The Australian government continues to provide financial support for pensioners and low-income families through various supplements, with the $28.30 Pension Supplement and $987.70 Parenting Payment being key components. These payments are set to help eligible individuals cope with living expenses such as utilities, housing, and medical costs in September 2024.
Australia $28.30 Pension Supplement + $987.70 Payment in September 2024
The $28.30 Pension Supplement and $987.70 Parenting Payment play a crucial role in supporting Australian pensioners and low-income families. These payments help alleviate the financial strain of rising living costs, ensuring recipients can manage basic expenses like housing, utilities, and childcare. Staying informed about eligibility requirements and payment dates is essential for anyone benefiting from these payments. Regularly updating your financial information and checking for changes ensures you receive the support you are entitled to in 2024 and beyond.
| Payment | Amount | Eligibility | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pension Supplement | $28.30 | Pensioners, carers, low-income families | Fortnightly (From 20 Sept 2024) |
| Parenting Payment (Single) | $987.70 | Single primary carers of children under 8 years old | Fortnightly (From 20 Sept 2024) |
| Parenting Payment (Partnered) | $698.30 | Partnered primary carers of children under 6 years old | Fortnightly (From 20 Sept 2024) |
| Adjustments due to cost of living | Typically in March and September | Income and asset limits apply | – |
Overview of the $28.30 Pension Supplement
The Pension Supplement is an additional payment of $28.30 per fortnight provided to eligible pensioners, including those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payment. The supplement is designed to help cover essential living expenses, particularly rising costs associated with utilities, healthcare, and housing.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Pension Supplement, you must be an Australian resident and receive a pension from Centrelink, such as the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, or Carer Payment. The income and assets test also plays a crucial role in determining eligibility. For example, single homeowners can only receive the supplement if their assets are below $314,000, and the payment decreases as income exceeds certain thresholds.
The $987.70 Parenting Payment
Alongside the Pension Supplement, eligible Australian parents can receive a Parenting Payment of up to $987.70 per fortnight. This payment is specifically for single parents caring for children under 8 and is aimed at helping cover the costs of raising children, such as food, clothing, and education. For partnered parents with children under 6, the maximum fortnightly payment is $698.30.
In certain cases, where parents are separated due to illness or incarceration, single parents may be entitled to an increased payment of $816.90.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Parenting Payment, applicants must meet strict principal carer and residency rules. They need to be the primary caregiver for the child and physically present in Australia on the day of their claim. Additionally, income and asset tests apply, meaning payments decrease as earnings increase over the threshold of $220.60 per fortnight. For those owning a home, assets must not exceed $314,000.
How to Apply for Australia $28.30 Pension Supplement + $987.70 Payment in September 2024
If you’re eligible, you can apply through the myGov portal, which is linked to Centrelink. The process involves creating or accessing a myGov account, linking it to Centrelink, and completing the necessary claim forms. You will also need to provide supporting documents, such as identification and bank details, before submitting your claim. Once approved, payments are deposited directly into your bank account.
Payment Schedule
Payments are typically disbursed fortnightly, and adjustments for inflation and cost-of-living increases are made twice a year—usually on March 20 and September 20. This ensures that the payments keep pace with rising living costs, providing pensioners and low-income families with steady financial support.
Practical Advice for Recipients
For those already receiving these payments or expecting to apply, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with eligibility criteria and payment adjustments. Since both the Pension Supplement and Parenting Payment are subject to income and assets tests, keeping your financial information current with Centrelink is vital to ensure you receive the correct amount.
Here are some tips:
- Regularly update your details in the myGov portal if your financial situation changes.
- Consult a financial advisor if you’re unsure about how your assets or income affect your eligibility.
- Check the Centrelink payment schedule for precise payment dates and any upcoming adjustments due to inflation.
FAQs
1. What is the Pension Supplement used for?
The Pension Supplement helps eligible pensioners cover essential living expenses such as utilities, healthcare, and housing.
2. How much can single parents receive with the Parenting Payment?
Single parents can receive up to $987.70 per fortnight, including a $28.30 Pension Supplement.
3. How often are payments made?
Both the Pension Supplement and Parenting Payments are typically made fortnightly.
4. Are there any income limits to qualify for the Parenting Payment?
Yes, single parents can earn up to $220.60 per fortnight before their payment starts to decrease. Payments are reduced by 40 cents for every dollar earned over the limit.
5. When are payment adjustments made?
Payment rates are adjusted on March 20 and September 20 each year to account for inflation and cost of living increases.
