Singles:
An increase of $60 per fortnight in the base pension.
An increase of $5.00 a fortnight in the new pension supplement.
Indexation increases of $5.50 per fortnight in the base pension
Pension supplement 33c a fortnight.
Total increase per fortnight: $70.83
Total amount you will receive: $671.90
Couples:
An increase of $20.30 per fortnight
Indexation increase of $9.20 per fortnight
Pension suplement of 43c per fortnight
Total amount combined is $29.23 per fortnight
Total amount you will receive per couple is $1013.00 per fortnight
The supplement incorporates and replaces full value of the utilities allowance, telephone and GST.
The maximum supplement for singles is $56.10 and for couples $84.60 combined per fortnight.
A recent article in the 'Seniors'newspaper gave the above and other very valid information in regards to the Pension. Pensions are up, but only just!
The reporter from Seniors stated that Mr Gower, President of the Australian Pensioners and Superannuation League, Caloundra Branch stated The single pension rise would equal 27.7% of the average male weekly earnings, while the couples' pension would equal 25%.
He would like to see singles rise to 30% and couples 28%.
Mr Gower said, "While the pension is not supposed to be a wage, it is supposed to be for people who have paid tax and didn't have the benefit of superannuation. How important is the pension? It's a lifeline."
