Are you ready for a bigger pension? Here's how millions are getting their boost

Heads up, members: there's a financial uplift on the way for millions of Australians who rely on social security payments.

A welcome increase will be reflected in the pockets of age pensioners, disability support recipients, and carers, thanks to the latest round of indexation.

This is a routine adjustment, but it's one that can make a significant difference in the day-to-day lives of many.



Starting tomorrow, March 20, single recipients of the age pension, disability support pension, and carer payments will see their fortnightly payments rise by $19.60. Couples will enjoy a combined increase of $29.40 per fortnight.

Counting the pension supplement and the energy supplement, the maximum rate for singles is $1,116.30 and for couples $1,682.80 every two weeks.


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Senior pensioner couples can get up to $841.40 weekly in line with tomorrow’s indexation. Image Credit: Shutterstock


Federal Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth highlighted the importance of this increase, acknowledging that 'Pension recipients are some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, many having worked all their lives contributing to our society or caring for a loved one.'


Commonwealth Rent Assistance, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment (Single), and ABSTUDY have also been indexed, ensuring that these payments keep pace with the cost of living.

JobSeeker and ABSTUDY recipients aged 22 and over will see their single, without child rate increase by $13.50 a fortnight, totaling $771.50 (including the energy supplement).

Couples on these payments will receive an additional $12.30 each per fortnight, with their new rate being $706.20, energy supplement included.

Single parents receiving the parenting payment will also benefit from an extra $17.50 every two weeks. This brings their total fortnightly payment to $1,006.50, inclusive of the pension supplement, pharmaceutical allowance, and energy supplement.

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It's not just the payment rates that are on the rise; the income and assets limits for these payments will also see an increase as a result of the indexation.

This means that recipients can potentially earn more or have more in savings without affecting their eligibility for these crucial payments.


For those eager to see the complete list of changes, they can be found here, providing a detailed breakdown of how the indexation will be applied across the various payments.

If you're unsure about how the indexation affects you or if you have questions about your eligibility, don't hesitate to reach out to the Department of Social Services for more information.

Speaking of eligibility, did you know there’s another form of assistance you could be missing out on? Find out more about it here!
Key Takeaways

  • Social security payments in Australia will see an increase due to indexation on March 20.
  • Age pensions, disability support pensions, and carer payments will rise, with singles receiving an additional $19.60 and couples getting $29.40 more per fortnight.
  • Other payments such as Commonwealth Rent Assistance, JobSeeker, Parenting Payment Single and ABSTUDY will also be indexed.
  • The federal Social Services Minister highlighted that the increase will benefit some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
We'd love to hear from you, members. What are your thoughts on this latest round of increases? Share them in the comments below!
 
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I am a pensioner and live alone with the upkeep of a home, maintenance, insurance etc. I also have a motor car and have to pay fuel, rego, insurance and maintenance, not to mention food costs.
I feel that because I am a single pensioner I do not get enough to cover all these costs. Couples have the same expenses but earn a larger pension, that being $566.00 more than a single pensioner. I feel is not fair as I have the same expenses on a single pension,therefore unable to make all payments.
I do believe we as single pensioners need to have the same amount, as a couple . who live in the same home as their expenses would be equivalent but earn more.
why is it that the government needs or should cover everyone's expenses? I feel for you but the country would be broke doing that. We must be very close to that the way labour are throwing the cash.
 
Does any body remember when the butcher would give you the lamb shanks? Although by the size of some of the shanks, I've seen a three tooth lamb?
almost 60 years ago shanks cost only 20 cents and they made our roast dinner. Try buying them for that today.
 
why is it that the government needs or should cover everyone's expenses? I feel for you but the country would be broke doing that. We must be very close to that the way labour are throwing the cash.
why does everyone blame Albo? It's been going on for almost 40 years. Leg o Mutton Dutton isn't any better.
 
would you do their job though??
I would 'cause 3 yrs. of lies and destroying the country I loved by the current Pollies, would be nothing come the rest of one's life as a PM , attached with all the perks at the end of one's political life as a PM !
 
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ITS a vote buying exercise at tax payers expencea
A $200 plus for the people who dont want to work is a load of crap
meanwhile other welfare recipients get what for working all their lives SFA
IF the unemployed cannot get s job now what incentive is paying them more going to do
WHY ARENT PENCIONERS GETTING THE SAME INCREASES ESPECIALLY AS SINCE THE CORONA VIRUS HIT WE HAVE BEEN DISCRIMINATED AGAINST ALL INCREASES INCLUDING THE STIMULOUS PACKAGES SINCE IT BEGAN
SINGLE PARENTS AND THE PERMANENT DOLE BLUDGERS ARE GETTING REWARDED FOR DOING WHAT/
HOW IS IT THAT 2 OR MORE DOLE PEOPLE LIVING TOGETHER ARE GOING TO GET PAID HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS MORE THAN A MARRIED COUPLE LIVING TOGETHER RECEIVE
 

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