FEDERAL GOVERNMENT INCOME SUPPORT PAYMENTS TO INCREASE FOR CENTRAL VICTORIANS

This will benefit almost 7,000 people in the Bendigo electorate who will receive a boost to their payments.

Single JobSeeker Payment recipients will receive a base payment of 56.10 increase. This is the largest permanent dollar increase ever to the main adult unemployment benefit in Australia.

For single JobSeeker recipients aged 55-59, who are on payment for nine or more continuous months, eligibility for the higher rate will be extended, resulting in an increase of 942.40, reflecting a 749.20 per fortnight, reflecting a 942.40, reflecting a 227.50 per fortnight compared to their current rate, including supplements.

Those on a partnered rate of JobSeeker and Parenting Payment will receive a base payment rate of 54.80 increase.

As a result of indexation, recipients of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment will also receive an increase to their payments.

The single pension rate will increase by 1096.70, and the rate for couples combined will increase by 1653.40. These figures include Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement.

Single veterans on a service pension will receive an additional 1096.70 a fortnight, while veterans on the Disability Compensation Payment (Special Rate), known as the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Payment will receive an additional 1729.20

Income support recipients who are renting will also receive an increase to the maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance, as a result of both the Government's 15 per cent increase in the Budget and regular indexation. For single recipients without children, the maximum rate will increase by 184.80 per fortnight. For family payment recipients who have one or two children, the maximum rate will increase by 217.28 per fortnight.

Income limits for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card recipients will also be indexed, increasing by 95,400 per annum for singles and by 152,640 per annum for couples combined.

Other supplementary payments including Telephone Allowance and Utilities Allowance are also being indexed.