Pensioner Xmas bonus paid from 8 Dec

Pensioners and low income self funded retirees are in for an early Christmas present this week when Christmas bonus payments start being paid.

Single age pensioners will receive lump sum payments of $1,400 and couples $2,100 under Kevin Rudd’s $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy.

National Seniors Australia chief executive, Michael O’Neill, said many pensioners would see the money as much needed relief for Christmas.

“Seniors will spend their bonuses on special little things for Christmas that many of us take for granted as well as things that they have gone without for the past couple of years as their circumstances have deteriorated,’’ Mr O’Neill said.

“They are not going to be wasteful with this money and will put some of it aside for a rainy day or to help tide them over until the next pension increase.”

Mr O’Neill said the payments were an interim measure until the government introduces its reform to the pension system in the 2009-10 budget.

 The payments will be made progressively between 8 December and 19 December.

People do not need to apply for the bonus payments. Contact Centrelink if you have not received your payment  by 19 December.