Back-dated increases for war pensioners

Press, 19 August 1982, Page 3

Back-dated increases for war pensioners

Parliamentary reporter

War * pensioners will receive two back-dated increases in their pensions when an amendment to the War Pensions Act, 1954, is passed by Parliament. Introducing the. amendment bill in the House yesterday, the Minister in charge of War Pensions (Mr Thomson) said it would validate the six-monthly increases in pensions, which are calculated according to rises in the consumers price index.

From January 20 this year single pensioners will receive an increase of $5.62 a week, bringing the rate to $76.37 a week. For married couples the increase is $9.36 a week, bringing their rate to $127.28 a week. Orphans’ pensions increase $2.75 to $38.80 a week and the additional

amount for the first child of a solo parent pensioner increases $3.74 to $44.91 a week.

A further rise from July 21 increases the rate for single pensioners $6.41 to $82.78 a week. For married couples the increase is $10.68, bringing the rate to $137.96 a week. Orphans’ pensions increase $3.15 to $41.95 a week. The additional amount for the first child of a solo parent pensioner is increased $4.27 to $49.18 a week. From October 13 the additional amount for the second and subsequent children of a solo parent pension and for each child of a married couple will be increased $1 to $6 a week. Increases for war pensions and allowances that are not income-tested take effect from April 1 this year.

The maximum rate of disablement pensions will rise $8.06 to $59.02 a week. Pensions for partial disablement will increase by a proportionate amount. The maximum rate of additional pension for severe disablement increases $4.84 to $35.42 a week.

Clothing allowance for the loss of limbs will be increased by a maximum of 90c, which brings the highest allowance to $6.57 a week. The maximum rate, of war widows’ pensions will be $43.54, an increase of $5.95 a week. War veterans’ allowance gratuities payable to a widow will rise $5.95 to $119.91 a week.

The maximum allowance for disabled pensioners who need attendants is increased $14.93 to $109.33 a week.