Australian pensions increase effective 20 September 2009 and other changes

On 20 September 2009 a number of changes will occur to Australian government pensions, benefits and allowances.
These changes are likely to apply to most people on Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Wife Pension, Widow B Pension, Carer Payment, Service Pension or Income Support Supplement and, should be reflected in the first payments received after 20 September.

The Adult Pension Basic Rate for single individuals will rise to $615.80 per fortnight and for couples to $464.20 for each partner.

The new Pension Supplement (which combines the old GST supplement, pharmaceutical allowance, utilities allowance, and telephone/internet connection allowance into one parcel) will also come into effect and will increase by a small amount overall.

On 1 July 2010 the rules about Advance Payments will also change so that an unspecified higher amount can be requested and payments can be accessed more than once each year.

Work Bonus and Seniors Supplement are also new features which commence this month, as well as changes to the income test (this will not affect existing pension recipients).

The Pension Bonus Scheme will also be closed to all new pension recipients after 19 September 2009.

The new annual lump-sum Carer Supplement actually began in June 2009. The next payment is due in July 2010.

These increases will offset the June quarter 2008 to June Quarter 2009 rise in most indicators used in the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index.

Details from the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Dollar values of these changes in index table.
Centrelink pension reform information with audio and video links