Further support for Pensioners is likely
Pensioners missed out on their usual Age Pension increase in September but in good news, the Minister for Social Services, Anne Ruston, has confirmed that there will be further support for Age Pensioners in the October budget.
Pensioners have already received two $750 stimulus payments this year. While this has reduced the impact of the freeze in pension rates many people feel this is not enough. Negative inflation caused the freeze but this was largely due to factors such as reduced childcare costs while pensioners have seen many costs increase. According to Ian Yates from the Council of the Aging (COTA) pensioners are likely to see increased costs in delivery fees and transport due to a reluctance to use public transport right now.
Yates has called on the Government to make another $750 payment to pensioners. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has already said that he and Treasurer Josh Frydenburg will be looking for more ways to support pensioners and Minister Ruston’s comments strongly indicate this will be in the form of a cash bonus.
What might the support look like?
The Government isn’t giving too many hints right now but the bonus could be another one-off stimulus payment or perhaps ongoing support. The previous stimulus payments helped lots of Seniors including Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holders as well as pensioners so it would be great to see that happen again. Tell us what you think.
We don’t have long to wait to find out though as the budget will be handed down next week on the evening of Tuesday 6th October. Look out for our email on Wednesday 7th October with the key details.
Don’t miss out
For the previous stimulus payments you needed to be in receipt of the Age Pension, or holding an eligible concession card such as the, to receive the payments. Many people didn’t get their applications in on time and missed out. Don’t let that happen to you or your friends.
What about self funded retirees we have lost a lot of money due to low interest paid share interest not being paid at all we get nothing from the Government
I agree with you. We have paid our taxes, we have saved our money, but still have to wait until retirement age to get discount for medication.
even a third $750 is not enough.NEWSTART has received the equivalent to11 payments of #750 so there increases are a huge difference than pensioners the former also received AN EXTRA $500 INCREASE IN THE COST OF LIVING EXPENCES MORE THAN PENSIONERS .WHY
pfthe cost oh living has gone down then why an increase to everyone except pensioners ,the disabled and carers.
Any support is welcome! Governments aren’t bottomless ATMs but if pensioners can get some additional help, that will, of course, be most welcome!
Agree with you Gavin.
Any support would be welcome, and very much appreciated. Just day to day living on the Pension alone is very difficult.
Thank you
I’d really be grateful for any support. That would be amazing especially at this time considering our circumstances Thankyou
Pensioners who are totally dependent on the Age Pension and DON’T have shares or super should not have to pay the GST; it’s a fraudulent tax levied on a cohort who have paid taxes all their working lives -an unnecessary imposition on those least able to afford it. Ergo, it would obviate the need for a couple of one-off sops, which are more of a political (look-good) expedient, than a lasting measure. It wouldn’t be hard for the government to issue a card, for this bottom-rung cohort, excluding them from the GST.
How about a % levy on combined incomes above $175K or single incomes of $100K.Start Taxing the religious “businesses” and “sham” charity companies using tools of avoidance.
There is an estimated $1.375 Billion that could be saved just by a forensic audit on “Church Entitys”
I agree with Ian comment about religious “businesses” they are so called charities who only serve to rake in money for themselves whilst their followers are scammed out of their money, it’s a sham for sure and these people should be ashamed of themselves.
the goverment, for-get the people that worked all of life and payed tax , the pensions should get a one of. in the buget,. payment of$1500 , then in 2022 two payments a year. ron