Age pensions increase twice a year, every year

The age pension will increase from tomorrow; just as Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt assured the public it would.

Mr Pitt said the Coalition was committed to providing strong support for pensioners, with pensions set to increase twice a year.

“On September 20, single age pensioners will start receiving an additional $11.50 a fortnight. Couples will together receive an additional $17.40 each fortnight,” Mr Pitt said.

He said age pensions were increasing at a higher rate than Male Total Average Weekly Earnings.

“The Coalition has delivered on its promise to repeal the Carbon Tax to provide cost of living relief and pensioners will continue to receive the associated Energy Supplement.”

Mr Pitt said many pensioners were upset by Labor’s misleading claims about cuts to pensions.

“Before we released our first Budget, Labor targeted the Hinkler electorate. They fuelled pensioners’ fears in a bid to score cheap political points,” he said.

“Despite the $12 billion per annum interest bill we inherited from Labor, we’re keeping our commitments to seniors.

“The family home is not included in the pension asset test and, under the Coalition, it never will be.   

“As promised, we’ve met our commitment to fairly index Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit pensions.

“For self-funded retirees, we’ve indexed the income threshold to qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card so that more self-funded retirees will qualify.”

Updated Seniors’ Guides are now available from the Hinkler Electorate Office on Woongarra Street and at www.keithpitt.com.au

[ENDS] Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814