Overview
- From 20 September, the lower deeming rate rises to 0.75% from 0.25% and the upper rate to 2.75% from 2.25%.
- Singles have the 0.75% rate applied to financial assets up to $64,200 and couples up to $106,200, with amounts above those thresholds deemed at 2.75%.
- Indexation on the same date increases age, disability and carer payments by roughly $30 a fortnight, benefiting more than five million recipients including over 2.5 million on the age pension.
- Higher deeming lifts assessed income on savings for some retirees, which will trim certain age pension entitlements and reduce government pension outlays.
- Future rate recommendations will come from the Australian Government Actuary, while the social services minister keeps final decision-making power for exceptional adjustments.