Govt Christmas benefit for pensioners
The Rudd Government has given pensioners a $4.8 billion Christmas benefit payment, as part of its $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy “to strengthen the Australian economy in the face of the worst global financial crisis since the Great Depression.”
This $10.4 billion strategy will be entirely funded from the budget, with a budget surplus still remaining after these measures.
The Government will publish a full budget update in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook within a month.
The Rudd Government will deliver a $4.8 billion down payment to Australia’s four million pensioners, carers and seniors, providing them with immediate financial help in the lead up to comprehensive reform of the pension system.
The $4 billion down payment for pensioners will be made available through a lump sum payment of $1,400 to single pensioners and $2,100 to pensioner couples, which will benefit:
- Age pensioners;
- Disability Support pensioners;
- Carer Payment recipients;
- Wife and Widow B pensioners; Partner, Widow and Bereavement allowees;
- Veterans’ Affairs Service pensioners;
- Veterans’ Income Support Supplement recipients;
- Veterans Affairs Gold Card holders eligible for Seniors Concession Allowance;
- Those of age pension age who receive Parenting Payment, Special Benefit, or Austudy; and
- Eligible Self Funded Retirees holding a Commonwealth Senior Health Card (CSHC).
People who are receiving Carer Allowance will also receive $1,000 for each eligible person in their care.
The Government’s Economic Security Strategy includes help for self-funded retirees, who are eligible for a Commonwealth Senior Health Care Card.
Those who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or are Veterans Gold Card holders eligible for Seniors Concession Allowance will receive a payment of $1,400 if they are single or $2,100 for couples.
These pension payments will be made from 8 December 2008 and are intended to provide additional support in the nine months between now, and when long term reforms are introduced from the beginning of the next financial year.
