2008 Pension Bonus – Frequently Asked Questions

Who can get the bonus?

The bonus will be paid to all pensioners. This includes people on Disability Support Pension (DSP) or DSP-Blind.

How much will I get?

Single pensioners will get one payment of $1400.

Married couples will get one payment of $2100.

Carer’s Allowance recipients will get one payment of $1000 for every eligible person in their care.

Will it be a one-off payment?

Yes. This is a ‘bonus’ payment, not a regular payment. The same amount is not expected to be paid again.

When will the bonus be paid?

The bonus will be paid in the fortnight beginning 8^th December. It will come in the same payment as your pension.

Will the bonus be considered taxable income?

The government hasn’t made its position clear on this. Bonus payments made in the past to carers have been tax-free.

I’m in public housing. Will my rent go up because of the bonus?

This is uncertain, because it is up to individual State and Territory governments to set public housing prices. Previous bonus payments to carers have no resulted in rent increases, however, so it seems unlikely.

Does this bonus have anything to do with the review of pensions by the government?

No. The government is paying this money to help stimulate the Australian economy. The government will not make any decisions from this review until it sees a final report which discusses all the issues with the current pension system. This report is expected in February 2009.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

If you have questions about the payment or how it will affect you:

Call Centrelink Disability, Sickness and Carers line on 13 27 17.

If you would like to know more about the Pension Review and what BCA is doing to work towards better pensions:

Call Blind Citizens Australia on 1800 033 660 and ask to speak to Leah Hobson, National Policy Officer.