The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, has today announced that from 20 March 2012, around 312,000 veterans, partners, war widows and widowers will receive an increase in their pensions and income support payments.
Mr Snowdon said improvements to the bi-annual pension indexation process are part of the reforms introduced by the Australian Government in order to deliver a fairer pension system.
“The increase I have announced today as part of this indexation process will assist the veteran community by providing the extra support needed to help cope with increased living costs,” he said.
The first full pension payment at the new rates will be on the pension payday 5 April 2012.
The table below highlights the key changes to fortnightly rates.
| Pension | Old Rate (per fortnight) |
New Rate (per fortnight) 20 March |
Increase |
| Service Pension—single | $748.80 | $755.50 |
$6.70 |
| Service Pension—couples | $1,129.00 couple $564.50 each | $1,139.00 couple $569.50 each |
$10.00 $5.00 |
| War Widow Pension | $758.70 | $765.60 | $6.90 |
| Income Support Supplement |
$226.80 |
$228.90 |
$2.10 |
| Special Rate (TPI) Pension |
$1,143.80 |
$1,154.20 |
$10.40 |
| Intermediate Rate Disability Pension |
$776.30 |
$783.40 |
$7.10 |
| Extreme Disablement Adjustment |
$631.50 |
$637.30 |
$5.80 |
| 100 per cent General Rate of Disability |
$406.40 |
$410.10
|
$3.70 |
Pensions are indexed twice a year in March and September by reference to the highest of three measures: the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) and the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).
“From mid-June, members of the veteran community, will receive additional assistance through the Clean Energy Future Household Assistance Package to help with the cost of living impact of the carbon price. This package includes up-front and ongoing assistance for eligible veterans and their families,” Mr Snowdon said.
Pension indexation rates and details of the Household Assistance Package are available from www.dva.gov.au or by calling 133 254 or 1800 555 254 for regional centres.
Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Lidija Ivanovski 0407 108 935
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
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