Older Aussies love the idea of a simple life in a smaller home – less cleaning, no big yard, maybe some extra cash in the bank. But there’s a fresh warning for seniors thinking of downsizing: a “special” Centrelink rule might just shrink your Age Pension if you’re not careful. In plain terms, selling the family home can trigger a pension trap.

Any profit you pocket from the sale isn’t ignored by Centrelink – in fact, it’s counted as an asset that could reduce your pension entitlements. Suddenly, that hard-earned windfall from years of home ownership can feel like a double-edged sword.

A 'Special' Rule That Packs a Punch​

So, what is this “special rule” exactly? Essentially, while your primary home is exempt from Centrelink’s asset test, **any cash you free up by selling that home is fair game. For example, as Services Australia’s Hank Jongen explained, if you sell your house for, say, $1 million, and then buy a smaller place for $700,000, the leftover $300,000 will immediately count toward the assets test.

That $300k is no longer tucked safely in an exempt home – it’s out in the open, and Centrelink will factor it in when calculating your Age Pension. Translation: your pension payments could take a hit.

Image source: Seniors Discount Club.

Now, there is a bit of a buffer for people who plan to buy or build a new home. Under a temporary exemption rule, the portion of sale proceeds you intend to use for a new home won’t be counted as assets for up to two years. This gives you time to purchase or construct your next abode without immediately losing pension eligibility.

However, even during this period, those funds aren’t entirely off the radar – Centrelink will “deem” that money to be earning some income (at a low rate) for the purposes of the income test. In other words, they act like you’re getting a bit of interest from that cash, which can still slightly affect your pension payments. And once the two years are up (or if you decide not to get another home), any unspent sale proceeds will officially count as assets and could reduce your pension further.

“It’s a downsizing dilemma,” as one might say – the very act of freeing up money from your home can put your pension in jeopardy. Little wonder Centrelink and financial advisors are waving the caution flag for would-be downsizers.

When Downsizing Becomes a Pension Downer​

Many retirees are now asking: “Hang on, is this really fair?” For years, seniors and advocacy groups have pointed out a stark irony in the system. Keep your wealth locked up in an expensive home and you can still qualify for the pension, but convert that wealth to accessible cash and you risk losing benefits.

As Daniel Gannon of the Retirement Living Council noted, the pension asset thresholds haven’t kept up with soaring house values. “Increases in Age Pension assets have failed to take into account the high level of asset wealth many older Australians now hold in their home,” he said, adding that current rules unintentionally discourage “asset rich, cash poor” Aussies from right-sizing into more suitable housing. In other words, the system rewards you for staying put in a big pricey home, and penalises you for downsizing and cashing out some of that equity.

To put the numbers in perspective, a single homeowner can have up to about $314,000 in assets (apart from the home) and still get the full Age Pension. They remain eligible for a part pension until their assets (outside the home) hit roughly $695,000. Those figures might sound high, but consider this: with Australian real estate what it is, a lot of seniors’ homes are worth well above those thresholds.

Image source: Seniors Discount Club.

If a widowed retiree sells a long-time family home and clears, say, $800,000 after buying a smaller unit, that $800k would instantly put them over the pension cut-off – no Age Pension at all in that scenario.

Even couples face the same trap: a couple who own a home and have modest savings could get full pensions, but if they downsize and end up with a few hundred thousand in the bank, they might find their pension payments slashed. It feels like a punishment for doing the prudent thing.

This perceived unfairness has real effects on behavior. Many Boomers are hesitant to downsize precisely because they don’t want to jeopardise their pension. A National Seniors Australia survey found nearly one in four older homeowners would be more inclined to downsize if the proceeds were exempt from the Age Pension asset test. In other words, thousands of retirees are effectively saying, “We’d move if we didn’t get penalised for it.”

Instead, plenty choose to stay in homes that may be larger than they need, just to keep their pension secure. We often hear the phrase “asset rich, cash poor” – a lot of seniors fit that bill, sitting in million-dollar homes but on relatively small incomes. The current rules, some argue, are forcing them to remain cash poor unless they’re willing to give up the pension they paid taxes for all their lives. Something about that doesn’t sit right, does it?

The Other Side of the Coin​

To be fair, the government’s perspective is a balancing act. The Age Pension is meant to be a safety net for those who need it, not a reward for amassing wealth. From that angle, if someone sells a house and pockets a huge gain, you could argue they have resources to fund their retirement – so why should taxpayers keep footing their pension? Policymakers also worry about the budget impact. Any move to soften the downsizing hit (like exempting home-sale cash from the asset test) means paying more pensions to people who might otherwise be ineligible.

Analysts have noted that generous concessions could end up being a windfall for folks who were going to downsize anyway, without actually convincing those who don’t want to move. In fact, research by the Grattan Institute suggests emotional attachments and lifestyle factors are the biggest reasons seniors stay put, not financial disincentives. If that’s true, then purely financial incentives or rule changes might have only a limited effect on behavior – while still costing the public purse. It’s a valid point to consider in this debate.

Image source: Seniors Discount Club.

That said, there’s growing pressure to update the rules. The government wants seniors to downsize under the right circumstances – it can free up housing stock for younger families and help older Australians use their home equity to fund a more comfortable retirement. They’ve already taken some steps in this direction.

A few years back, they introduced the Downsizer Contribution scheme, essentially a superannuation sweetener. Under this scheme, if you’re over 55 and have owned your home for 10+ years, you can tip up to $300,000 of your home-sale proceeds into your super (that’s $600,000 for a couple). This contribution doesn’t count towards normal super caps and isn’t taxed on the way in. The idea is to let people boost their retirement savings significantly when they downsize. From a tax perspective and long-term income perspective, it’s quite attractive – nearly 60,000 Australians have taken up the incentive, pouring over $14.5 billion into their super funds in the five years since it launched.

However, it’s important to note: the downsizer contribution itself does not get you off the hook with Centrelink. Any money you put into super will still count in the Age Pension means test once you reach pension age. There’s no special Centrelink exemption for downsizer super money (a common misconception). The only loophole – and it’s a temporary one – is if you or your spouse are under Age Pension age (currently 67).

Superannuation held by someone under pension age is not counted in the pension asset test. Financial planners often note this as a strategy: say a 65-year-old and a 60-year-old decide to downsize; they might contribute a big chunk of the proceeds into the 60-year-old’s super account. By doing so, that money is effectively invisible to Centrelink until the younger partner turns 6. It’s a way to maximize pension entitlements for a few years.

But, of course, once that younger spouse hits pension age, the jig is up – at that point all those super savings become assessable. Still, this “special rule” (really just a feature of the means test) can be a useful albeit short-term workaround for some couples. Singles and older couples don’t have that luxury, which again raises questions of equity.

Various advocacy groups have floated proposals to fix what they see as a downsizing penalty. One idea is to lift the asset test thresholds specifically for people who downsize. For instance, the Retirement Living Council has suggested allowing single pensioners who sell and buy a smaller home to keep up to $550,000 in assets before their pension starts to taper – significantly more than the current $314,000 threshold.

They also recommend changes to rent assistance rules to help those moving into retirement villages. Thus far, these remain just proposals. In the Federal Budget earlier this year, there was no major relief on this front, disappointing many who had hoped for action. The government did, however, extend the asset-test exemption period for home sale proceeds to 24 months (with possible extension to 36 months in special cases), giving downsizers more breathing room to purchase a new home. It’s a helpful tweak but doesn’t solve the core issue that eventually, excess proceeds will count against you.

Source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.​

So, What Can Retirees Do?​

At the end of the day, deciding whether to downsize is a personal decision that goes beyond just dollars and cents. Lifestyle, health, and emotional ties to the family home play a huge role. But if you’re an older Australian eyeing a move, it pays to go in with eyes open about the Centrelink rules.

First, do the math (or get help doing it): figure out how much of your home sale proceeds would be left after buying a new place, and check that against the pension asset limits. This will give you a sense of how your Age Pension might change. Don’t forget to include all the “little” costs of moving – real estate agent commissions, stamp duty on a new place, moving services – these can eat into your profit and might as well be put towards your new home to reduce assessable assets.

It’s also a great idea to tap into the free guidance available. Services Australia’s Financial Information Service (FIS) offers help to people navigating decisions like this. You can talk to a FIS officer who’ll explain how selling your home could affect your pension and what strategies might soften the blow. They won’t tell you what to do, but they’ll give you information tailored to your situation – a valuable resource that too many seniors overlook.

If you do choose to downsize, consider making use of that downsizer super contribution if you’re eligible. It won’t magically shield your money from Centrelink forever, but it can boost your retirement income (earnings in super are concessionally taxed) and might provide other benefits. For couples with an age gap, the younger partner’s super is an effective temporary shelter for assets – just plan ahead for what happens when they reach pension age.

And remember, if keeping some pension is important to you, you don’t have to contribute the full $300k into super; you might contribute a portion and use the rest for home upgrades, travel, or other needs that effectively reduce the countable assets. The key is to strategise: perhaps you spend some proceeds on long-postponed medical treatments or a more efficient car – improving your quality of life while also trimming assets. Just avoid any rash moves like gifting large sums to family, which can backfire under gifting/deprivation rules (Centrelink will still count money you give away over certain limits).

Most importantly, don’t rush. Downsizing is a big life change. Weigh the non-financial factors too: Do you really want a smaller place? Will you move far from friends or familiar services? How do you feel about apartment or retirement village living versus a house? These questions matter just as much as the pension math. As one study highlighted, only about 15% of seniors downsize primarily for financial gain – the majority do it (or don’t do it) for lifestyle reasons. So, make sure the move feels right for you, not just on an economic level but on a personal level.

Image source: Seniors Discount Club.

In the end, the downsizing conundrum boils down to personal priorities. Is the freedom of extra cash and a lock-and-leave lifestyle worth the potential reduction (or loss) of your Age Pension? Some will say yes, absolutely, viewing the pension as less important if they can self-fund their retirement with investment income. Others will say no way, preferring the security of that fortnightly government payment and the knowledge their home is an untouchable asset. Both viewpoints are valid.

Australia’s retirement rules certainly make this an interesting choice – some might even say it’s a bit of a Catch-22. You’re encouraged to save and invest in a home, yet when you try to downsize and access those savings, the system might yank away part of your safety net. Policymakers have tough questions to ponder here: Should the family home remain sacred in pension calculations? Or should we reward those who free up housing and take pressure off the aged pension system by using their own assets? It’s a debate that isn’t going away anytime soon.

Read more: Former worker exposes Centrelink truth: 'It's a joke'

Key Takeaways

• Downsizing can affect your Age Pension. Selling your home and pocketing the extra cash may reduce your pension because those proceeds are counted in Centrelink’s assets test, unlike your family home which is exempt. Always crunch the numbers to see the impact.
• Fairness of the “downsizing penalty” is debated. Many argue it’s unfair that retirees who keep wealth in a home get a full pension, while those who free up equity risk losing benefits. Advocates are calling for reforms (like higher asset thresholds) so downsizers aren’t penalised for doing the right thing.
• Government incentives exist, but only go so far. The downsizer super contribution lets over-55s put up to $300k of sale proceeds into super, and sale money for a new home can be asset-test exempt for 2 years. These help, but any downsizing windfall can still affect your pension eventually, especially once you reach Age Pension age.
• Careful planning is essential. Older Australians considering a move should seek advice (for example, from Centrelink’s Financial Information Service) and explore strategies like timing the sale, using proceeds for necessary expenses or super contributions, and understanding all rules. Retirement decisions aren’t one-size-fits-all – it’s about what balance of lifestyle, income, and security works for you.

So next time you eye that cozy townhouse or beachside unit and dream of selling the old place, ask yourself: What’s peace of mind worth, and what would you do in our pension system – stay or sell?

 

[mylittletibbies]

Surely our pension system must be one of the most convoluted and screwed up systems one could imagine.
I would love to know just how much the administration of this "great stuff up" actually costs.
The massive amount of staff actually required to keep track of the comings and goings of every aged pensioners and the rents paid for accommodation to house all this staff, the utility costs, the office equipment required, billions of
reams of paper, ink for computers to mention just two of the consumables required.
Other countries pay all pensioners a pension. We are one of the wealthy countries of the world but our pollies tell
us we can't afford it . How do other countries afford it???
We are probably one of the most "welfare " countries in the world.
We happily pay children to have children, many of whom are neglected and grow up to repeat the cycle.
My three stepdaughters, all in their 50s haven't worked a day in their lives, now the grandchildren 16 out of 18 are either on Jobseeker or single mums pension, breeding the next generation of leeches on the public purse. And there are literally thousands and thousands of them out there.
Meanwhile pensioners, who grew up in tbe days when it was considered shame to be on the dole (I didn't even know it exjsted) get penalised if they have happened to save money for their own retirement and get given a pension that is below the poverty line. Those that have lived off the taxpayer all their lives automatically qualify, those who have wasted their money automatically qualify. Those who have made an effort to save for their old age have to jump through hoops.
In Sweden, where all get the age pension. That is all who have contributed to the tax system. Otherwise you get nothing.
How many more people would get off their arse and get a job if they knew that was tbe outcome.
Obviously, that wouldn't include people with health and disability concerns..
There are too many people in this country who contribute nothing with their hand in the public purse. While our generation, on the whole, worked and paid our taxes to now get told the country "can't afford," to pay us what is classed as a liveable amount.
Let's just wait and see what next month brings. The basic wage rose by $66 a fortnight just recently due to the cost of living. We will be lucky if we get $6.

 

[lynstacker]

Totally agree. I have worked all of my life - recent retirees- and navigating the Centrelink maze has been quite an eye opener. I will have to down size at some point but will get slammed for doing so. Still waiting to see if my Aged Pension will be approved. Became eligible in May but advised it will be mid September before a decision.is made. I can't fathom how the system penalises the contributors but rewards the non contributors. Heaven help us if they bring back the "baby bonus"

 

[Suzanne rose]

I've been wanting to downsize for ages. We have a two story , 7 bedrooms and 3 living area home on 700 sq .

I would probably move to a beach area, so would put most of the money back into the home
I would downsize to a 3 or 4 bedroom with a smaller backyard.

Although hubby is happy where we are and actually wants hus ashes put in our garden when he has gone. ( not sure that's allowed)

 

[Suzanne rose]

Surely our pension system must be one of the most convoluted and screwed up systems one could imagine.
I would love to know just how much the administration of this "great stuff up" actually costs.
The massive amount of staff actually required to keep track of the comings and goings of every aged pensioners and the rents paid for accommodation to house all this staff, the utility costs, the office equipment required, billions of
reams of paper, ink for computers to mention just two of the consumables required.
Other countries pay all pensioners a pension. We are one of the wealthy countries of the world but our pollies tell
us we can't afford it . How do other countries afford it???
We are probably one of the most "welfare " countries in the world.
We happily pay children to have children, many of whom are neglected and grow up to repeat the cycle.
My three stepdaughters, all in their 50s haven't worked a day in their lives, now the grandchildren 16 out of 18 are either on Jobseeker or single mums pension, breeding the next generation of leeches on the public purse. And there are literally thousands and thousands of them out there.
Meanwhile pensioners, who grew up in tbe days when it was considered shame to be on the dole (I didn't even know it exjsted) get penalised if they have happened to save money for their own retirement and get given a pension that is below the poverty line. Those that have lived off the taxpayer all their lives automatically qualify, those who have wasted their money automatically qualify. Those who have made an effort to save for their old age have to jump through hoops.
In Sweden, where all get the age pension. That is all who have contributed to the tax system. Otherwise you get nothing.
How many more people would get off their arse and get a job if they knew that was tbe outcome.
Obviously, that wouldn't include people with health and disability concerns..
There are too many people in this country who contribute nothing with their hand in the public purse. While our generation, on the whole, worked and paid our taxes to now get told the country "can't afford," to pay us what is classed as a liveable amount.
Let's just wait and see what next month brings. The basic wage rose by $66 a fortnight just recently due to the cost of living. We will be lucky if we get $6.

Totally agree with what you said.

The government shouldn't be paying people to have babies. I said this year's ago when they brought in the baby bonus. I said this would encourage women to have babies not realising how much it actually cost to raise a child. Plus the actually taking care off.

I'm so glad that out of my 13 children only one of those are on centrelink which is my eldest daughter, a single mum ( not her choice) of 3. But even then all my kids are telling her to get a job. She did however just finished an age care course so fingers crossed.

Most of my kids worked after school and weekends and my girls even insisted on paying their year 11 and 12 school fees.

I believe though that more money needs to go into caring for the aged and pensioners. Who most have worked and paid huge taxes all their lives

 

[Littleboy8]

I've been wanting to downsize for ages. We have a two story , 7 bedrooms and 3 living area home on 700 sq .

I would probably move to a beach area, so would put most of the money back into the home
I would downsize to a 3 or 4 bedroom with a smaller backyard.

Although hubby is happy where we are and actually wants hus ashes put in our garden when he has gone. ( not sure that's allowed)

Ashes are allowed but bodies aren’t unless your on acreage apparantely not sure if it is in every state though. I’ve requested my ashes be scattered at Black Rock in the sea where I grew up.

 

[Towing]

In my opinion it's not worth saving too much. Your salary is taxed, you bank what you save you pay tax on the interest from it. You put money in your super it becomes an asset. Whatever you do your pay tax on it at least twice. I know somebody who had a small holiday house and a cheap caravan they bought to go around Australia(which wasn't used due to illness). They sold both, renovated their home and traded in their old car on a brand new one,

 

[Phantom55]

Surely our pension system must be one of the most convoluted and screwed up systems one could imagine.
I would love to know just how much the administration of this "great stuff up" actually costs.
The massive amount of staff actually required to keep track of the comings and goings of every aged pensioners and the rents paid for accommodation to house all this staff, the utility costs, the office equipment required, billions of
reams of paper, ink for computers to mention just two of the consumables required.
Other countries pay all pensioners a pension. We are one of the wealthy countries of the world but our pollies tell
us we can't afford it . How do other countries afford it???
We are probably one of the most "welfare " countries in the world.
We happily pay children to have children, many of whom are neglected and grow up to repeat the cycle.
My three stepdaughters, all in their 50s haven't worked a day in their lives, now the grandchildren 16 out of 18 are either on Jobseeker or single mums pension, breeding the next generation of leeches on the public purse. And there are literally thousands and thousands of them out there.
Meanwhile pensioners, who grew up in tbe days when it was considered shame to be on the dole (I didn't even know it exjsted) get penalised if they have happened to save money for their own retirement and get given a pension that is below the poverty line. Those that have lived off the taxpayer all their lives automatically qualify, those who have wasted their money automatically qualify. Those who have made an effort to save for their old age have to jump through hoops.
In Sweden, where all get the age pension. That is all who have contributed to the tax system. Otherwise you get nothing.
How many more people would get off their arse and get a job if they knew that was tbe outcome.
Obviously, that wouldn't include people with health and disability concerns..
There are too many people in this country who contribute nothing with their hand in the public purse. While our generation, on the whole, worked and paid our taxes to now get told the country "can't afford," to pay us what is classed as a liveable amount.
Let's just wait and see what next month brings. The basic wage rose by $66 a fortnight just recently due to the cost of living. We will be lucky if we get $6.

the last pension rise I got was completely consumed in the purchase of one product of my grocery bill (2 pkt of crumpets) that alone took care of the rise in pension....all the other grocery items increased in price, so it would have been better for me if no rise occurred..that $6 rise increased my grocery bill by $17.30...please no more rises!

 

[eggshells]

ONE of the things I don't understand is why self funded retirees do not receive any perks - yes they get the C'wealth Health Care Hard but why not a pensioner card (without the money). I have a friend who is "asset rich but cash poor" who says all the pensioners have much more ready cash than him and can go out /or on a holiday far more often than he can

 

[Mark@Home]

Telling us to tighten our belts by rich politicians is offensive.

The rules for millionaires is so much simpler than the rules imposed on us real people. The rules safeguard the riches of the rich while subjecting ordinary folk to penury. Indeed, the fundamental crime is being poor.

 

[Mr Chips]

I think you will all hate me after this but here goes. I spent all my money whilst I worked. I had a great time, travelled, stayed in great places, ate well, clothed well but never had much left just before the next payday. I was either provided free company accomodation or rented my home. Never saved anything, even withdrew my meager superannuation and spent most of it travelling. When I got sick at around 67 years of age, I had to give up work as I was not in a good frame of mind. I retired and went on the pension. Now I am 74 years old and live in a very nice townhouse in a small complex of six townhouses, all owned by the dept of housing and I pay only $130.00 a week for my lovely 2 bed townhouse which is deducted from my pension so I don't really miss it. My pension is more than adequate, and it lasts me and my dog well over a fortnight. We go out and have coffee, visit Bunnings on a regular basis and generally have a nice life. I have an electric scooter to get me around, a pension card which gets me all sorts of discounts, even from electricity. As far as medical is concerned I seem to get everything for free and in the last 3 years it includes 4 operations as well as numerous doctor visits, homecare nursing (twice a week) and numerous other stuff. I pay for my prescriptions but it is only $7.50 per prescription so not bad at all. Everything else is free. I would say I am very well looked after by the pension and all its benefits.
I think that many retirees etc sometimes do not realise just what is available as it is very complex, comprehensive and hard to research if you are not that savvy tech-wise.
In other words, I am happy with the system. Of course every little helps so further contribution to my cause would be appreciated and we can then afford a few more (maybe only one) cup of coffee.
Sorry everyone, please don't hate me.

 

[Littleboy8]

I think you will all hate me after this but here goes. I spent all my money whilst I worked. I had a great time, travelled, stayed in great places, ate well, clothed well but never had much left just before the next payday. I was either provided free company accomodation or rented my home. Never saved anything, even withdrew my meager superannuation and spent most of it travelling. When I got sick at around 67 years of age, I had to give up work as I was not in a good frame of mind. I retired and went on the pension. Now I am 74 years old and live in a very nice townhouse in a small complex of six townhouses, all owned by the dept of housing and I pay only $130.00 a week for my lovely 2 bed townhouse which is deducted from my pension so I don't really miss it. My pension is more than adequate, and it lasts me and my dog well over a fortnight. We go out and have coffee, visit Bunnings on a regular basis and generally have a nice life. I have an electric scooter to get me around, a pension card which gets me all sorts of discounts, even from electricity. As far as medical is concerned I seem to get everything for free and in the last 3 years it includes 4 operations as well as numerous doctor visits, homecare nursing (twice a week) and numerous other stuff. I pay for my prescriptions but it is only $7.50 per prescription so not bad at all. Everything else is free. I would say I am very well looked after by the pension and all its benefits.
I think that many retirees etc sometimes do not realise just what is available as it is very complex, comprehensive and hard to research if you are not that savvy tech-wise.
In other words, I am happy with the system. Of course every little helps so further contribution to my cause would be appreciated and we can then afford a few more (maybe only one) cup of coffee.
Sorry everyone, please don't hate me.

I’m in private rental over $400.00 a week in a lovely unit I applied for gov housing but the list is sooooooo long. I’ll be dead before I get accepted!But my cat and I are living well on what’s left after rent, bills etc on the pension.

 

[June E]

Surely our pension system must be one of the most convoluted and screwed up systems one could imagine.
I would love to know just how much the administration of this "great stuff up" actually costs.
The massive amount of staff actually required to keep track of the comings and goings of every aged pensioners and the rents paid for accommodation to house all this staff, the utility costs, the office equipment required, billions of
reams of paper, ink for computers to mention just two of the consumables required.
Other countries pay all pensioners a pension. We are one of the wealthy countries of the world but our pollies tell
us we can't afford it . How do other countries afford it???
We are probably one of the most "welfare " countries in the world.
We happily pay children to have children, many of whom are neglected and grow up to repeat the cycle.
My three stepdaughters, all in their 50s haven't worked a day in their lives, now the grandchildren 16 out of 18 are either on Jobseeker or single mums pension, breeding the next generation of leeches on the public purse. And there are literally thousands and thousands of them out there.
Meanwhile pensioners, who grew up in tbe days when it was considered shame to be on the dole (I didn't even know it exjsted) get penalised if they have happened to save money for their own retirement and get given a pension that is below the poverty line. Those that have lived off the taxpayer all their lives automatically qualify, those who have wasted their money automatically qualify. Those who have made an effort to save for their old age have to jump through hoops.
In Sweden, where all get the age pension. That is all who have contributed to the tax system. Otherwise you get nothing.
How many more people would get off their arse and get a job if they knew that was tbe outcome.
Obviously, that wouldn't include people with health and disability concerns..
There are too many people in this country who contribute nothing with their hand in the public purse. While our generation, on the whole, worked and paid our taxes to now get told the country "can't afford," to pay us what is classed as a liveable amount.
Let's just wait and see what next month brings. The basic wage rose by $66 a fortnight just recently due to the cost of living. We will be lucky if we get $6.

Mylittletibbies I think you should send your post to all our politicians who have no idea about anything to do with Australian pensioners.
I agree with all you have said ! The baby bonus is apparently being considered again ! So some will have a baby to get a bigger TV again. People who have been on the dole continuously for years should have their payments cut Severely they are far too comfortable being paid to stay home ! And the same for girls who have babies one after another to get the pension! One of my 10 grandchildren is a single mum, she was in a great relationship and has 2 little girls things went wrong and she is raising her girls alone. But she works full time in fact works her butt off to provide for her girls.
The Gov seems to more concerned for what’s happening overseas instead of what’s happening here in Australia !

 

[June E]

Telling us to tighten our belts by rich politicians is offensive.

The rules for millionaires is so much simpler than the rules imposed on us real people. The rules safeguard the riches of the rich while subjecting ordinary folk to penury. Indeed, the fundamental crime is being poor.

Yes agree !

 

[mylittletibbies]

I think you will all hate me after this but here goes. I spent all my money whilst I worked. I had a great time, travelled, stayed in great places, ate well, clothed well but never had much left just before the next payday. I was either provided free company accomodation or rented my home. Never saved anything, even withdrew my meager superannuation and spent most of it travelling. When I got sick at around 67 years of age, I had to give up work as I was not in a good frame of mind. I retired and went on the pension. Now I am 74 years old and live in a very nice townhouse in a small complex of six townhouses, all owned by the dept of housing and I pay only $130.00 a week for my lovely 2 bed townhouse which is deducted from my pension so I don't really miss it. My pension is more than adequate, and it lasts me and my dog well over a fortnight. We go out and have coffee, visit Bunnings on a regular basis and generally have a nice life. I have an electric scooter to get me around, a pension card which gets me all sorts of discounts, even from electricity. As far as medical is concerned I seem to get everything for free and in the last 3 years it includes 4 operations as well as numerous doctor visits, homecare nursing (twice a week) and numerous other stuff. I pay for my prescriptions but it is only $7.50 per prescription so not bad at all. Everything else is free. I would say I am very well looked after by the pension and all its benefits.
I think that many retirees etc sometimes do not realise just what is available as it is very complex, comprehensive and hard to research if you are not that savvy tech-wise.
In other words, I am happy with the system. Of course every little helps so further contribution to my cause would be appreciated and we can then afford a few more (maybe only one) cup of coffee.
Sorry everyone, please don't hate me.

I don't hate you. but surely you realise what a good wicket you are on with only paying $130/week rent, some people are paying triple that and, I'm sure. would feel like they had won the lottery if they had such cheap rent.
Sounds like you've had a good life and are still having one. Enjoy.

 

[June E]

I think you will all hate me after this but here goes. I spent all my money whilst I worked. I had a great time, travelled, stayed in great places, ate well, clothed well but never had much left just before the next payday. I was either provided free company accomodation or rented my home. Never saved anything, even withdrew my meager superannuation and spent most of it travelling. When I got sick at around 67 years of age, I had to give up work as I was not in a good frame of mind. I retired and went on the pension. Now I am 74 years old and live in a very nice townhouse in a small complex of six townhouses, all owned by the dept of housing and I pay only $130.00 a week for my lovely 2 bed townhouse which is deducted from my pension so I don't really miss it. My pension is more than adequate, and it lasts me and my dog well over a fortnight. We go out and have coffee, visit Bunnings on a regular basis and generally have a nice life. I have an electric scooter to get me around, a pension card which gets me all sorts of discounts, even from electricity. As far as medical is concerned I seem to get everything for free and in the last 3 years it includes 4 operations as well as numerous doctor visits, homecare nursing (twice a week) and numerous other stuff. I pay for my prescriptions but it is only $7.50 per prescription so not bad at all. Everything else is free. I would say I am very well looked after by the pension and all its benefits.
I think that many retirees etc sometimes do not realise just what is available as it is very complex, comprehensive and hard to research if you are not that savvy tech-wise.
In other words, I am happy with the system. Of course every little helps so further contribution to my cause would be appreciated and we can then afford a few more (maybe only one) cup of coffee.
Sorry everyone, please don't hate me.

You are lucky to be in a nice townhouse in a small complex ! A lot of public housing isn’t anything like that ! Even if a lot of us might apply we would probably be dead before we got any where near the top of the list so we rent privately at a huge cost which means we struggle big time. So thank your lucky stars you got lucky !

 

[summadale]

Totally agree with what you said.

The government shouldn't be paying people to have babies. I said this year's ago when they brought in the baby bonus. I said this would encourage women to have babies not realising how much it actually cost to raise a child. Plus the actually taking care off.

I'm so glad that out of my 13 children only one of those are on centrelink which is my eldest daughter, a single mum ( not her choice) of 3. But even then all my kids are telling her to get a job. She did however just finished an age care course so fingers crossed.

Most of my kids worked after school and weekends and my girls even insisted on paying their year 11 and 12 school fees.

I believe though that more money needs to go into caring for the aged and pensioners. Who most have worked and paid huge taxes all their lives

Well now if you don’t want the child they will pay you to have an abortion. I had a car accident others person fault so I got a lawyer and I kept wondering how much will I loose before I get it. I was on Centrelink in my 50s couldn’t get a job, I think they took maybe $15thous off me from payout. I wasn’t too impressed because I ended up on Disability pension. Now I am on an Ethics committee which I’ve always declared it, I also used to do a lot of house sitting dog show peoples paid in cash but my conscience I can’t not declare. I think I’m in the too hard basket as I have to every fortnight go on and say no pay. The Ethics committee we meet every 2 mths I’ve said here are the dates punch it into computer, no that’s too hard. House sit is Sept and March, that’s ok I’ll put it in. What annoys me is I feel I get harassed when the computer does the 6mthly audit or something then I get in Nov it showing I earn last time $230 a week! So I have another issue with that filling out stupid form as they increase my rent! Unreal

 

[Littleboy8]

You are lucky to be in a nice townhouse in a small complex ! A lot of public housing isn’t anything like that ! Even if a lot of us might apply we would probably be dead before we got any where near the top of the list so we rent privately at a huge cost which means we struggle big time. So thank your lucky stars you got lucky !

I’m not struggling because I’m a good budgeter and bulk cook my food and freeze it and I’m lucky I’m in good health so I don’t have to fork out for prescriptions etc. I reckon my cat costs more to feed than me.Although I do dread the day I might have to move and pay more rent after being here 7 years.

 

[Penny4]

I think you will all hate me after this but here goes. I spent all my money whilst I worked. I had a great time, travelled, stayed in great places, ate well, clothed well but never had much left just before the next payday. I was either provided free company accomodation or rented my home. Never saved anything, even withdrew my meager superannuation and spent most of it travelling. When I got sick at around 67 years of age, I had to give up work as I was not in a good frame of mind. I retired and went on the pension. Now I am 74 years old and live in a very nice townhouse in a small complex of six townhouses, all owned by the dept of housing and I pay only $130.00 a week for my lovely 2 bed townhouse which is deducted from my pension so I don't really miss it. My pension is more than adequate, and it lasts me and my dog well over a fortnight. We go out and have coffee, visit Bunnings on a regular basis and generally have a nice life. I have an electric scooter to get me around, a pension card which gets me all sorts of discounts, even from electricity. As far as medical is concerned I seem to get everything for free and in the last 3 years it includes 4 operations as well as numerous doctor visits, homecare nursing (twice a week) and numerous other stuff. I pay for my prescriptions but it is only $7.50 per prescription so not bad at all. Everything else is free. I would say I am very well looked after by the pension and all its benefits.
I think that many retirees etc sometimes do not realise just what is available as it is very complex, comprehensive and hard to research if you are not that savvy tech-wise.
In other words, I am happy with the system. Of course every little helps so further contribution to my cause would be appreciated and we can then afford a few more (maybe only one) cup of coffee.
Sorry everyone, please don't hate me.

No, I'm not mad at you either. In fact, I think you are very fortunate with your life, especially the rent which you would appreciate as well. There are public housing units in the next street from me. Don't know their rent. However, I do know there are a few 'undesirables' living there.

 

[RobbyNotTheRobot]

I don't hate you. but surely you realise what a good wicket you are on with only paying $130/week rent, some people are paying triple that and, I'm sure. would feel like they had won the lottery if they had such cheap rent.
Sounds like you've had a good life and are still having one. Enjoy.

Due to the fact that Mr Chips said 'You may hate me' means to me that he knows. Why else would he say it?