PDF printable version of Lump Sum Payments Protected – Straight To Nursing Home Residents (PDF 24 KB)
15 October 2008
Pensioners who live in the nation’s 3,000 nursing homes will keep their entire lump sum payment, the Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot said.
Mrs Elliot made the comments to re-assure nursing home residents and their families following speculation this morning that the one-off payments would go to nursing home owners.
“This is totally incorrect. The one-off payment goes to all pensioners – including those who live in nursing homes,” Mrs Elliot said.
“Nursing home owners will not be allowed to increase their fees – so all of the one-off bonus will go straight into the pensioner’s pockets.
“My main priority is the health and welfare of older Australians,” Mrs Elliot said.
The Rudd Government will deliver a $4.8 billion down payment to Australia’s four million pensioners, carers, seniors and veterans - providing them with immediate financial help in the lead up to comprehensive reform of the pension system.
This amount over a nine-month period, that is, from now until June 30 next year, represents the equivalent of some $35 a week for single pensioners and some $24 a week for members of a married couple.
This decisive action is part of the Rudd Government’s $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy to boost the Australian economy and support pensioners and families during the global financial crisis.
The $4.8 billion down payment will be made available through a lump sum payment of $1,400 to singles and $2,100 to couples, which will benefit:
- Age Pensioners;
- Disability Support Pensioners;
- Carer Payment recipients;
- Wife and Widow B Pensioners; Partner, Widow and Bereavement Allowees;
- Veterans Affairs Service Pensioners;
- Veterans Income Support Supplement recipients;
- Veterans Affairs Gold Card holders eligible for Seniors Concession Allowance;
- Those of age pension age who receive Parenting Payment, Special Benefit, or Austudy; and
- Eligible Self Funded retirees holding a Commonwealth Senior Health Card (CSHC).
People who are receiving Carer Allowance will also receive $1,000 for each eligible person being cared for.
For more information, contact Mrs Elliot's office on (02) 6277 7280
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