Pensioners to receive cash bonus for electricity bills

Only days before the Federal Budget is announced on Tuesday, Treasurer Scott Morrison has revealed that pensioners will be receiving a cash bonus to assist with their electricity bills. 

The announcement will no doubt come as music to the ears of the many Australian pensioners who struggle to make ends meet, especially in the colder months and with currently soaring electricity prices.

The maximum fortnightly aged pension pays at $808.30 for singles, and $1,218.60 for couples. With high rents and other costs, many pensioners are forced to reduce their electricity costs by avoiding using the heating and air conditioning, which can lead to health problems. 

The bonus, to be paid by 30th June, will be $75 for single pensioners and $125 for couples. 

Speaking to Nine News, Morrison said that the cash bonus is “specifically because of increasing electricity prices.”

“It will be for aged pensioners, disability support pensioners, single parent payments,” he said. 

Brisbane Times reported that the bonus cash payments were the result of a deal struck with crossbench senator Nick Xenophon to help pass the government’s business tax cuts earlier this year.

Read more: Real target of May budget finally revealed

The budget will also include a $350 million boost to help defence veterans struggling with mental illnesses after serving. 

Will the government’s pensioner cash bonus help you?