Clean energy supplement will boost pensioner payments
TWEED pensioners get a boost to their payments this month with an increase in the pension that includes the start of the new Clean Energy Supplement.
From March 20, single pensioners on the maximum rate will receive an extra $35.80 a fortnight.
Pensioner couples on the maximum rate will receive an increase of $54.00 a fortnight combined.
The Clean Energy Supplement will be paid fortnightly along with the pension at a rate of $13.50 per fortnight for singles and $20.40 a fortnight for couples combined.
Richmond MP Justine Elliot claims Nationals candidate, Matthew Fraser and Tony Abbott "have a plan to cut the age pension by slashing the Clean Energy Supplement if they are elected."
"We can't risk (them) cutting the age pension for locals," Mrs Elliot said.
"Our pensioners are really doing it tough and our community has worked so hard for these pension increases.
"These cuts by Tony Abbott and Matthew Fraser would mean that every single pensioner would lose more than $350 a year and every pensioner couple would lose more than $530 a year."
