The Federal Government hopes a range of bonus payments will keep consumers spending money and stave off the economic downturn.

Here's the plan:

PENSIONERS

* $1400 bonus for single pensioners.

* $2100 bonus for pensioner couples.

SELF-FUNDED RETIREES

* $1400 or $2100 bonus for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders.

CARERS

* $1000 bonus to Carer Allowance recipients.

FAMILIES

* $1000 bonus for each eligible child in their care.

HOME BUYERS

* First home owners' grant has risen from $7000 to $14,000 for existing homes.

* People who purchase a newly constructed house as their first home receive $21,000.

WHEN WILL I BE PAID?

* Bonuses will be paid from December 8.

* First homebuyers' grant increases took effect this week and remain in place until June 30 next year.

MORE INFORMATION

* To find out who's eligible, go to www.pm.gov.au.

WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY

"The truth is that we are going through the worst financial crisis in our lifetime . . . History tells us that when the economy slows, responsible governments step in to strengthen growth."

- Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

"(This package) will provide a stimulus to the economy, that's for certain. And above all it gives justice to Australia's age pensioners in particular, who have been doing it especially tough."

- Federal Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull

"It should be noted that the lack of confidence in the Australian economy has been brought on in part by Treasurer Swan and Prime Minister Rudd's doom and gloom predictions."

- Member for Bowman Andrew Laming

"We're very pleased (with the pensioner bonuses). In a real sense it means being able to buy presents for their grandchildren, have ham on the table or fix that leaky roof."

- National Seniors Australia chief executive Michael O'Neill