Boost for pensioners

MORE than 90,000 older Australians will soon be able to earn an extra $50 a fortnight without affecting their pensions, a Senate estimates hearing was told yesterday.

The Federal Government is expanding the pension work bonus from $250 to $300 a fortnight, allowing people to earn up to $7800 a year.

Self-employed retirees will also be able to earn up to $300 a fortnight without copping a whack to their pensions.