'How can I survive?’ A single dad reveals the truth about living on Centrelink
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For many Australians, navigating the pressures of full-time work while managing the ever-increasing cost of living can feel like an uphill battle—especially when they’re relying on Centrelink support.
Peter Carnegie, a single father who tragically lost his wife to cancer, is no stranger to these challenges.
Despite his best efforts to make ends meet, the struggle remains constant, even with the help of his parents.
For single father Peter Carnegie, the financial strain of raising two children while on Centrelink payments seemed nearly impossible to navigate.
Peter, who lost his wife to cancer in August, found himself juggling work, family life, and the burden of bills, all while trying to make ends meet on government support.
Living with his parents in East Gardens, Sydney, Peter still struggled with his limited income, which covered little more than basic expenses.
Peter's eldest child, who was on JobSeeker, had been trying to find work, but like many others, the search proved fruitless, despite his best efforts.
Peter shared his frustration with the ABC's QandA, saying: ‘How can the government help him get a job when it seems no one wants to even give him an interview?’
His 22-year-old son had missed out on several opportunities due to caring for his sick mother, which delayed his entry into the workforce.
Before his wife's diagnosis, Peter's son had attempted a bridging course at university but struggled to cope with the stress of their situation.
At the time, Peter was doing everything he could to keep the household afloat, working Monday to Friday while relying on his son to help with everyday tasks like taking his younger brother to school.
While Peter's parents were generous in not charging him rent and covering household bills, his costs still added up to $300 to $400 a week, leaving him with almost no room for unexpected expenses.
Peter reflected on his dire situation, saying: ‘How can I survive?’
The burden of Centrelink payments not keeping up with inflation had become a theme among many recipients.
A survey of nearly 5,000 Yahoo Finance readers revealed that increasing Centrelink payments was the most pressing issue for the 2025 Federal Budget.
Yet, when the budget was delivered, recipients received no relief.
‘I can’t afford aircon so I get sick from heat stroke in my house,’ said Grant, a JobSeeker recipient, who also admitted to eating only every third or fourth day to cut down on food costs.
Ken, an Age Pension recipient, expressed frustration over the token increase in payments, saying: ‘If the current government actually thinks they are helping us out with this token gesture, which would not even buy us a coffee, and is in fact, much less than the increase in our fortnightly shopping bill, then they are delusional.’
While some households had support from family or were managing in low-cost housing, many still faced deep financial hardship.
In response, Federal Industry Minister Ed Husic acknowledged the struggle and noted that changes made during Labor's term, including increases to JobSeeker and changes in indexation, had been beneficial.
‘Those changes just in this one term will deliver over $5,000 for single parents, in particular for women, it'll lead to over $7,500,’ Husic said.
However, he admitted that even with these changes, they were still insufficient to pull many Aussies out of financial hardship.
‘Do I say that that sorts everything out and deals with all the issues?’ Husic asked.
‘I’m not going to say that to you, and I’m not going to look you in the eye and say that.’
Despite ongoing promises to address cost-of-living pressures through energy rebates, tax cuts, child care subsidies, and handouts for apprentices, many are left wondering when—or if—things will ever improve.
The government’s promises also included a pledge to reduce the fuel tax, should the Coalition win the upcoming federal election on 3 May.
In a previous story, we explored how upcoming Centrelink changes will impact millions of Australians this Easter and Anzac Day.
These adjustments, along with recent payment closures, could make it even harder for families already struggling.
To find out more about how these changes could affect you, click here to read the full article.
With so many Australians struggling to make ends meet on Centrelink payments, what do you think needs to change to help those in need? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Peter Carnegie, a single father who tragically lost his wife to cancer, is no stranger to these challenges.
Despite his best efforts to make ends meet, the struggle remains constant, even with the help of his parents.
For single father Peter Carnegie, the financial strain of raising two children while on Centrelink payments seemed nearly impossible to navigate.
Peter, who lost his wife to cancer in August, found himself juggling work, family life, and the burden of bills, all while trying to make ends meet on government support.
Living with his parents in East Gardens, Sydney, Peter still struggled with his limited income, which covered little more than basic expenses.
Single dad battles financial strain on Centrelink support. Image source: ABC
Peter's eldest child, who was on JobSeeker, had been trying to find work, but like many others, the search proved fruitless, despite his best efforts.
Peter shared his frustration with the ABC's QandA, saying: ‘How can the government help him get a job when it seems no one wants to even give him an interview?’
His 22-year-old son had missed out on several opportunities due to caring for his sick mother, which delayed his entry into the workforce.
Before his wife's diagnosis, Peter's son had attempted a bridging course at university but struggled to cope with the stress of their situation.
At the time, Peter was doing everything he could to keep the household afloat, working Monday to Friday while relying on his son to help with everyday tasks like taking his younger brother to school.
While Peter's parents were generous in not charging him rent and covering household bills, his costs still added up to $300 to $400 a week, leaving him with almost no room for unexpected expenses.
Peter reflected on his dire situation, saying: ‘How can I survive?’
The burden of Centrelink payments not keeping up with inflation had become a theme among many recipients.
A survey of nearly 5,000 Yahoo Finance readers revealed that increasing Centrelink payments was the most pressing issue for the 2025 Federal Budget.
Yet, when the budget was delivered, recipients received no relief.
‘I can’t afford aircon so I get sick from heat stroke in my house,’ said Grant, a JobSeeker recipient, who also admitted to eating only every third or fourth day to cut down on food costs.
Ken, an Age Pension recipient, expressed frustration over the token increase in payments, saying: ‘If the current government actually thinks they are helping us out with this token gesture, which would not even buy us a coffee, and is in fact, much less than the increase in our fortnightly shopping bill, then they are delusional.’
While some households had support from family or were managing in low-cost housing, many still faced deep financial hardship.
In response, Federal Industry Minister Ed Husic acknowledged the struggle and noted that changes made during Labor's term, including increases to JobSeeker and changes in indexation, had been beneficial.
‘Those changes just in this one term will deliver over $5,000 for single parents, in particular for women, it'll lead to over $7,500,’ Husic said.
However, he admitted that even with these changes, they were still insufficient to pull many Aussies out of financial hardship.
‘Do I say that that sorts everything out and deals with all the issues?’ Husic asked.
‘I’m not going to say that to you, and I’m not going to look you in the eye and say that.’
Despite ongoing promises to address cost-of-living pressures through energy rebates, tax cuts, child care subsidies, and handouts for apprentices, many are left wondering when—or if—things will ever improve.
The government’s promises also included a pledge to reduce the fuel tax, should the Coalition win the upcoming federal election on 3 May.
In a previous story, we explored how upcoming Centrelink changes will impact millions of Australians this Easter and Anzac Day.
These adjustments, along with recent payment closures, could make it even harder for families already struggling.
To find out more about how these changes could affect you, click here to read the full article.
With so many Australians struggling to make ends meet on Centrelink payments, what do you think needs to change to help those in need? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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