Boost gives pensioners a smile

PENSIONERS received a boost to their pensions this week.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne said about 20,560 pensioners in Holt would receive the increase of $15 per fortnight for singles on the maximum rate and $22.60 per fortnight for couples combined on the maximum rate.
Following the increases, pension payments for this on a maximum rate, including the base rate and pension supplement, will be $716.10 per fortnight for singles and $1079.60 for couples.
“Pensioners in Holt have received increases of around $115 per fortnight for singles and $97 per fortnight for couples combined in pension payments, as a result of Federal Labor’s major pension reforms delivered in September last year, and higher indexation in March and September 2010,” Mr Byrne said.
People eligible for the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, veteran income support payments, Wife Pension, Widow B Pension and Bereavement Allowance will all benefit from the increases. For more information, visit www.fahcsia.gov.au