We asked – This is what you told us
A few weeks ago we asked our readers what they thought about the idea of a universal age pension. The results were overwhelming. More people responded to the survey and commented on our article than any other piece we have ever written. If you want to read the article again, or missed out the first time, you can find it here.
What is it again?
In very simple terms a universal age pension would mean that a full Age Pension would be granted to everyone that met the age and residency requirements. No more asset or income tests or part pensions.
What did you think about it?
We received lots and lots of comments and overwhelmingly people seemed to be in favour of the idea. The reasons people were in favour included:
- Why should people that have saved for retirement be penalised for doing so?
- The Government might actually save some money by eliminating a lot of the bureaucracy. This is what happened in New Zealand
- People that paid taxes all their life felt they were entitled to get something back from the Government
Even people that were against the idea wanted to see more of the discounts received by Age Pensioners extended to other Seniors.
The survey results were very compelling with well over 2000 readers responding:
- 90.2% of people overall were in favour of a universal Age Pension
- 98% of people on the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) were in favour and
- 82% of people that already had the Age Pension were in favour of all Seniors of eligibility age getting it
As you can see from the results it wasn’t just those that weren’t eligible to receive the pension that were in favour. While some wealthy people don’t really need it there was clearly a view that a simpler system benefiting all was preferable to the very complicated one we have right now.
Unfortunately, we still have a very complicated system that trips up a lot of people so if you need any help to apply for the Age Pension, or the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you can get started by checking your eligibility here.
Please let us know what you think by commenting below.
We agree. We feel we are penalised for having been careful and saving for our later days.
Thank you for the opportunity. I started work at age 16 and at times worked 3 jobs. Like all Baby Boomers we were taxed at the maximum rate. 50 cents in the dollar and beyond. We have paid our fair share and then some but when your working life ENDS there is no thank you no recompense and NO pension.
I am 100% agree for a universal age pension and I also feel that the rate should be increased and thst for partnered couple, if one person reach age pension and qualify, the other half should get It too.
Yes I agree to the universal pension but only to those people the are of age and 20 years in Australia the second tier would then be tested
When some people reach a certain age, they can apply for and receive what some say is a very generous Government pension.
In the main, the recipients are those who either by their own choice or through circumstance have fewer assets. However, people who are frugal usually get nothing as their assets are too high.
Others get the pension as they have invested all their money in an expensive non assets tests house, beating the system in doing so.
Others like me (aged 74) have been prudent with their money and find themselves with no pension as their assets are too high.
To award all attaining the relevant age a pension, would make all Australians of pension age equal which is surely the ideal position
Cannot agree more. NZ’s universal ago pension is the GO. Cut red tape and save $$$ in the current complex system. Current superannuation system is also a minefield as goal posts shifts all the time.
Naturally very few on any wealth stratum would knock back the annual govt. pension. A few thoughts – if the NZ model works well then great, see if it would be affordable for govt.here please.
It might enable retirees to spend more freely, enhancing the economy, rather than feeling a need to be very frugal to make super and savings last for up to 30 years. Self funded retirees can end up on a low annual income very similar to the pension, when they have worked and saved responsibly more than others for their whole lives. Low interest rates can make income from savings inadequate now
An age pension for all regardless of whether you have saved hard all your working life or not, everyone gets the same, those that have saved hard and worked hard benefit from their savings on top of the pension and benefits
I feel that anybody over Retirement age should get the full pension, I am 69 and don’t qualify because my Wife is not at Retirement age yet, I cannot get the pension until I’m 75. I have paid Taxes all my working life and it is a slap in the face not being able to access the Pension. I dont see our Pollies having to worry about their pension.
Hi John. You can still qualify for the age pension even if your wife is not yet of age pension age. You would receive half of what you would be entitled to receive as a couple. If she is still working and earning a wag her earnings will, however, be taken into account and could impact your eligibility. Its her assets and income that affect your eligibility, not her age.
Livid!
That would describe me in a single word.
I am a single male; I have never received child support, time off for pregnancy or any of the single dole-outs that have taken place since I started paying into the tax system in 1974……and there have been plenty…….all because I have always been a single male.
I never begrudge a family or pregnant woman their government entitlements but now I find I am being declined or made to jump through hoops to get mine.
Now, I am 65 and find myself looking after my partners Mum in NZ so she does not have to go to a home.
I turned 65 and yet not eligible for my Australian pension until Feb 2021 (!!!!!) and I have to come back to Sydney to apply for this in person and then because I am here looking after my partners Mum I am told I may not qualify.
This is incredibly one-sided (the governments) and incredibly unfair.
We struggled, worked shift work, gave up many ” luxuries “, paid our house off, raised 3 kids, invested wisely, only to be left out of any pension possibility, no health care card, no pensioner discounts, no Carona handouts whilst we now still support all the have nots with our GST taxes ! and no interest income ! Thought we were smart, turns out we’re the dummies !
Definitely agree pension should be available to everyone regardless of their financial position. or assets. After many years working and saving no one should be able too take that away. Also very unfair that some people have very highly paid positions and just walk into without question a very lucrative retirement. If all received a pension and paid a reasonable amount of tax the population would be much happier.
I would of received a Full UK pension but don’t, I am 70 still working as husband not working due to COVID my earnings impact my pension and his new start allowance , I have never not worked either in UK or Australia but I have no choice at the moment and penalized .
Yes I agree everyone should get an aged pension depending on the tax they have paid during their working life – same as the UK.
Treat everyone the same. So many penalties if you try and get ahead you are penalised. Equal pension regardless of where you come from or what you’ve done towards your own wealth. Stop expecting people who work hard and get ahead to pay for those who don’t.
I have worked and paid taxes in Australia since I was 14 years of age. I am now 74 years of age and have a little small part time job and have recently received a part pension. I now have 10 weeks long service and accumulated leave to declare when I stop work and with this system we have I will prob loose my part pension. Yes , we should get a universal pension if u qualify as I have after paying taxes for over 60 years and saved up a bit of leave and long service leave. Why should I be penalised for trying to save a bit and make my old age LOL more comfortable.I have worked hard and long for what we have got and that is not a lot. Own our home, car and the leave I have accumulated.
Well all people over 70 used to get the age pension in Australia. Why not now? Many self funded retirees who have never been given a cent back from the millions they have paid in taxes will never get any of it back while life long loafers collect more than $10k a year. From 76 years of age to even 86 that is about $100k and we are abused as well for having worked hard and got nothing back! Go into a nursing home and you subsidise the bludgers again!!!
we believe that all Australians should be treated equal in retirement and there should not be any restrictions to those Australians who have paid there share of tax throughout their working lives.
I applause Your for that idea
Yes it very disappointing that myself and my wife have worked hard and paid taxes for 45 in this country and are not entitled to a single cent because we invested our hard earned money so we could lead a comfortable life now. Money isn’t the most important but even a pension card or seniors discount would be greatly appreciated. Cheers Simon
The current system is hard on those whose income is on the cusp e.g. my wife works and I am retired (through ill health) and only receive the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. I get zilch, nada, SFA in monetary terms and people are aghast when I tell them, especially those from tyhe UK. Also I served 17 uyrears in the RAAF, TRAAF Reserve and the Australian Army reserve – thank you Australia for the Defence Medal.