Pension Supplement - frequently asked questions
See also
Who will get the Pension Supplement?
The Pension Supplement is included in the rate for Age Pension, Carer Payment, Wife Pension, Widow B Pension, Bereavement Allowance, and Disability Support Pension (excluding those aged under 21 without children).
All other income support customers who are over age pension age, also receive the Pension Supplement.
Pensioners receiving the transitional rate have the value of the Pension Supplement included in their transitional rate amount.
When will I get the Pension Supplement?
The Pension Supplement is included as part of your regular fortnightly income support payment. You do not have to apply for the Pension Supplement.
What if I leave Australia, either temporarily or permanently, am I eligible for the Pension Supplement?
You are eligible for the Pension Supplement for up to 13 weeks if you depart Australia temporarily, as long as your primary income support payment remains payable. If you are still outside of Australia after 13 weeks, and you remain eligible for your income support payment, the Pension Supplement will reduce to the basic amount.
If you depart Australia permanently, and your pension remains payable, you will receive the Pension Supplement basic amount.
What are pensioners paid under the transitional arrangements entitled to?
Pensioners receiving the transitional rate have the amount of the Pension Supplement included in their pension. It does not show as a separate amount.
Is the Pension Supplement means-tested?
Yes, the Pension Supplement is subject to the means test.
If you are eligible to receive some income support payment you will receive at least the minimum amount of the Pension Supplement.
The Pension Supplement minimum amount is $31.00 for a single person and $46.80 combined for a couple, per fortnight. These rates are effective from 20 September 2010.
From 1 July 2010, you are able to elect to receive the 'minimum' amount on a quarterly basis, even if you are entitled to more than the minimum Supplement.
Do the minimum amount rules apply to pensioners paid under the transitional arrangements?
Yes, pensioners benefiting from the transitional arrangements arising from the income test changes are subject to the 'minimum' amount rules so that the minimum amount is paid in full where a part-rate entitlement exists.
From 1 July 2010 these customers are also able to elect to receive the payment on a quarterly basis.
What happens with other payments?
Any customers eligible for Pharmaceutical Allowance, Telephone Allowance or Utilities Allowance who will not be eligible for Pension Supplement will continue to receive these payments. For example:
- Utilities Allowance will remain for Disability Support Pension recipients aged under 21 without children, and Widow and Partner Allowance recipients under age pension age.
- Pharmaceutical Allowance will remain for all recipients of Parenting Payment Single under age pension age, Disability Support Pension recipients aged under 21 without children and other eligible groups of income support recipients.
- Telephone Allowance will remain for all recipients of Parenting Payment Single under age pension age, people receiving Disability Support Pension aged under 21 without dependant children and other eligible groups of income support recipients who have a phone connected in their or their partner's name.
I was paid Telephone Allowance at the higher rate for an internet connection. Is this be reflected in my Pension Supplement (or transitional rate)?
The rate of Pension Supplement (and the transitional rate) includes the value of the higher (internet) rate of Telephone Allowance.
Some of my utility bills come all at once. How will I manage if my supplement is spread out like this?
From July 2010, customers are able to receive the minimum amount of the Pension Supplement quarterly instead of every fortnight. The amount available on a quarterly basis is equal to the Seniors Supplement so that a customer can elect to receive the same amount of assistance on a quarterly basis as a self-funded retiree receives.
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.