More than one million Australians will soon receive a hip-pocket bump as their support payments increase.

From January 1, payments for young people, students, carers and others will be indexed to keep up with inflation.

Jobseekers, students, apprentices and other young Australians who get Youth Allowance will take home between $17.30 to $24.30 more every fortnight.

Those who support someone with aged care, disability or medical needs will see their carer allowance increase by $5.80 to $159.30 each payment.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students or apprentices are set to have their ABSTUDY payments grow as well, with allowances growing by up to $54 per fortnight for those undertaking masters and doctorates.

Meanwhile, young people living with disabilities will see their payments increase by about $30.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth says this will help Australians manage the cost of living.

“We want to reduce disadvantage and maintain Australia’s strong and sustainable social safety net by providing relief to those most in need,” she said.

“Through indexation, payments are adjusted in line with cost-of-living changes to ensure people have more money in their pockets.”

Other payments including Austudy, which is offered to those older than 25 and studying to become an apprentice, and mobility allowance, which helps cover travel costs for those with a disability, illness or injury that prevents them from taking public transport, will also rise.

 

Kat Wong
(Australian Associated Press)