From 20 September 2009
Contact your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre to confirm your eligibility and discuss your specific situation.
Payment rates for Age Pension
Note: The payment rates include a Pension Supplement of $56.10 for singles and $42.30 each for couples.
- Customers in receipt of a pension on 19 September 2009 may be assessed under transitional arrangements and be eligible for different rates of payment.
- If you and your partner are separated because of illness, you may be paid at the single rate. Your combined income and assets will be used to work out your rates.
- You may receive the single rate of Age Pension if your partner is in prison or a psychiatric hospital.
- You may be eligible for the couple rate of Age Pension even if your partner is not receiving a pension, benefit or allowance.
- If you receive Age Pension you may qualify for additional payments and benefits.
Payment adjustments and reviews
- From time to time, your Age Pension payment is reviewed. If you are getting Age Pension, the amount you receive may be adjusted because your or your partner's circumstances change. This may include a change in your income, moving house or separating from your partner.
- Age Pension is usually adjusted twice a year in line with the Consumer Price Index.
Rent Assistance rates if you have no dependent children
* Includes respite care and partner in prison.
Rent Assistance rates if you have dependent children
If you have dependent children, you will usually get Rent Assistance with Family Tax Benefit Part A.
Special rules apply if you are a single sharer, pay board and lodging or live in a retirement village.
Payments adjustments and reviews
From time to time, your Rent Assistance may be reviewed. If you are getting Rent Assistance, the amount you receive may be adjusted because:
- the amount you pay for your accommodation changes
- a family member's or your circumstances change. This may include your income increasing, moving to a new house or separating from your partner
- the maximum rate of payment changes. Rent Assistance is usually adjusted twice a year in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
How much Telephone Allowance do I get?
These payment rates are effective from 20 September 2009.
Telephone Allowance is paid quarterly with the first regular Centrelink payment you receive on or after 1 January, 20 March, 1 July and 20 September.
Note: Any concessions or discounts your telephone or internet service provider may offer are not related to Telephone Allowance.
Telephone Allowance is a non-taxable payment
How much Utilities Allowance do I get?
These payment rates for Utilities Allowance are effective from 20 September 2009.
Payments are made in 4 instalments and usually paid with your first regular Centrelink payment following the qualification dates of 20 March, 20 June, 20 September and 20 December each year.
Utilities Allowance is not taxed.
How much Remote Area Allowance do I get?
These payment rates for Remote Area Allowance are effective from 20 September 2009.
Remote Area Allowance is not taxed.
To receive Remote Area Allowance you do not have to meet income or assets tests.
How much Carer Allowance (adult) do I get?
This payment rate of Carer Allowance (adult) is effective from 20 September 2009.
The rate of Carer Allowance (adult) is $105.10 per fortnight.
If you are receiving a Carer Allowance payment on 1 July each year from 2010, you also receive an annual carer supplement of up to $600 for each person in your care who qualifies you for Carer Allowance.
Accessing Online Services
To register or find out more about your payments, go to Online Services.