Pensioners given boost in Federal Budget
Pensioners have been given a boost in the Federal Budget with the pension for single people raised to $32.49 a week, while couples will have their pensions increased by $10.14 a week.
However, they will have to work an extra two years in order to be eligible, with the pension age increased from 65 to 67.
The changes will take place from September 20 and will also cover the disability support pension, the carer payment, the veterans’ pension and the war widows’ pension.
The decision follows months of campaigning by pensioner groups, arguing that they were struggling to survive on the current pension and were struggling with general household expenses.
“These are the most significant reforms to the pension since it was introduced 100 years ago,” Families Minister Jenny Macklin said in a statement.
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Great for the single people on the pension. However people look at the fine print.Tens of thousands of people currently on carer payments with income married couples with income etc etc may not be eligible anymore. So good on the rudd government for raising pension payments, but not for making himself look good when he is actually backstabbing normal australians.
majority of retirement villages charge 25% of single age pension per month this means an increase in charges of $8.00 per week, while this is fine for single pensioner residents, it does nothing for pensioner couples who have been granted $10.00 per week, in real terms an increase of $2.00. Well done to all the generous Politicians.
Only some people will get benefit for this.