Cost of living is an issue top of mind for most Australians. Last week’s higher inflation rate was a stark reminder just how much we are now paying for essentials. So it’s timely that a seniors advocacy group should suggest a solution for those doing it toughest.
The initiative comes from the National Seniors Australia (NSA) and is based upon evidence from the Organisation for Economic Development (OECD) that income poverty for those over 66 is real and prevalent. OECD data shows that 21% of men and 26% of women of this age suffer from such poverty. These statistics are supported by similar data from the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS). The NSA also notes that 20% of older women have no super to draw upon.
Health costs, including dental treatment, form a significant part of this financial stress. As part of its ‘Fix Pension Poverty’ campaign, the NSA is now calling for a new type of pension entitlement – a targeted Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) called PCC+.
Such a card would be targeted to the most vulnerable Age Pensioners, particularly women. It would be managed in the same way as the PCC but would offer further discounts on energy and health care.
Pension Concession Cards
PCCs are automatically awarded to those who are eligible for the Age Pension or aged over 55 and receiving certain other government benefits. They entitle the holder to a wide range of benefits and discounts, in particular doctors visits, PBS medicines, Australia Post services and some energy and transport expenses, depending upon your state of residence.
The PCC is not to be confused with the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) which is available to those of Age Pension age who do not qualify for the Age Pension. The CSHC is means tested, but only using income, not assets, which means that most self-funded retirees will be eligible.
The NSA has also identified dental care as an area of acute need for Age Pensioners who have low income. They are suggesting that a dental subsidy of $500 per annum for such people would be highly effective and reduce demand on the public dental system.
Read more about the NSA policy here.
What do you think?
Is pension poverty a rapidly increasing concern?
Would a targeted concession card help?
If so, how do you believe it should be targeted?
You can check your eligibility for an Age Pension – and therefore a Pensioner Concession Card – here.
Read here for further detail on the PCC.
And assistance to apply for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is available from our trusted team today.
my husband and I are heading towards dealing with this problem, and dont have much super ( im talking $30,000,) and are scared to stop working even though our work is physically draining and we are 69 and 66 . i think a card of this nature would be a great way to alleviate some of the financial burden. doctors and dental work being so expensive now.
Yes I think it’s needed
My now removed teeth have cost me more than $20,000 since an age pension only retirement. More spending is needed but unaffordable. I can’t bite or chew so ‘enjoy’ a restricted and unhealthy diet in Aged Care. Substantial dental assistance is vital.
About time something was done, here we are one of the wealthiest countries in the world and we do little to look after the disadvantaged and vulnerable many of whom have made positive contributions to our society for the majority of their lives.
Hang your head in shame Australia.
can age pensioners at least be able to do some part time work without being taxed on their pension, this is criminal
Totally agree with you Susan. I would like to work more but will lose my pension if I do. It’s crazy. In New Zealand pensioners can work as much as they ligand not lose their pension, they just pay tax on it. How sensible.
Dental costs are off the chart. And been so for a considerable time
Assessing economic differences in society can be related well to those groups in lower financial groups to missing teeth! Australia needs among many things a realistic subsidy for dental care.
All people that reach the age of 60yo and are still working- they should be tax f r e e. They’ve already been working for this country, paying taxes for more then 40 years. The consecutive govnts should show some appreciation for getting their heafty wages, perks paid by Australian taxpayer and just d o. I t ! ! !
78% of my full age pension is spent on rent every week. I’ve done all the sums and this means I will not be able to live past 77 years old – which is 4 years away.
A card like the one suggested may be a *tiny* bit helpful.. ie might grant me an extra 5 months. Some people, especially women like me are in DIRE UNREMITTING POVERTY.. this is what the government of whatever day are not getting.
For some people, the passing of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) may become a necessary and critical consideration if there are few other options left. Sad but extremely true 🙁
I am 90 years old and I do not have super but do receive the age pension. my dentures are in a terrible condition and were made over 20 years ago. I have a nerve close to the top of my lower gum that prevents me from chewing. I had to get a small relief piece groundout, took him 20 seconds but cost me $66, the teeth were made 4mm too short originally but I hate to think what a new set plus the backwards and forwards getting them adjusted would cost, but no way my pension can afford it.
Help for pensioners for medical & dental costs, would be amazing, particularly for people with low super, as the pension just not cover these costs! I have just retired at 68 after working for 50 year.
My pension does not cover anything but the basics. I don’t believe I will be able to afford to live past 80.
I was a commonwealth civil servant, got an early retrenchment after 5 years of services. and I have chosen to retired completely from work in 2019. Currently, the pension I get from my Commonwealth super is lesser than those who get it from Centrelink. I also do not have a senior pension card , nor a commonwealth health care card . All expense incurred ( in particular dental , hearing , utilities etc. have to pay in full without concession whatsoever except an Opal card. Have I missed out something?
Hi Hahn, thank you for reaching out for further assistance. Based on your comment and the data you previously have entered into our calculator, it appears you would be eligible for at least the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. I recommend you LOGIN and review the values you have input to get an accurate eligibility outcome.
I feel sad and disappointed in our government and politicians in the way they treat retirees on the pension who have no super to back them up