Seniors bonus payment
The Government recognises that older Australians have played a key role in creating our economic growth. To ensure that they share in this growth, this year the Government will provide a bonus of $500 to individuals eligible for either the Utilities Allowance or the Seniors Concession Allowance. Both eligible members of a couple will receive the bonus.
These bonuses, worth $1.3 billion, will be paid to recipients by 30 June 2007.
Continued help for carers
The Government will again recognise the sacrifices made by carers who look after people with a disability. Recipients of the Carer Payment will receive a $1,000 bonus payment while those who receive the Carer Allowance will be given a $600 bonus payment, at a total cost of $394 million. The $1,000 bonus will also be paid to those who receive both the Carer Allowance and either the Wife Pension or the Veterans' Affairs Partner Service Pension. These payments will be made by 30 June 2007.
This is the fourth year in a row that these bonuses have been paid.
Supporting veterans
The Government will also provide $160 million over four years to increase support for veterans. Commencing in July 2007, the per fortnight payment of Special Rate Disability Pension will increase by $50 and the Intermediate Rate Pension by $25. This measure will provide Australia’s most disabled veterans with greater financial support.
The Government will also provide $57 million over the two years from 2006 07 to make one off payments of $25,000 to Australians who were Prisoners of War in Europe, or their surviving widows.
More than $1.9 billion to assist older Australians and carers
17 2007‑08 Budget Overview