Gippsland pensioners will receive an increase in their payments from March 20.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said higher payments would help pensioners and allowance recipients to keep up with living costs.
Payment rates for pensions and allowances are adjusted twice a year. Pension increases are linked to prices and wages, and allowances are linked to the Consumer Price Index.
“From March 20, pension payments including Age Pension and Disability Support Pension will increase by $13.20 a fortnight to $907.60 for singles, and by $19.80 a fortnight to $1,368.20 for couples combined,” Mr Chester said.
Individuals receiving Newstart Allowance, Widow Allowance, Partner Allowance, and Sickness Allowance will benefit from an increase of $7.00 a fortnight to $554.60. Members of a couple will see an increase of $6.30 a fortnight to $503.40.
The Parenting Payment (Single) will increase by $9.80 to $774.40 a fortnight. Mr Chester said Rent Assistance rates would also increase from March 20, as would a range of income and assets limits for pensions and allowances, as a result of indexation. Full details of new rates and thresholds is available at www.dss.gov.au
