As the cost of living continuously rises, any increase in Centrelink payments is typically welcomed.

The Australian government has recently announced a six per cent increase in Centrelink payments, which will affect almost one million recipients.

Despite the increase, there's a growing consensus that this measure is simply not enough to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), has been vocal about the inadequacy of the current increase.

The increase in Centrelink payments is not enough for many Aussies. Image source: Shutterstock.

In an interview, she acknowledged that while every extra dollar helps, it ‘does not get these key payments to the level that will lift people out of poverty'.

ACOSS's research towards the end of last year painted a grim picture of the struggles faced by those relying on Centrelink payments.

'Our cost of living research…showed people relying on these kinds of payments were going without food; they were going without heating and cooling,' Ms Goldie shared.

'We want to see action,' she added.

'We do want the government to go much further with its approach to tackling [the] cost of living [crisis], particularly for people on the very lowest incomes.'

This comes after news that those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments will receive a much-needed increase in their payments starting from the 20th of September, 2023.

Under this initiative, each single pensioner would see an increase of $32.70 per fortnight, while couples will get an increase of $49.40 ($24.70 each). You can read more about this here.

Adding to these cost of living relief initiatives, around 782,000 people on JobSeeker saw a $40 increase in payment each fortnight, while 222,000 Australians on Youth Allowance and about 64,000 families on Partnered Parenting also saw an increase in payments.

This additional relief is estimated to cost the government $4.7 billion.

While the increase seemed substantial, experts said that the current system still leaves pensioners lagging behind inflation.

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke stated: 'More can be done to support older people doing it tough, as recent National Seniors research showed a greater proportion of people with low incomes and those who are renting are suffering from cost-of-living pressures.’

'What we need is additional targeted support for people with limited means.'

'We will continue to fight for a system that improves people's lives.'

Key Takeaways

• Almost one million Centrelink recipients will receive a six per cent increase in their payments.
• ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie commented that while every dollar helps, the increase is insufficient to lift people out of poverty.
• Research showed that individuals relying on such payments are foregoing basic needs like food and heating.
• There are calls for the government to take more significant action to address the cost of living for those on the lowest incomes.

What are your thoughts on the Centrelink increase? Do you think it's enough support for those struggling with the rising cost of living? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

 

[Colleen M]

This article is an absolute joke! September 20 2023! As for the rental assistance increase, even though our site fees increased substantially, we had a decrease in our assistance. How about some UP TO DATE news SDC??? On a brighter note, haven't seen peoples amazing meat/chicken grabs from supermarket markdowns lately, ( pretty tiresome ). Just saying!

 

[Sloopy]

What is the point of telling us about an increase which happened over 3 months ago?

 

[ppenny]

Again no relief for Aged Pensioners. We are looking at ways that we can have a night at the Theatre, but alas it is no longer possible. I also feel for people who are self funded retirees. They get little assistance for medical bills and medications. I am grateful for what we get, but the cost of groceries and utilities, has out paced the pension we receive. I feel for the people who rent their homes and have been there for many years, there is no relief for them and I cry when I see people camping out in tents etc. because due to the costs they cannot afford to continue the rent

Yes, it is even hard to afford basic living costs, never mind go out for dinner or anywhere that costs money. We paid taxes all our lives and get the dregs at the end of the barrel. So unfair.

 

[JerseyBean]

As the cost of living continuously rises, any increase in Centrelink payments is typically welcomed.

The Australian government has recently announced a six per cent increase in Centrelink payments, which will affect almost one million recipients.

Despite the increase, there's a growing consensus that this measure is simply not enough to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), has been vocal about the inadequacy of the current increase.

View attachment 38442

The increase in Centrelink payments is not enough for many Aussies. Image source: Shutterstock.

In an interview, she acknowledged that while every extra dollar helps, it ‘does not get these key payments to the level that will lift people out of poverty'.

ACOSS's research towards the end of last year painted a grim picture of the struggles faced by those relying on Centrelink payments.

'Our cost of living research…showed people relying on these kinds of payments were going without food; they were going without heating and cooling,' Ms Goldie shared.

'We want to see action,' she added.

'We do want the government to go much further with its approach to tackling [the] cost of living [crisis], particularly for people on the very lowest incomes.'

This comes after news that those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments will receive a much-needed increase in their payments starting from the 20th of September, 2023.

Under this initiative, each single pensioner would see an increase of $32.70 per fortnight, while couples will get an increase of $49.40 ($24.70 each). You can read more about this here.

Adding to these cost of living relief initiatives, around 782,000 people on JobSeeker saw a $40 increase in payment each fortnight, while 222,000 Australians on Youth Allowance and about 64,000 families on Partnered Parenting also saw an increase in payments.

This additional relief is estimated to cost the government $4.7 billion.

While the increase seemed substantial, experts said that the current system still leaves pensioners lagging behind inflation.

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke stated: 'More can be done to support older people doing it tough, as recent National Seniors research showed a greater proportion of people with low incomes and those who are renting are suffering from cost-of-living pressures.’

'What we need is additional targeted support for people with limited means.'

'We will continue to fight for a system that improves people's lives.'

Key Takeaways

• Almost one million Centrelink recipients will receive a six per cent increase in their payments.
• ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie commented that while every dollar helps, the increase is insufficient to lift people out of poverty.
• Research showed that individuals relying on such payments are foregoing basic needs like food and heating.
• There are calls for the government to take more significant action to address the cost of living for those on the lowest incomes.

What are your thoughts on the Centrelink increase? Do you think it's enough support for those struggling with the rising cost of living? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

I suggest that a two tier aged pension be introduced (1) Where the aged person has lived in Australia for over 50 years & worked most of their life here they get a full livable pension.()2) those who come here & have not worked male & females they get no more than 50percent of the full aged pension that would make it more desirable for new arrivals to get jobs

 

[Clancieblue]

What plane trips

The ones the politicians take .

 

[Laurence 54]

As the cost of living continuously rises, any increase in Centrelink payments is typically welcomed.

The Australian government has recently announced a six per cent increase in Centrelink payments, which will affect almost one million recipients.

Despite the increase, there's a growing consensus that this measure is simply not enough to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), has been vocal about the inadequacy of the current increase.

View attachment 38442

The increase in Centrelink payments is not enough for many Aussies. Image source: Shutterstock.

In an interview, she acknowledged that while every extra dollar helps, it ‘does not get these key payments to the level that will lift people out of poverty'.

ACOSS's research towards the end of last year painted a grim picture of the struggles faced by those relying on Centrelink payments.

'Our cost of living research…showed people relying on these kinds of payments were going without food; they were going without heating and cooling,' Ms Goldie shared.

'We want to see action,' she added.

'We do want the government to go much further with its approach to tackling [the] cost of living [crisis], particularly for people on the very lowest incomes.'

This comes after news that those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments will receive a much-needed increase in their payments starting from the 20th of September, 2023.

Under this initiative, each single pensioner would see an increase of $32.70 per fortnight, while couples will get an increase of $49.40 ($24.70 each). You can read more about this here.

Adding to these cost of living relief initiatives, around 782,000 people on JobSeeker saw a $40 increase in payment each fortnight, while 222,000 Australians on Youth Allowance and about 64,000 families on Partnered Parenting also saw an increase in payments.

This additional relief is estimated to cost the government $4.7 billion.

While the increase seemed substantial, experts said that the current system still leaves pensioners lagging behind inflation.

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke stated: 'More can be done to support older people doing it tough, as recent National Seniors research showed a greater proportion of people with low incomes and those who are renting are suffering from cost-of-living pressures.’

'What we need is additional targeted support for people with limited means.'

'We will continue to fight for a system that improves people's lives.'

Key Takeaways

• Almost one million Centrelink recipients will receive a six per cent increase in their payments.
• ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie commented that while every dollar helps, the increase is insufficient to lift people out of poverty.
• Research showed that individuals relying on such payments are foregoing basic needs like food and heating.
• There are calls for the government to take more significant action to address the cost of living for those on the lowest incomes.

What are your thoughts on the Centrelink increase? Do you think it's enough support for those struggling with the rising cost of living? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

 

[marrels]

As the cost of living continuously rises, any increase in Centrelink payments is typically welcomed.

The Australian government has recently announced a six per cent increase in Centrelink payments, which will affect almost one million recipients.

Despite the increase, there's a growing consensus that this measure is simply not enough to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), has been vocal about the inadequacy of the current increase.

View attachment 38442

The increase in Centrelink payments is not enough for many Aussies. Image source: Shutterstock.

In an interview, she acknowledged that while every extra dollar helps, it ‘does not get these key payments to the level that will lift people out of poverty'.

ACOSS's research towards the end of last year painted a grim picture of the struggles faced by those relying on Centrelink payments.

'Our cost of living research…showed people relying on these kinds of payments were going without food; they were going without heating and cooling,' Ms Goldie shared.

'We want to see action,' she added.

'We do want the government to go much further with its approach to tackling [the] cost of living [crisis], particularly for people on the very lowest incomes.'

This comes after news that those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments will receive a much-needed increase in their payments starting from the 20th of September, 2023.

Under this initiative, each single pensioner would see an increase of $32.70 per fortnight, while couples will get an increase of $49.40 ($24.70 each). You can read more about this here.

Adding to these cost of living relief initiatives, around 782,000 people on JobSeeker saw a $40 increase in payment each fortnight, while 222,000 Australians on Youth Allowance and about 64,000 families on Partnered Parenting also saw an increase in payments.

This additional relief is estimated to cost the government $4.7 billion.

While the increase seemed substantial, experts said that the current system still leaves pensioners lagging behind inflation.

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke stated: 'More can be done to support older people doing it tough, as recent National Seniors research showed a greater proportion of people with low incomes and those who are renting are suffering from cost-of-living pressures.’

'What we need is additional targeted support for people with limited means.'

'We will continue to fight for a system that improves people's lives.'

Key Takeaways

• Almost one million Centrelink recipients will receive a six per cent increase in their payments.
• ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie commented that while every dollar helps, the increase is insufficient to lift people out of poverty.
• Research showed that individuals relying on such payments are foregoing basic needs like food and heating.
• There are calls for the government to take more significant action to address the cost of living for those on the lowest incomes.

What are your thoughts on the Centrelink increase? Do you think it's enough support for those struggling with the rising cost of living? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

As the 1st January, there was an increase in payments for some but not the old age pension.

 

[Gsr]

He even takes the girlfriend and the dog.

Probably so he has someone supposedly who ? likes him for company. Funny how the girlfriend didn’t live with him until he became prime minister, then moved into his taxpayer funded house in Sydney ASAP after the election. Now she is ripping off the taxpayers as well, didn’t take her long to get her snout in the taxpayer funded trough.

 

[Laurence 54]

I am an aged pensioner and I pay more than half for a granny flat which doesn't have running water a bathroom or a kitchen. By the time I buy $50 per fortnight on food and pay a couple of bills I have no money left for 2 weeks. Why are we not getting a proper rise we built this country and we get nothing. It is so bad!!! We need a proper rise we are the forgotten!!!

 

[ElizaKaye]

They allow pensioners who are well to earn more money, but the disabled are not allowed to have more money in their bank accounts and they probaably have more bills to pay because they can't do anything much for themselves.

 

[Tygie]

As the cost of living continuously rises, any increase in Centrelink payments is typically welcomed.

The Australian government has recently announced a six per cent increase in Centrelink payments, which will affect almost one million recipients.

Despite the increase, there's a growing consensus that this measure is simply not enough to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), has been vocal about the inadequacy of the current increase.

View attachment 38442

The increase in Centrelink payments is not enough for many Aussies. Image source: Shutterstock.

In an interview, she acknowledged that while every extra dollar helps, it ‘does not get these key payments to the level that will lift people out of poverty'.

ACOSS's research towards the end of last year painted a grim picture of the struggles faced by those relying on Centrelink payments.

'Our cost of living research…showed people relying on these kinds of payments were going without food; they were going without heating and cooling,' Ms Goldie shared.

'We want to see action,' she added.

'We do want the government to go much further with its approach to tackling [the] cost of living [crisis], particularly for people on the very lowest incomes.'

This comes after news that those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments will receive a much-needed increase in their payments starting from the 20th of September, 2023.

Under this initiative, each single pensioner would see an increase of $32.70 per fortnight, while couples will get an increase of $49.40 ($24.70 each). You can read more about this here.

Adding to these cost of living relief initiatives, around 782,000 people on JobSeeker saw a $40 increase in payment each fortnight, while 222,000 Australians on Youth Allowance and about 64,000 families on Partnered Parenting also saw an increase in payments.

This additional relief is estimated to cost the government $4.7 billion.

While the increase seemed substantial, experts said that the current system still leaves pensioners lagging behind inflation.

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke stated: 'More can be done to support older people doing it tough, as recent National Seniors research showed a greater proportion of people with low incomes and those who are renting are suffering from cost-of-living pressures.’

'What we need is additional targeted support for people with limited means.'

'We will continue to fight for a system that improves people's lives.'

Key Takeaways

• Almost one million Centrelink recipients will receive a six per cent increase in their payments.
• ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie commented that while every dollar helps, the increase is insufficient to lift people out of poverty.
• Research showed that individuals relying on such payments are foregoing basic needs like food and heating.
• There are calls for the government to take more significant action to address the cost of living for those on the lowest incomes.

What are your thoughts on the Centrelink increase? Do you think it's enough support for those struggling with the rising cost of living? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Every time the gov gives us pensioners a increase due to cost of living or cpi or whatever - the shops/bills just up their prices to suck up the increase and we're no better off and sometimes worse off. While the increase is very nice the gov also needs to stop the gougers from hiking the prices so there is some benefit.

 

[SEAN]

As the cost of living continuously rises, any increase in Centrelink payments is typically welcomed.

The Australian government has recently announced a six per cent increase in Centrelink payments, which will affect almost one million recipients.

Despite the increase, there's a growing consensus that this measure is simply not enough to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), has been vocal about the inadequacy of the current increase.

View attachment 38442

The increase in Centrelink payments is not enough for many Aussies. Image source: Shutterstock.

In an interview, she acknowledged that while every extra dollar helps, it ‘does not get these key payments to the level that will lift people out of poverty'.

ACOSS's research towards the end of last year painted a grim picture of the struggles faced by those relying on Centrelink payments.

'Our cost of living research…showed people relying on these kinds of payments were going without food; they were going without heating and cooling,' Ms Goldie shared.

'We want to see action,' she added.

'We do want the government to go much further with its approach to tackling [the] cost of living [crisis], particularly for people on the very lowest incomes.'

This comes after news that those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments will receive a much-needed increase in their payments starting from the 20th of September, 2023.

Under this initiative, each single pensioner would see an increase of $32.70 per fortnight, while couples will get an increase of $49.40 ($24.70 each). You can read more about this here.

Adding to these cost of living relief initiatives, around 782,000 people on JobSeeker saw a $40 increase in payment each fortnight, while 222,000 Australians on Youth Allowance and about 64,000 families on Partnered Parenting also saw an increase in payments.

This additional relief is estimated to cost the government $4.7 billion.

While the increase seemed substantial, experts said that the current system still leaves pensioners lagging behind inflation.

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke stated: 'More can be done to support older people doing it tough, as recent National Seniors research showed a greater proportion of people with low incomes and those who are renting are suffering from cost-of-living pressures.’

'What we need is additional targeted support for people with limited means.'

'We will continue to fight for a system that improves people's lives.'

Key Takeaways

• Almost one million Centrelink recipients will receive a six per cent increase in their payments.
• ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie commented that while every dollar helps, the increase is insufficient to lift people out of poverty.
• Research showed that individuals relying on such payments are foregoing basic needs like food and heating.
• There are calls for the government to take more significant action to address the cost of living for those on the lowest incomes.

What are your thoughts on the Centrelink increase? Do you think it's enough support for those struggling with the rising cost of living? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

32.40 p/f $16 p/w. ) Ha! what a joke (a sick one) I have paid my taxes all my life & my gov. is not looking after me. Does this sound familier?

 

[marni]

You will always get the same replies with questions like this. As Margaret Thatcher said “the only money government has is given by those that work” So who should pay more tax? We are fortunate to be able to selloff the land, or we would already be a third world country. Many of which have no aged or any pension for their citizens

 

[Daddyo 1958]

But what about the pensioners that don't get rent assistance because there buying their own home.

 

[pascoevale]

As the cost of living continuously rises, any increase in Centrelink payments is typically welcomed.

The Australian government has recently announced a six per cent increase in Centrelink payments, which will affect almost one million recipients.

Despite the increase, there's a growing consensus that this measure is simply not enough to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), has been vocal about the inadequacy of the current increase.

View attachment 38442

The increase in Centrelink payments is not enough for many Aussies. Image source: Shutterstock.

In an interview, she acknowledged that while every extra dollar helps, it ‘does not get these key payments to the level that will lift people out of poverty'.

ACOSS's research towards the end of last year painted a grim picture of the struggles faced by those relying on Centrelink payments.

'Our cost of living research…showed people relying on these kinds of payments were going without food; they were going without heating and cooling,' Ms Goldie shared.

'We want to see action,' she added.

'We do want the government to go much further with its approach to tackling [the] cost of living [crisis], particularly for people on the very lowest incomes.'

This comes after news that those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments will receive a much-needed increase in their payments starting from the 20th of September, 2023.

Under this initiative, each single pensioner would see an increase of $32.70 per fortnight, while couples will get an increase of $49.40 ($24.70 each). You can read more about this here.

Adding to these cost of living relief initiatives, around 782,000 people on JobSeeker saw a $40 increase in payment each fortnight, while 222,000 Australians on Youth Allowance and about 64,000 families on Partnered Parenting also saw an increase in payments.

This additional relief is estimated to cost the government $4.7 billion.

While the increase seemed substantial, experts said that the current system still leaves pensioners lagging behind inflation.

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke stated: 'More can be done to support older people doing it tough, as recent National Seniors research showed a greater proportion of people with low incomes and those who are renting are suffering from cost-of-living pressures.’

'What we need is additional targeted support for people with limited means.'

'We will continue to fight for a system that improves people's lives.'

Key Takeaways

• Almost one million Centrelink recipients will receive a six per cent increase in their payments.
• ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie commented that while every dollar helps, the increase is insufficient to lift people out of poverty.
• Research showed that individuals relying on such payments are foregoing basic needs like food and heating.
• There are calls for the government to take more significant action to address the cost of living for those on the lowest incomes.

What are your thoughts on the Centrelink increase? Do you think it's enough support for those struggling with the rising cost of living? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Ok it’s not any remeo 1 thing here the more we get htthe more things go up so if we did get more the higher things go joy. Now we still waiting for things to come down going guess what it’s not happening

 

[mitchellowe]

As the cost of living continuously rises, any increase in Centrelink payments is typically welcomed.

The Australian government has recently announced a six per cent increase in Centrelink payments, which will affect almost one million recipients.

Despite the increase, there's a growing consensus that this measure is simply not enough to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), has been vocal about the inadequacy of the current increase.

View attachment 38442

The increase in Centrelink payments is not enough for many Aussies. Image source: Shutterstock.

In an interview, she acknowledged that while every extra dollar helps, it ‘does not get these key payments to the level that will lift people out of poverty'.

ACOSS's research towards the end of last year painted a grim picture of the struggles faced by those relying on Centrelink payments.

'Our cost of living research…showed people relying on these kinds of payments were going without food; they were going without heating and cooling,' Ms Goldie shared.

'We want to see action,' she added.

'We do want the government to go much further with its approach to tackling [the] cost of living [crisis], particularly for people on the very lowest incomes.'

This comes after news that those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments will receive a much-needed increase in their payments starting from the 20th of September, 2023.

Under this initiative, each single pensioner would see an increase of $32.70 per fortnight, while couples will get an increase of $49.40 ($24.70 each). You can read more about this here.

Adding to these cost of living relief initiatives, around 782,000 people on JobSeeker saw a $40 increase in payment each fortnight, while 222,000 Australians on Youth Allowance and about 64,000 families on Partnered Parenting also saw an increase in payments.

This additional relief is estimated to cost the government $4.7 billion.

While the increase seemed substantial, experts said that the current system still leaves pensioners lagging behind inflation.

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke stated: 'More can be done to support older people doing it tough, as recent National Seniors research showed a greater proportion of people with low incomes and those who are renting are suffering from cost-of-living pressures.’

'What we need is additional targeted support for people with limited means.'

'We will continue to fight for a system that improves people's lives.'

Key Takeaways

• Almost one million Centrelink recipients will receive a six per cent increase in their payments.
• ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie commented that while every dollar helps, the increase is insufficient to lift people out of poverty.
• Research showed that individuals relying on such payments are foregoing basic needs like food and heating.
• There are calls for the government to take more significant action to address the cost of living for those on the lowest incomes.

What are your thoughts on the Centrelink increase? Do you think it's enough support for those struggling with the rising cost of living? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

i would like to know why increases in centrelinc payments in SEPTEMBER were %3.2 for the aged %6 for the unemployed and %15 for single parents and where the govt came up with only %3.2 cost of living in the previous 6 months does the unemployed and single parents deserve to get increases more than the disabled and the aging population and if so why
Why are the single parents rewarded for having children they cannot afford and people who are on the dole after 12 months are getting rewarded for doing nothing
Meanwhile most of the older generation who worked and paid their way most of their lives are getting screwed over
treated worse than

 

[deedum]

As the cost of living continuously rises, any increase in Centrelink payments is typically welcomed.

The Australian government has recently announced a six per cent increase in Centrelink payments, which will affect almost one million recipients.

Despite the increase, there's a growing consensus that this measure is simply not enough to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS), has been vocal about the inadequacy of the current increase.

View attachment 38442

The increase in Centrelink payments is not enough for many Aussies. Image source: Shutterstock.

In an interview, she acknowledged that while every extra dollar helps, it ‘does not get these key payments to the level that will lift people out of poverty'.

ACOSS's research towards the end of last year painted a grim picture of the struggles faced by those relying on Centrelink payments.

'Our cost of living research…showed people relying on these kinds of payments were going without food; they were going without heating and cooling,' Ms Goldie shared.

'We want to see action,' she added.

'We do want the government to go much further with its approach to tackling [the] cost of living [crisis], particularly for people on the very lowest incomes.'

This comes after news that those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments will receive a much-needed increase in their payments starting from the 20th of September, 2023.

Under this initiative, each single pensioner would see an increase of $32.70 per fortnight, while couples will get an increase of $49.40 ($24.70 each). You can read more about this here.

Adding to these cost of living relief initiatives, around 782,000 people on JobSeeker saw a $40 increase in payment each fortnight, while 222,000 Australians on Youth Allowance and about 64,000 families on Partnered Parenting also saw an increase in payments.

This additional relief is estimated to cost the government $4.7 billion.

While the increase seemed substantial, experts said that the current system still leaves pensioners lagging behind inflation.

National Seniors Australia Chief Advocate Ian Henschke stated: 'More can be done to support older people doing it tough, as recent National Seniors research showed a greater proportion of people with low incomes and those who are renting are suffering from cost-of-living pressures.’

'What we need is additional targeted support for people with limited means.'

'We will continue to fight for a system that improves people's lives.'

Key Takeaways

• Almost one million Centrelink recipients will receive a six per cent increase in their payments.
• ACOSS CEO Cassandra Goldie commented that while every dollar helps, the increase is insufficient to lift people out of poverty.
• Research showed that individuals relying on such payments are foregoing basic needs like food and heating.
• There are calls for the government to take more significant action to address the cost of living for those on the lowest incomes.

What are your thoughts on the Centrelink increase? Do you think it's enough support for those struggling with the rising cost of living? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Well my thoughts on this is!!! People on any sort of pensions usually have a lot of chemist bills for there monthly or even fortnightly tablets. One lot of scripts will probably wipe out the Wonderful bonuses the Government's so kindly allowed us, so what do we do for the next lots and the next lot of accounts from the cost of living???? thoughts of D.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Again no relief for Aged Pensioners. We are looking at ways that we can have a night at the Theatre, but alas it is no longer possible. I also feel for people who are self funded retirees. They get little assistance for medical bills and medications. I am grateful for what we get, but the cost of groceries and utilities, has out paced the pension we receive. I feel for the people who rent their homes and have been there for many years, there is no relief for them and I cry when I see people camping out in tents etc. because due to the costs they cannot afford to continue the rent

Age pensions are increased in March and September, not now.
This increase is for carer payment, job seeker, etc.
We, aged pensioners, will get our next increase in March, we already received one in September.

 

[Elvenwishes]

I know this is not included in this increase, but I am on jobseeker I am 63 yrs old (so too young to get aged pension etc) and am renting privately and my rent is going up again by $25 a week in another 2 weeks. I pay now $400 a week which when I get my payments which are over $1000 I am left with just over $100 to pay for food, electricity, phone/internet and of course fuel in my car. I cannot work due to medical issues. I rely on my son to help me out as he lives with me (due to the rental crisis here in WA) and he is in between jobs so he has to survive on his payments from Centrelink after paying me close to half his payments, I rejoiced last year when I got the increase but then the increases in everything happened.
I am not complaining but the one thing that jerks my chain is when the so called powers to be act like they know what it is like to struggle when they jet off somewhere for some conference or summit. Even when I was working in a low paying job it was still hard but then my rent was alot cheaper and the cost of living was not horrific as it is now.
I feel for all the people who struggle more than I do, the ones who cannot find suitable accommodation, who have to live in their cars, have to live in tents and hope that no one reports them.
The government needs to get with the plan and sort something out before it gets too late.

 

[Elvenwishes]

Age pensions are increased in March and September, not now.
This increase is for carer payment, job seeker, etc.
We, aged pensioners, will get our next increase in March, we already received one in September.

You will find it is not Jobseeker it is Youth Allowance that is the difference. I am on Jobseeker and I got the increase last year. Youth Allowance is for under 25, so those on YA and carer and Disability Support payments get it. Either way in my opinion they should have increased it to those who need it the most and look more into people's circumstances. My Mum who is an aged pensioner who is in my opinion very lucky, she owns her own home she is a widow since my Dad passed away in 2008, she manages quite well and at times helps me out with food shopping and fuel as most of my money goes on rent as I rent privately (which takes up all but $100 of my payments). I also take care of her but do not get carers allowance as my Mum helps me out financially when I need it due to not being able to work due to medical conditions.
But I think the government should look into how to improve the payments.