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.