From 20 March 2023 the maximum full Age Pension increases $37.50 per fortnight for a single person, and $28.20 per person per fortnight for a couple.
Full Age Pension income threshold increases by: Singles threshold $204 per fortnight, increase is $14 per fortnight, $364 per annum. Couples threshold $360 per fortnight, increase is $24 per fortnight, $624 per annum.
However, it implies the 20 September 2023 Age Pension increase may be smaller than anticipated. For a single pensioner, a 2.2 per cent increase denotes a rise of $23 per fortnight for a total of $1087. For couples, the increase would be $35, totalling $1639 per fortnight.
Eligible pensioners have had $4,000 credited to their Work Bonus balance since 1 December 2022, increasing the maximum Work Bonus balance from $7,800 to $11,800. This measure extends the increase to 31 December 2023. The Work Bonus concession of $300 per fortnight will stay the same.
If you're a pensioner currently receiving support through Centrelink, you may be eligible for extra help with bills and medicine costs through the Pension Supplement. This supplement is a combined payment of Pharmaceutical Allowance, Utilities Allowance, GST Supplement and Telephone Allowance.
The Government has provided two separate $750 payments to social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders. Around half of those that benefit are pensioners. These payments will support households to manage the economic impact of the Coronavirus.
On 1 December 2022, a one-off $4,000 income credit was added to the Work Bonus income bank of those at least pension age and in receipt of an Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment or certain Veterans entitlement. Prior to 1 December 2022, the Work Bonus income bank was capped at $7,800.
The Cost of Living Payment is a one-off payment of $250. You'll only get one Cost of Living Payment, even if you were getting more than one eligible payment or concession card. It's not taxable. You don't need to report it as income.
Age Pension age
66 years, if you were born between 1 January 1954 and 30 June 1955. 66 years and 6 months, if you were born between 1 July 1955 and 31 December 1956. 67 years, if you were born on or after 1 January 1957.
Currently, a pensioner can only earn up to $240 per week before they lose the pension by 50 cents in the dollar. That means they can only really work one day a week before getting penalised (depending on their remuneration). If they earn more than about $33,000 per year—which includes their pension—they also get taxed.
The bonus will be paid to workers providing care and support in Government subsidised home care and to residential aged care workers. The payments will be for clinical care workers and expanded to all those providing direct care, food or cleaning services in Government subsidised residential care.
Around 35.3 per cent of the Federal Budget will be spent on social security and welfare payments after an increase was introduced earlier this month. This will bring the total amount spent to $221.68 billion - down from $227.8 billion last year.
A payment to help students with the cost of moving from regional or remote areas for tertiary study. The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is a one off payment of up to $5,000. It's to help eligible students with the cost of moving to study. This is for study after you've finished year 12 or equivalent.
Up to 6 weeks — Generally, your pension payments will continue as normal if you're travelling for up to 6 weeks. Between 6 weeks and 12 months — You'll receive your payments every fortnight and they'll be paid into your Australian bank account.
From 20 March 2023, some veterans and their families will receive an increase to their pension payments in line with increases in the cost of living. You don't have to do anything to receive the increase, it will be automatically included in your next payment.
A one-off $250 Cost of Living Payment will be paid to eligible recipients from the end of April 2022.