Self-funded retirees need to update their details

From today Centrelink is posting letters to 9,000 self-funded retirees who need to update their details in order to receive new cash payments to help them make ends meet.

As part of the Clean Energy Future package, the Gillard Government is delivering increases in payments to more than 281,000 self-funded retirees across Australia who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and receive the Seniors Supplement.

On 25 June, self-funded retirees will receive a Clean Energy Advance payment of $250 for singles or $190 for each member of an eligible couple. This advance will be paid along with the quarterly Seniors Supplement, which assists with paying regular bills such as power, rates, phone and car registration.

These cash payments will be paid directly into the bank accounts of most of these self-funded retirees. However, there are about 9,000 self-funded retirees who have not provided their bank account details to Centrelink.

Please make sure your details are up to date with Centrelink so that you get your extra assistance as soon as possible.

To update your details call 132 300.

People have until 18 May to update their details with Centrelink to ensure they get their advance payment on 25 June. Of course, people can update their details after this date but it will mean they won’t receive their advance payment on 25 June.

This cash advance is in addition to the ongoing household assistance starting in June next year to help self-funded retirees make ends meet – an extra $338 for singles and $510 extra for couples combined.

While this Labor Government is delivering extra payments, Tony Abbott and the Liberals are planning to claw back money from self-funded retirees, pensioners and families.

Self-funded retirees receiving the Clean Energy Advance cash payment