Quarterly Pension Supplement - frequently asked questions
The Pension Supplement can be paid quarterly. What does this mean?
From 1 July 2010, you can choose to receive part of your Pension Supplement quarterly, rather than fortnightly. This component of the Pension Supplement is known as the minimum Pension Supplement amount.
You will continue to receive your Pension Supplement every fortnight with your regular payment. However, if you choose to receive the minimum Pension Supplement amount quarterly, your fortnightly Pension Supplement will be reduced and the quarterly amount will be paid at the end of each quarter with your regular Centrelink Payment.
Who can receive the minimum Pension Supplement amount quarterly?
If you are currently receiving the Pension Supplement with your regular Centrelink payment, you can choose to receive the minimum Pension Supplement amount quarterly.
How do I know if I currently receive the Pension Supplement?
The Pension Supplement is automatically paid if you receive one of the following Centrelink payments:
- Age Pension
- Bereavement Allowance
- Carer Payment
- Disability Support Pension (excluding those under 21 years of age without children)
- Widow B Pension
- Wife Pension
The Pension Supplement is also automatically paid to customers over age pension age receiving:
- Austudy
- Parenting Payment (Partnered and Single)
- Partner Allowance
- Special Benefit
- Widow Allowance
When does the quarterly amount of Pension Supplement become payable?
The first quarterly payment will be paid with your regular Centrelink payment as soon as possible from 20 September 2010. This first payment will be slightly less than future amounts due to the minimum Pension Supplement amount commencing from 1 July 2010.
The quarters are 20 March, 20 June, 20 September and 20 December each year.
Example
Jane receives Age Pension and has chosen to receive the minimum Pension Supplement amount each quarter from 1 July 2010. Jane’s Age Pension is paid to her on 25 September 2010. When she receives her Age Pension she will also continue to receive the reduced amount of her fortnightly Pension Supplement plus the minimum Pension Supplement amount quarterly.
What do I need to do to receive my Pension Supplement quarterly?
To receive the minimum Pension Supplement amount quarterly, you can contact us on or after 1 July 2010 by calling the Centrelink Seniors line on 13 2300, request it in writing or visit your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre.
If you choose to receive the payment quarterly it will commence accruing on a daily basis from the date you advise us.
The first quarterly payments will be made in September 2010.
How is the minimum Pension Supplement amount calculated?
While you continue to receive your regular Centrelink payment, the Pension Supplement continues to be payable and calculated on a daily basis. When you choose to receive the minimum Pension Supplement amount quarterly, this component continues to accrue daily and is paid at the end of the quarterly period.
Each quarter will vary with the amount of days, therefore the minimum Pension Supplement amount will vary accordingly.
I am receiving a transitional rate of pension. How will I be affected?
If you are on a transitional rate you also have the option to receive an amount equal to the minimum Pension Supplement amount.
What happens if my payment is cancelled and I have received part of the Pension Supplement quarterly?
If your regular Centrelink payment is cancelled, any minimum Pension Supplement amounts that have accrued for the quarter will be paid to you immediately.
I have been receiving the minimum Pension Supplement amount quarterly. Can I return to receiving all of the Pension Supplement fortnightly?
You can change the way you receive the minimum Pension Supplement amount at any time you wish.
Who can I talk to about these changes?
If you want to talk to someone about how these changes may affect you, call the Centrelink Seniors line on 13 2300, our Disability Sickness and Carers line on 13 2717, or visit your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre.