BOOST TO PAYMENTS FOR WIDE BAY PENSIONERS
More than 45,000 people in Wide Bay will benefit from a boost to their social security payments from 20 March, Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien advised today.
People receiving the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment will receive an increase of $37.50 per fortnight for singles, and $56.40 per fortnight for couples combined. The maximum fortnightly pension rate including supplements will increase to $1604 for couples and $1064 for singles.
“Inflation is running at a 33 year high, and many Wide Bay residents are experiencing significant cost of living increases, and this rise will provide some relief to pensioners and people receiving income support,” Mr O’Brien said.
“People are struggling to pay for their groceries and find the money for their skyrocketing energy bills. Rents are soaring and we have now seen 10 consecutive interest rate raises under the Albanese Labor Government.”
Jobseeker and ABSTUDY payments have also increased, with single Jobseeker and ABSTUDY recipients aged over 22 receiving an additional $24.70 per fortnight, and single parents who receive Parenting Payment will have an additional $33.90 each fortnight.
“Cost of living pressures will be made even worse if the Albanese Government’s proposal to impose a 10 percent increase on fuel taxes and registration charges on truck drivers goes ahead,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This will cost the transport sector an additional $2.6 billion, which will be added onto the price of everything that travels on a truck, so we’ll all end up paying more.”
Social Security payments are indexed twice a year to help with the rising cost of living. The next increase will occur on 20 September 2023.
Mr O’Brien said a range of factors could affect Age Pension payments, including the income and asset tests, deeming rates, and other provisions.
“Every year I publish an Age Pension Guide to ensure Wide Bay pensioners have access to up-to-date information that is clear and easy to understand,” Mr O’Brien said.
“If you would like a copy of my Age Pension Guide, please contact my office on 4121 2936 and I’d be pleased to send one to you.”
