income-test-thresholds-penalise-older-Australian-workers

So why are older Australians penalised for earning more?

Current economic data confirms that Australia now has too few workers for jobs that urgently need to be done. With unemployment hovering around 4% and predicted to tighten further there are now jobs available for the majority of people who want them.

And this includes retirees, many of whom never really wanted to cease work entirely.

And others who need a cash top-up to cover household expenses, medical bills and home maintenance.

And, of course, those who are renting in retirement, spending about a third of their income on accommodation, in a rental market with rapidly increasing prices.

A stated aim of governments of all persuasions is to encourage more older Australians to remain in, or head back to, the workplace. The economic benefits are profound.

But whilst there is a need for workers, about 2.5 million older Australians are prevented from seeking work as they will be financially penalised for doing so.

This number refers to the nearly 70% of all retirees who are on a full or part Age Pension.

Research released this week by the National Seniors Association (NSA) shows that at least 20% of this cohort – half a million people – would happily head back to work.

But for those who are on a full Age Pension the price is too high.

If a single Age Pensioner earns more than $480 a fortnight, they are immediately penalised, moving to a part Age Pension and losing 50 cents of pension for every dollar they earn above this amount.

Should they earn more than $56,035 a year (couples $85,737.60), they lose their pension entitlement completely, along with the very valuable Pensioner Concession Card, estimated to be worth about $3000 per annum.

As we noted in our Budget 2022 coverage, this system makes little sense.

Retirement Essentials believes that removing income limits from  the Age Pension is the most sensible policy for our entire community. The disincentives for some older Australians to work hurt us all.  The social connectedness of work, not to mention the additional income, can make a huge difference to the mental and physical health of older people, whilst society as a whole benefits from their skills and experience.

What is your situation?

Do you believe the current income thresholds are appropriate?

Or would you like the opportunity to earn more?

Is there a downside to this suggestion?

How does the income threshold affect your situation right now? Unsure if you head back to work how your entitlement might be affected? Why not check the Age Pension Entitlement Calculator now?

Our free calculator has all the latest rates and thresholds and will help you work out what you could be entitled to receive.
 

Check Your Entitlements