The biggest boost to the Age Pension in 12 years takes effect from today, but your payment and reporting dates may change this week due to the unexpected public holiday.
Like much of the nation, Centrelink will be closed on Thursday 22 September for the national day of mourning announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Services Australia says many payments may be affected, with income reporting and payment dates shifting.
Read: Can I apply for the Carer’s Allowance?
Reporting changes
In short, those who would normally report income to Centrelink today, tomorrow or Thursday will now need to report one day earlier than normal. For example, if you were due to report on Wednesday, you can now do it today.
If you were scheduled to report today, you were eligible to report yesterday, but don’t worry if you haven’t as you can still report now.
If you were due to report on Monday or Friday this week then nothing changes for you.
“You can still report your income to us, even when we’re closed,” says Services Australia.
“However, if you do this on a public holiday, we’ll pay you after the public holiday.”
Read: How does Centrelink assess caravans?
Payment date changes
Payment dates have shifted as well. For reports lodged today, your payment will be made tomorrow rather than after the usual two business days.
If you receive a Centrelink payment and don’t need to report income, then you will be paid a day early if you were due to be paid on Wednesday or Thursday.
“We won’t delay payments because of a public holiday, but we may pay you earlier than normal,” says Service Australia.
“An early payment is your normal payment, just paid early.
“Where we pay an early payment, we pay as close to and before your normal payment day. You’ll need to budget so this payment lasts until your next payment day.”
Read: How do retirees feel about the Age Pension increase?
New Age Pension rate effective
The September pension increase also takes effect from today.
The Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Carer Payment rise by $38.90 a fortnight for singles and $58.80 a fortnight for couples.
The new Age Pension rates will take the single fortnightly payment from $987.60, with supplements, to $1026.50. The fortnightly payments for each member of a couple has risen from $744.40 to $773.80.
Fortnightly rent assistance is now $151.60 for singles – an extra $5.80 per fortnight. Couples will receive $142.80 – a $5.40 per fortnight increase.
Are you affected by the public holiday Centrelink closure? Are you happy with the new Age Pension rate? Let us know in the comments section below.
