The Pension Supplement is a regular extra payment to help with utility, phone, internet and medicine costs if you are getting certain payments from Centrelink.
There’s a little confusion about what it covers, so we’re explain what it is and how much you should be receiving.
Who is eligible for it?
You will automatically receive the Pension Supplement if you are being paid the:
- Age Pension
- Bereavement Allowance
- JobSeeker Payment, for former Wife Pension recipients who were moved to the JobSeeker Payment on 20 March 2020
- Carer Payment
- Disability Support Pension – except if you are 20 or younger and have no children.
You will also receive the supplement if you are over Age Pension age and get one of the following payments:
- ABSTUDY
- Austudy
- Parenting Payment
- Partner Allowance
- Special Benefit
- Widow Allowance
When is it paid?
The supplement is usually paid each fortnight along with your regular payment, but if you want to plan for large bills, you can opt to have a portion of it paid quarterly.
An amount equal to the minimum Pension Supplement amount accrues daily and is paid with your regular payment after 20 March, June, September and December. The amount you receive above the minimum amount is still paid fortnightly.
How much can I get?
The maximum rate of Pension Supplement depends on your circumstances. The current rates are detailed below:
| If you are | Your minimum supplement per fortnight is: | Your maximum supplement per fortnight is: |
| single | $43.10 | $80.10 |
| in a couple | $32.50 each or $65.00 combined | $60.40 each or $120.80 combined |
| in a couple, separated due to illness, respite or prison | $43.10 each | $80.10 each |
The Pension Supplement is indexed on 20 March and 20 September each year.
Why aren’t I getting the maximum rate?
If you receive a part-rate pension or other reduced rate income support payments, then you receive the Pension Supplement at a reduced rate, proportionate to your initial payment.
As long as you remain eligible for some income support payment, no matter how little, you will be paid at least the minimum amount of Pension Supplement.
Do you think the Pension Supplement is enough to cover expenses? Does it need to be set higher or expanded to more people? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Age pensioners’ Work Bonus explained