Pensioners’ Christmas present

PENSIONERS will receive as much as $2100 in a one-off payment from the Federal Government in a bid to relieve financial strain.
Hotham MP Simon Crean said this week’s announcement by the government to give one-off payments to a variety of welfare recipients was a response to the dire global economy.
“Kevin Rudd has announced a $10.4 billion strategy to strengthen the national economy and support Australian households during a deep and prolonged global economic slowdown,” Mr Crean said.
Pensioners will receive $1400 for singles, $2100 for couples; recipients of Carer’s Allowance will get a one-off $1000 payment for each eligible person being cared for; and families receiving Family Tax benefit A will receive $1000 for each child in their family. Mr Crean said first home buyers would also benefit.
“The (strategy) will also make first home buyers eligible for grants of up to $21,000 with the First Home Owners Boost initiative to bolster construction activity in the housing market.”