queensland.
“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.”
Mr Entsch said the federal government understands the importance of these increases to help pensioners and allowance recipients keep up with the cost of living.
“Rent Assistance rates will also increase from today (20 March), 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.
“While the federal government is protecting older Australians in Far North Queensland, Labor and Bill Shorten wants to steal their retirement incomes.
“Labor’s Retiree Tax would rip an average of $1,400 in income away from more than 1 million retirees across Australia, including pensioners.”
Full details of new rates and thresholds can be found on the Department of Social Services website at www.dss.gov.au/about-the-department/benefits-payments
