PBLCI
What is PBLCI
The [glossary:Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index:] (PBLCI[glossary:):] measures changes in the cost of living experienced by pensioner and beneficiary households to ensure that pension rates keep up with the increases in the cost of living experienced by pensioners. The PBLCI is calculated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and is usually published around five weeks after the end of a quarter. Movement in the PBLCI is measured quarterly for the three month periods ending 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December each year. The PBLCI is not a percentage but an index number. Any two numbers from the index can be compared to calculate a percentage change.
PBLCI indexation factor
The PBLCI indexation factor is determined by comparing two quarters of PBLCI figures. The more recent of these quarters is known as the reference quarter and the older is known as the base quarter. The PBLCI number for the reference quarter is divided by the PBLCI number for the base quarter, rounding the answer to three decimal places.
Reference and base quarters for PBLCI
The reference quarter is defined in the following table.
Indexation day | Reference quarter |
20 March | Most recent December quarter before the indexation day |
20 September | Most recent June quarter before the indexation day |
The base quarter is the June or December quarter that:
- is before the reference quarter; and
- has the highest living cost index number.
Source URL: https://clik.dva.gov.au/compensation-and-support-policy-library/part-9-principles-determining-pension-rate/97-statutory-increases/972-indexation-pensions-and-allowances/pblci