Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has reminded Hume pensioners that pension payments will increase from this Saturday 20 September, the second increase this year.

Single age pensioners will receive an increase of up to $11.50 a fortnight, while age pensioner couples will receive up to $17.40 extra a fortnight.

“This will mean that total pension payments for people on the maximum rate will be $854.30 a fortnight for singles, and $1,288 a fortnight for couples.

“There are some 17,800 pensioners in Hume who will continue to receive an increase to the pension in March and September each year under the Abbott Government.

“There has been some concern raised in recent community forums I have held that the age pension has been cut. This is not the case; the pension will continue to increase twice a year. From September 2017, pension increases will be linked to the cost of living, rather than to wages.

“I would like to thank everyone for taking part in the seniors forums across Hume. They were well attended and I have had a lot of feedback on their success.”

Mr Taylor said from 20 September there would also be increases to income support payments such as Newstart and Parenting Payment.

Caption: Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor wants to reassure pensioners the pension will continue to increase twice a year in line with the cost of living.