Register by 18 May to get your extra seniors' payments.

Even if you are a self funded retiree you are entitled to the Government carbon tax compensation payments on 25th June -- and you may also be eligible for the seniors' supplement too if you have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. The Seniors' Supplement is $842 per year and the carbon tax compensation (known as the "clean energy advance payment") is $250 for singles or $380 for couples. The Seniors' Supplement is paid quarterly to help pay regular bills such as power, rates, phone and car registration.

$55 million is available to be paid before July 1 - but you need to be registered with Centrelink to get your payment on 25th June.  There are still around 9,000 self-funded retirees who have not yet provided their details and Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin is calling for them to come forward to get the extra assistance they are entitled to. People have until 18 May to update their details with Centrelink to ensure they get their advance payment on 25 June. 

This payment 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.

Find out more on the Seniors Housing Online News page.