Veterans will receive an increase in their pensions of up to $18.60 per fortnight, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today. Mr Billson said veterans' pensions, including service pension, war widow's pension and disability pensions, will increase from 20 September 2007.

"This pension rise is consistent with the Australian Government's commitment to protecting the living standards of veterans and their families, and supporting their welfare," Mr Billson said.

"From 20 September 2007, the Special (T&PI) rate of disability pension will increase by $18.60 to $938.00 per fortnight, while the Intermediate rate of disability pension will increase by $11.40 to $631.20.

"Extreme Disablement Adjustment will increase to $495.40 per fortnight and the 100 per cent General Rate of disability pension will increase to $322.80.

"The maximum rate of single service pension will rise by $12.60 to $537.70 per fortnight and the maximum rate for couples will increase by $10.60 to $449.10 each.

"The fortnightly pension paid to war widows will increase by $12.60 to $562.70, while the ceiling rate of the income support supplement, which is paid to more than 84,000 war widows, will rise to $160.40."

Rates have also increased for benefits under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA). The MRCA widowed partner's death benefit is paid at the same rate as the war widow's pension, while MRCA Special Rate Disability pensioners receive the same payments as Special (T&PI) rate pensioners.