The Pension Supplement is designed to provide additional financial support to eligible Australians receiving government payments. Whether you’re on Age Pension, JobSeeker Payment, Carer Payment, or other qualifying benefits, this guide will help you understand who can receive it, how much you’ll get, and when payments are made.
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Who Is Eligible for the Pension Supplement?
The Pension Supplement is available under three different eligibility options, depending on your age and the type of payment you receive.
Option 1: Standard Eligibility
You may qualify if you receive one of the following payments:
✔ Age Pension
✔ JobSeeker Payment (if you were a former Wife Pension recipient and moved to JobSeeker)
✔ Carer Payment
✔ Disability Support Pension (only if you are over 20 or have dependent children)
Option 2: Over Age Pension Age Eligibility
If you are over the Age Pension age, you can qualify if you receive:
✔ ABSTUDY
✔ Austudy
✔ Parenting Payment
✔ Special Benefit
Option 3: Parenting Payment Single
If you receive Parenting Payment Single and are under the Age Pension age, you may qualify for the basic supplement amount.
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How You’ll Receive the Pension Supplement
You don’t need to apply—if you’re eligible, the payment will be automatically added to your regular support payment every fortnight.
If You Don’t Qualify for the Pension Supplement
You may still be eligible for one of these alternative payments:
✔ Pharmaceutical Allowance
✔ Telephone Allowance
✔ Utility Allowance
Transitional Rate Pensioners
If you receive a transitional rate of pension, you won’t receive the Pension Supplement, but you will get an equivalent amount instead.
If you were previously receiving Wife Pension and moved to JobSeeker Payment, you’ll continue receiving an equivalent supplement as long as you meet eligibility requirements. This will appear on your JobSeeker Payment statement as a Transitional Pension Supplement, which is not the same as the Pension Supplement.
How Much Will You Get?
The amount you receive depends on your relationship status and whether you opt for fortnightly or quarterly payments.
| If you are… | Basic supplement per fortnight | Minimum supplement per fortnight | Maximum supplement per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $28.90 | $44.80 | $83.20 |
| In a couple (combined) | $47.60 | $33.80 each or $67.60 combined | $62.70 each or $125.40 combined |
| In a couple (separated due to illness, respite, or prison) | $28.90 | $44.80 each | $83.20 each |
💡 Note: These figures serve as a guide only and may be subject to change.
Quarterly Payment Option
Instead of receiving the minimum supplement fortnightly, you can opt for quarterly payments. The amount will accumulate daily throughout the quarter and will be paid in full on these dates:
🗓 20 March
🗓 20 June
🗓 20 September
🗓 20 December
If your support payment is canceled before these dates, you’ll receive any accrued amount immediately.
💡 Flexibility: You can switch between quarterly and fortnightly payments at any time by calling your regular payment number.
Pension Supplement Rate Updates
The Pension Supplement rates are updated twice a year:
✔ 20 March
✔ 20 September
Updates are based on Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments, which may affect your payment amount.
How Your Payment Might Be Affected
Receiving a Reduced Support Payment
If your main support payment decreases, you will still receive the Pension Supplement at the applicable rate.
Leaving Australia: Will Your Payment Change?
If you travel overseas or move outside Australia, your Pension Supplement payment may be adjusted. Be sure to check how long you can stay abroad before your payments are impacted.
Final Thoughts
The Pension Supplement provides essential financial assistance for eligible pensioners and support payment recipients. Whether you receive it fortnightly or opt for quarterly payments, understanding your eligibility and entitlements ensures you maximize your benefits.
For any updates or changes, always refer to official government sources or contact Centrelink directly.
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