Facility owners won’t get bonuses
Pensioners living in residential care will directly receive the Prime Minister’s one-off payment.
The Minister for Ageing has moved to reassure pensioners living in residential aged care that they will directly receive the lump sum ‘Christmas bonus’ payments announced by the Prime Minister, earlier this week.
Justine Elliot made the comments in response to speculation that the lump sum payments would go to facility 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.”
As part of the Prime Minister’s $4.8 billion package, the nation’s pensioners will receive a lump sum payment in December.
Single pensioners will be given $1,400 and couples will receive $2,100.
The pension bonuses have been welcomed by seniors groups and the federal opposition.
“We’re very pleased,” said National Seniors CEO, Michael O’Neill. “The government has listened to the concerns of our most vulnerable older Australians and they’ve come to the table.
“This means single age pensioners in particular, who usually barely scrape by, will have little reason to do without this Christmas.”
Shadow Minister for Ageing, Margaret May said the announcement would bring relief but called for greater assurances about the pension review in next year’s budget.
“Today’s announcement of a lump sum payment of $1,400 to single pensioners and $2,100 to pensioner couples is a welcome start from the Government, but pensioners also need reform that will ensure their future is not a bleak existence,” said Mrs May.
