Centrelink Jobseeker, aged, disability pensions payments: Millions of Aussies get boost
Millions of Australians will get a substantial boost to their Centrelink payments from tomorrow.
The government announced in May that pensioners, carers and job seekers will receive an increase to their Centrelink payments.
That change is due to come into force on September 20.
About 5.5 million Australians will be impacted by the changes.
Single Jobseeker Payment
Recipients will receive a base payment of $749.20 each fortnight, reflecting a $56.10 increase.
That’s the largest permanent dollar increase ever to the main adult unemployment benefit in Australia, according to a statement released by Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth.
Parenting Payment Single
People on this benefit will get a base payment rate of $942.40 — a $20.30 increase.
For parents who are transferring to this payment as a result of changes in the Budget, eligibility extends until their youngest child turns 14. They will get an extra $227.50 per fortnight compared with their current rate.
Parenting Payment Partnered
For people who are partnered, they will receive a base payment rate of $686.00, reflecting a $54.80 increase.
Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment
People on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment will get a boost due to indexation. Single pensioners will get an extra $32.70, raising the overall payment to $1096.70.
Single veterans will also get $32.70, making the fortnightly payment $1096.70.
Veterans on the Disability Compensation Payment will get a larger boost of $53.00 a fortnight, increasing their payment to $1729.20.
Rental support
Income support recipients will benefit from an increase to the maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
For singles without children, the maximum rate will increase by $27.60 to $184.80 per fortnight.
For families with one or two children, the rate will increase by $32.34 to $217.28 per fortnight.
Why are the changes taking place
The government says it is making the changes due to cost of living pressures.
“Higher inflation is being felt most within the homes of those on low fixed incomes and these payments are a lifeline for many Australians who are doing it tough or may need some extra support,” Minister Rishworth said.