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Five million Aussies in line for welfare cash boost

Anna McGuinness
Updated March 4 2024 - 12:39pm, first published 12:37pm

About five million Aussies are set for some hip-pocket relief amid cost of living pressures.

Indexation of social security payments will come into effect on March 20, with increases to the pension, JobSeeker, study and parenting payments.

WATCH: The Australia Institute says record profits, not rising wages, are behind skyrocketing inflation.

The rise in payments is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and wage measures.

Federal social services minister Amanda Rishworth said the government's priority was addressing inflation and cost of living.

"Pension recipients are some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, many having worked all their lives contributing to our society or caring for a loved one," she said.

Indexation of social security payments comes into effect on March 20. Picture by Shutterstock
Indexation of social security payments comes into effect on March 20. Picture by Shutterstock

Age pension, disability support pension and carer payments

People who receive the age pension, disability support pension or carer payment will receive a rise of $19.60 a fortnight for singles and $29.40 for couples.

The maximum fortnightly pension will be $1116.30 for singles and $1682.80 for couples.

JobSeeker payment, ABSTUDY, parenting payment

The single, without child rate of the JobSeeker payment and ABSTUDY (aged 22 and over) will increase by $13.50 a fortnight, to a fortnightly total of $771.50, including the energy supplement.

Members of a couple on JobSeeker, ABSTUDY or Parenting Payment Partnered will each receive a $12.50 boost per fortnight, to a fortnightly total of $706.20, including the energy supplement.

Parenting Payment Single recipients will receive a $17.50 increase, to a fortnightly total of $1006.50, including pharmaceutical allowance, pension and energy supplements.

Anna McGuinness

Anna McGuinness

Breaking News National Journalist