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Millions of Aussies affected: How the new changes to your JobSeeker welfare payments could impact you

For a significant number of retired and unemployed Australians, welfare payments are the primary source of income.

That’s why we here at Seniors Discount Club are always keeping a keen eye on any government changes that could affect your payment plans.



Due to a recent parliament-passed increase, welfare recipients are gearing up to welcome a substantial $40-a-fortnight boost.

Considering the current cost of living crisis, this additional income is set to benefit millions of Australians.


jobseeker1.jpeg
The increase in payments has been confirmed after key legislation passed by federal parliament. Credit: Shutterstock

Australians without children on Jobseeker can expect a climb from a little over $693 to around $749 a fortnight starting from September 20 under the new amendments.

This sizable top-up consists of a pre-revealed $40-per-fortnight bump in the federal budget, coupled with an additional increment of $16 as a regular part of indexation.

In the same vein, senior JobSeekers can look forward to an incremental leap to $802.50 per fortnight.

Moreover, single parents with children aged eight and above will be eligible for the higher Parenting Payment Single rate. This amendment will insert an extra $177 into their accounts each fortnight until their youngest child reaches 14.



Services such as Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment (Partnered), Austudy, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Disability Support Pension (Youth) and the Special Benefit will also increase by $40 per fortnight.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth has stated these increases will ease the cost of living pressures for around two million Australians.

Labor assistant minister Tim Ayres has agreed, expressing that the safety net bill is marking a ‘very substantial improvement’ in welfare, one that will create a tangible difference.

However, it's also worth noting that the Greens pushed for an even further increase to the income support rate to $88 a day–or $1232 a fortnight–to lift it beyond the poverty line as the cost of living and housing crisis continues to bite hard.


jobseeker2.jpeg
The base rates of working-age and student payments will increase by $40 per fortnight. Credit: Shutterstock

Unsuccessful in their quest, Greens senator Janet Rice voiced her disappointment.

Highlighting the ongoing struggle, she stated that passing the modest increase would only condemn vulnerable people to poverty instead of offering a substantial solution conducive to welfare, health, and job search.



‘Which is absolutely bad for their wellbeing, their health and their ability to get a job—if you’ve got people living in poverty, you’re not in a position to be able to get a job,’ Senator Rice said.

‘It is absolutely shameful.’

Senator Ayres also stated he respected the arguments for higher welfare payments; however, the government was dealing with increased pressures on the budget, and higher rates would further cost ‘billions and billions of dollars’.

Independent senator David Pocock—who supported the idea of increasing payments to $88 a day, stated that the government was ‘kidding itself’ if it thought it could save money on welfare expenses and not spend it on other sectors, such as health and policing.

‘We’re going to have to pick up the bill eventually, and so it’s such short-term thinking to think that “Oh, we can just rip away social security payments, have people living in poverty, and that’s better for taxpayers”—it’s not,’ he explained.

‘We will be paying the cost when it comes to the health of those people who can’t afford fresh food, who can’t afford the basic necessities in life and who certainly can’t afford to fulfil scripts, to go and see the GP when they need it.’



The opposition and the Greens also made an effort to increase the threshold people could earn before experiencing a drop in their benefits from $150 to $300.

But that, too, didn’t pass, and Liberal frontbencher Anne Ruston commented that incentivising people to work more hours would create better job opportunities than increasing the welfare pay.

‘We philosophically believe that increasing the income-free areas and taking away the barriers... is a much more effective way of getting people back into the workforce,’ she stated.

While the debate about the effectiveness of these changes continues, there’s no denying that it is a small step towards helping vulnerable people around the country.
Key Takeaways
  • Welfare recipients in Australia are set to receive a $40-a-fortnight increase, boosting payments for those on JobSeeker and other welfare programs from September 20.
  • The Greens had proposed a higher increase to bring income support rates above the poverty line, which was rejected by the government and opposition.
  • Single parents with children aged eight and above will be eligible for the higher Parenting Payment Single rate, gaining an additional $177 each fortnight until their youngest child turns 14.
  • Despite calls for higher welfare payments, the government cited significant pressures on the budget, with other cost-of-living measures introduced to work alongside the increase.
If you have more questions about this recent change, we highly encourage getting in touch with Services Australia.

So, what are your thoughts, members? Do you think $40 a fortnight is enough to tide you over amid the high cost of living? Tell us your thoughts below!
 
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There are a lot of people out there that this increase will help them out a little. But there are those long term unemployed that know how to work the system to their advantage. Like getting some of their car rego paid, petrol vouchers, new phones and credit, new clothes to go to job interviews or to start a new job, only to go for a few days then not turn up. They now have new clothes and shoes and go back into the system to start all over again. They also get rent assistance, bulk billed at doctors when others have to pay anything from $60-$120 to see a doctor, then their prescriptions are only $6.60 compared to $30-$50+ for those without a healthcare card, they get cheaper public transport, discounts on power and other utilities etc. I feel for those genuine people who want or can't work because of a medical condition but there alot for whom this money will give them more reason not to try and find work. I think they need to increase the amount of money they can earn without impacting on their welfare benefit which would give them a reason to try and get some work. And I'm talking about those that are younger and fit and able to work.
 
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I worked all my life as did hubby then 15 years ago I became the bread winner as hubby had to stop work due to illness.
We paid of our house , saved some money.
Then I needed a gall bladder out and that's where my nightmare began . Huge medical negligence, leaving me in pain and severe depression, something I had never ever had.
Had to leave an amazing job I was in for 14 years and never had a sickie.

I have Used up all my savings to live on and unfortunately had to apply for jobseeker .
If I could work and have my old life back I would.
This is not how I thought I would retire.

People please have compassion for others as you really don't know what others are going through
You misinterpret - no-one is talking about genuine hardship. Compassion? I have plenty and I do know what others are going through. I care for a son with a severe mental condition that will never improve. Yes it is a struggle, everyday, however I take in ironing and fit that in at night to make sure there is a roof over our heads and food on the table, and various other part time work as and when available. Best to try and make glass half full than half empty is all I am saying. Have to be resilient. It could always be worse - like not being fortunate enough to live in Australia all my life, as my parents and their parents before that.
 
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There are a lot of people out there that this increase will help them out a little. But there are those long term unemployed that know how to work the system to their advantage. Like getting some of their car rego paid, petrol vouchers, new phones and credit, new clothes to go to job interviews or to start a new job, only to go for a few days then not turn up. They now have new clothes and shoes and go back into the system to start all over again. They also get rent assistance, bulk billed at doctors when others have to pay anything from $60-$120 to see a doctor, then their prescriptions are only $6.60 compared to $30-$50+ for those without a healthcare card, they get cheaper public transport, discounts on power and other utilities etc. I feel for those genuine people who want or can't work because of a medical condition but there alot for whom this money will give them more reason not to try and find work. I think they need to increase the amount of money they can earn without impacting on their welfare benefit which would give them a reason to try and get some work. And I'm talking about those that are younger and fit and able to work.
So true! I have tried to give a hand up to many, many disadvantaged people over my long years - only to see first hand that they only want a hand out. So, no-one can tell me there aren't those abusing the system.
 
I worked all my life as did hubby then 15 years ago I became the bread winner as hubby had to stop work due to illness.
We paid of our house , saved some money.
Then I needed a gall bladder out and that's where my nightmare began . Huge medical negligence, leaving me in pain and severe depression, something I had never ever had.
Had to leave an amazing job I was in for 14 years and never had a sickie.

I have Used up all my savings to live on and unfortunately had to apply for jobseeker .
If I could work and have my old life back I would.
This is not how I thought I would retire.

People please have compassion for others as you really don't know what others are going through
Well said, Suzanne rose. Not one of us knows the situation of another. So people, don’t open your mouths without the facts. There are many people struggling and there are also others working the system.
 
So true! I have tried to give a hand up to many, many disadvantaged people over my long years - only to see first hand that they only want a hand out. So, no-one can tell me there aren't those abusing the system.
Well said, Suzanne rose. Not one of us knows the situation of another. So people, don’t open your mouths without the facts. There are many people struggling and there are also others working the system.
And no-one said anything different. Gosh, are there comprehension issues here. Take offence to the "So people, don’t open your mouths without the facts" - free speech or do you get to control the narrative here?
 
The figures of unemployed would be a lot lower if people like myself were able to receive the DSP, I myself have applied 2 times and its been rejected, after a severe car accident im left with chronic pain, upper and lower back injuries , neck , shoulder and numbness in my dominant hand, the government scrapped sickness benefit so only other option offered is jobseeker benefit but ive been assessed by centrelink as only ever allowed to work 0 to 8 hours and only if in a sedentary position, if there is such a thing that's not going to affect me further.
Its one big joke, and NO im not a dole bludger I have all the evidence to back up my injuries but like I say only option is jobseeker and only accommodation i could get after being homeless for 18 months is $700 per fortnight... all I want to do is survive, eat some food and pay for my meds but not even enough money for all those things ..... ONE BIG JOKE LIVING UNDER POVERTY LINE , WONDERING WHERE THE NEXT MEAL IS COMING FROM AND CAN I GET THE MEDICATION I REQUIRE TO FUNCTION
 
There are a lot of people out there that this increase will help them out a little. But there are those long term unemployed that know how to work the system to their advantage. Like getting some of their car rego paid, petrol vouchers, new phones and credit, new clothes to go to job interviews or to start a new job, only to go for a few days then not turn up. They now have new clothes and shoes and go back into the system to start all over again. They also get rent assistance, bulk billed at doctors when others have to pay anything from $60-$120 to see a doctor, then their prescriptions are only $6.60 compared to $30-$50+ for those without a healthcare card, they get cheaper public transport, discounts on power and other utilities etc. I feel for those genuine people who want or can't work because of a medical condition but there alot for whom this money will give them more reason not to try and find work. I think they need to increase the amount of money they can earn without impacting on their welfare benefit which would give them a reason to try and get some work. And I'm talking about those that are younger and fit and able to work.
New phones ? New clothes ? Car rego paid? I get none of that Wished my specialist bulk billed
 
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I know a guy who went on the dole straight from school & he's now nearly 60 years old, so he'll transfer straight onto the age pension when he's old enough. He had a job for a couple of days, but "hurt his back" - so then got Workcover for a while. (He did this a couple of times.) He & his wife have a Ministery house, so cheap rent. They have 5 kids, so for years they claimed to be separated, so his wife got single parents pension while he claimed to be living with his parents. They always had new cars etc. He bragged about how they got investigated, but got away with it every time. People like them give others a bad name!
 
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The figures of unemployed would be a lot lower if people like myself were able to receive the DSP, I myself have applied 2 times and its been rejected, after a severe car accident im left with chronic pain, upper and lower back injuries , neck , shoulder and numbness in my dominant hand, the government scrapped sickness benefit so only other option offered is jobseeker benefit but ive been assessed by centrelink as only ever allowed to work 0 to 8 hours and only if in a sedentary position, if there is such a thing that's not going to affect me further.
Its one big joke, and NO im not a dole bludger I have all the evidence to back up my injuries but like I say only option is jobseeker and only accommodation i could get after being homeless for 18 months is $700 per fortnight... all I want to do is survive, eat some food and pay for my meds but not even enough money for all those things ..... ONE BIG JOKE LIVING UNDER POVERTY LINE , WONDERING WHERE THE NEXT MEAL IS COMING FROM AND CAN I GET THE MEDICATION I REQUIRE TO FUNCTION
A girl I knew had breast cancer & was receiving chemo, so was unable to continue working. She was refused DSP & put onto Jobseeker, she still had to look for work etc. This didn't change, even when she was declared terminal a short while later. She passed away, still being declared "fit for work"!
 
A girl I knew had breast cancer & was receiving chemo, so was unable to continue working. She was refused DSP & put onto Jobseeker, she still had to look for work etc. This didn't change, even when she was declared terminal a short while later. She passed away, still being declared "fit for work"!
👎that’s cruel🙀
 
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It is ok for the people who want to get a job, but those lazy good for nothing bludgers, that don't want to work, and just get the benefits for staying at home,smoking, drinking, and using drugs. The ones that want to work should get the benefits. I feel that the Government should start to check the ones that have been on support for years, to see if they do want to work, or not. I worked my guts out for 55 years, and did not once get any benefits from either State Governments (yes I have worked in other States and Territories) and the Federal Government. I also severed in the Military, to protect this Country.
spell check mate! lol
 
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A girl I knew had breast cancer & was receiving chemo, so was unable to continue working. She was refused DSP & put onto Jobseeker, she still had to look for work etc. This didn't change, even when she was declared terminal a short while later. She passed away, still being declared "fit for work"!
Omg this is just unacceptable, the people who head these departments need to have a hard look at a system that is not just 1 fits all , it doesn't.
Im so sorry this happened to your friend 🥺🥺
 
Those who really want a job couold find one.
That's a pretty broad statement. There are many who are unable to work due to disabilities and/or ill health but can't get the DSP. They are stuck on Jobseeker. I had to fight like hell, go through AAT tribunals etc, whilst very ill. I eventually got it, but am still stressed from it all. I received the 'lazy' label from some people, but had previously always worked.
Sure there are those who are lazy and bludging people who need to be weeded out of the system, but let's please stop 'branding' people on Jobseeker.
 
👎that’s cruel🙀
Sadly that poor girl would not be the only one that this has happened to. The legacy from the Horrorson government regarding demonising those on Jobseeker, the ill, disabled and disadvantaged is unfortunately still happening, and being perpetùated and reinforced by by the very biased media.
 
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That's a pretty broad statement. There are many who are unable to work due to disabilities and/or ill health but can't get the DSP. They are stuck on Jobseeker. I had to fight like hell, go through AAT tribunals etc, whilst very ill. I eventually got it, but am still stressed from it all. I received the 'lazy' label from some people, but had previously always worked.
Sure there are those who are lazy and bludging people who need to be weeded out of the system, but let's please stop 'branding' people on Jobseeker.
I’m still waiting for dsp Centrelink told me so hard to get it so on jobseeker and was told to keep submitting my doc certificates! Certainly is stressful at 65 and yes have always worked also. 👎
 
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I’m in government housing and whilst my rent is subsidised,I still pay very close to market rental price. This $40.00,in fact ANY pension increase is a joke for those of us,like me,in ministry homes because the government don’t police themselves! As soon as I get a pension increase,my rent increase to match it! That’s just the way it is! As Suzanne Rose says,after paying utilities,doctors bills and chemist bills,there’s very very little left for food or anything else. I’d love to know where the bludgers are getting enough to smoke and drink on,cos I’m blessed if I can stretch my pension that far. Some fortnight’s I have to choose between eating or taking medication. It’s a sad fact of life for thousands of older Australians.
I am also in DOH and when we get a rise in our pension they take 25% FOR RENT AND WATER it is so unfair we really dont benefit from the increase im 80 years old and i struggle not a good life when you cant enjoy it worrying about all the extra with food and every thing going up .I would like to see the Politions living on what we have to .It would be a real eye opener .
 
It is ok for the people who want to get a job, but those lazy good for nothing bludgers, that don't want to work, and just get the benefits for staying at home,smoking, drinking, and using drugs. The ones that want to work should get the benefits. I feel that the Government should start to check the ones that have been on support for years, to see if they do want to work, or not. I worked my guts out for 55 years, and did not once get any benefits from either State Governments (yes I have worked in other States and Territories) and the Federal Government. I also severed in the Military, to protect this Country.
Agree 1000 pc with your comments, we saw the Liberals, and I am a Liberal voter, do exactly the same thing, double the dole bludgers income and give seniors a sniff of an oily rag during the CORONA crisis. While I have some sympathy with some single parents I miserably fail to grasp why I, as an old tax payer, who never had the good fortune to take expensive holidays nor had any desire to spend my free time drinking, smoking or gambling should have to fork out my money to support people whom are rewarded by these Governments for their "me me" lifestyle.
Would also be interesting to know how much our our monies are being spent every year providing social housing to people not wanting to work or save for their own housing, and also how many children are taking over and living in their parents government supplied housing without having to meet the same income tests as their parents allegedly had to meet before having government provide accommodation, kick these sponges out and the social housing wait lists would at least half.
 
For a significant number of retired and unemployed Australians, welfare payments are the primary source of income.

That’s why we here at Seniors Discount Club are always keeping a keen eye on any government changes that could affect your payment plans.



Due to a recent parliament-passed increase, welfare recipients are gearing up to welcome a substantial $40-a-fortnight boost.

Considering the current cost of living crisis, this additional income is set to benefit millions of Australians.


View attachment 26550
The increase in payments has been confirmed after key legislation passed by federal parliament. Credit: Shutterstock

Australians without children on Jobseeker can expect a climb from a little over $693 to around $749 a fortnight starting from September 20 under the new amendments.

This sizable top-up consists of a pre-revealed $40-per-fortnight bump in the federal budget, coupled with an additional increment of $16 as a regular part of indexation.

In the same vein, senior JobSeekers can look forward to an incremental leap to $802.50 per fortnight.

Moreover, single parents with children aged eight and above will be eligible for the higher Parenting Payment Single rate. This amendment will insert an extra $177 into their accounts each fortnight until their youngest child reaches 14.



Services such as Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment (Partnered), Austudy, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Disability Support Pension (Youth) and the Special Benefit will also increase by $40 per fortnight.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth has stated these increases will ease the cost of living pressures for around two million Australians.

Labor assistant minister Tim Ayres has agreed, expressing that the safety net bill is marking a ‘very substantial improvement’ in welfare, one that will create a tangible difference.

However, it's also worth noting that the Greens pushed for an even further increase to the income support rate to $88 a day–or $1232 a fortnight–to lift it beyond the poverty line as the cost of living and housing crisis continues to bite hard.


View attachment 26551
The base rates of working-age and student payments will increase by $40 per fortnight. Credit: Shutterstock

Unsuccessful in their quest, Greens senator Janet Rice voiced her disappointment.

Highlighting the ongoing struggle, she stated that passing the modest increase would only condemn vulnerable people to poverty instead of offering a substantial solution conducive to welfare, health, and job search.



‘Which is absolutely bad for their wellbeing, their health and their ability to get a job—if you’ve got people living in poverty, you’re not in a position to be able to get a job,’ Senator Rice said.

‘It is absolutely shameful.’

Senator Ayres also stated he respected the arguments for higher welfare payments; however, the government was dealing with increased pressures on the budget, and higher rates would further cost ‘billions and billions of dollars’.

Independent senator David Pocock—who supported the idea of increasing payments to $88 a day, stated that the government was ‘kidding itself’ if it thought it could save money on welfare expenses and not spend it on other sectors, such as health and policing.

‘We’re going to have to pick up the bill eventually, and so it’s such short-term thinking to think that “Oh, we can just rip away social security payments, have people living in poverty, and that’s better for taxpayers”—it’s not,’ he explained.

‘We will be paying the cost when it comes to the health of those people who can’t afford fresh food, who can’t afford the basic necessities in life and who certainly can’t afford to fulfil scripts, to go and see the GP when they need it.’



The opposition and the Greens also made an effort to increase the threshold people could earn before experiencing a drop in their benefits from $150 to $300.

But that, too, didn’t pass, and Liberal frontbencher Anne Ruston commented that incentivising people to work more hours would create better job opportunities than increasing the welfare pay.

‘We philosophically believe that increasing the income-free areas and taking away the barriers... is a much more effective way of getting people back into the workforce,’ she stated.

While the debate about the effectiveness of these changes continues, there’s no denying that it is a small step towards helping vulnerable people around the country.
Key Takeaways

  • Welfare recipients in Australia are set to receive a $40-a-fortnight increase, boosting payments for those on JobSeeker and other welfare programs from September 20.
  • The Greens had proposed a higher increase to bring income support rates above the poverty line, which was rejected by the government and opposition.
  • Single parents with children aged eight and above will be eligible for the higher Parenting Payment Single rate, gaining an additional $177 each fortnight until their youngest child turns 14.
  • Despite calls for higher welfare payments, the government cited significant pressures on the budget, with other cost-of-living measures introduced to work alongside the increase.
If you have more questions about this recent change, we highly encourage getting in touch with Services Australia.

So, what are your thoughts, members? Do you think $40 a fortnight is enough to tide you over amid the high cost of living? Tell us your thoughts below!
Why is it that every time we see "vulnerable People" in a political party statement - THERE IS NO MENTION OF PENSIONERS? (from 1 of the forgotten).
 
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Those who really want a job couold find one.
You read all the time about businesses not being able to get employees, so why are there people on the Dole...doesn't make sense.
I understand there's some who cannot work for various reasons, but when a lot of young people would rather sit back and live on the Dole because they're too lazy to do a decent day's work, their payments should not be increased !! Make it mandatory for young people to have to learn something, whether it's cleaning up the streets or helping tradespeople, but they should have to earn the money they're paid !! Hardly fair to those who do work to have to keep the ones who are too lazy to get off their arse and work hard for a living.
What future do they have as well !!
 
For a significant number of retired and unemployed Australians, welfare payments are the primary source of income.

That’s why we here at Seniors Discount Club are always keeping a keen eye on any government changes that could affect your payment plans.



Due to a recent parliament-passed increase, welfare recipients are gearing up to welcome a substantial $40-a-fortnight boost.

Considering the current cost of living crisis, this additional income is set to benefit millions of Australians.


View attachment 26550
The increase in payments has been confirmed after key legislation passed by federal parliament. Credit: Shutterstock

Australians without children on Jobseeker can expect a climb from a little over $693 to around $749 a fortnight starting from September 20 under the new amendments.

This sizable top-up consists of a pre-revealed $40-per-fortnight bump in the federal budget, coupled with an additional increment of $16 as a regular part of indexation.

In the same vein, senior JobSeekers can look forward to an incremental leap to $802.50 per fortnight.

Moreover, single parents with children aged eight and above will be eligible for the higher Parenting Payment Single rate. This amendment will insert an extra $177 into their accounts each fortnight until their youngest child reaches 14.



Services such as Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment (Partnered), Austudy, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Disability Support Pension (Youth) and the Special Benefit will also increase by $40 per fortnight.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth has stated these increases will ease the cost of living pressures for around two million Australians.

Labor assistant minister Tim Ayres has agreed, expressing that the safety net bill is marking a ‘very substantial improvement’ in welfare, one that will create a tangible difference.

However, it's also worth noting that the Greens pushed for an even further increase to the income support rate to $88 a day–or $1232 a fortnight–to lift it beyond the poverty line as the cost of living and housing crisis continues to bite hard.


View attachment 26551
The base rates of working-age and student payments will increase by $40 per fortnight. Credit: Shutterstock

Unsuccessful in their quest, Greens senator Janet Rice voiced her disappointment.

Highlighting the ongoing struggle, she stated that passing the modest increase would only condemn vulnerable people to poverty instead of offering a substantial solution conducive to welfare, health, and job search.



‘Which is absolutely bad for their wellbeing, their health and their ability to get a job—if you’ve got people living in poverty, you’re not in a position to be able to get a job,’ Senator Rice said.

‘It is absolutely shameful.’

Senator Ayres also stated he respected the arguments for higher welfare payments; however, the government was dealing with increased pressures on the budget, and higher rates would further cost ‘billions and billions of dollars’.

Independent senator David Pocock—who supported the idea of increasing payments to $88 a day, stated that the government was ‘kidding itself’ if it thought it could save money on welfare expenses and not spend it on other sectors, such as health and policing.

‘We’re going to have to pick up the bill eventually, and so it’s such short-term thinking to think that “Oh, we can just rip away social security payments, have people living in poverty, and that’s better for taxpayers”—it’s not,’ he explained.

‘We will be paying the cost when it comes to the health of those people who can’t afford fresh food, who can’t afford the basic necessities in life and who certainly can’t afford to fulfil scripts, to go and see the GP when they need it.’



The opposition and the Greens also made an effort to increase the threshold people could earn before experiencing a drop in their benefits from $150 to $300.

But that, too, didn’t pass, and Liberal frontbencher Anne Ruston commented that incentivising people to work more hours would create better job opportunities than increasing the welfare pay.

‘We philosophically believe that increasing the income-free areas and taking away the barriers... is a much more effective way of getting people back into the workforce,’ she stated.

While the debate about the effectiveness of these changes continues, there’s no denying that it is a small step towards helping vulnerable people around the country.
Key Takeaways

  • Welfare recipients in Australia are set to receive a $40-a-fortnight increase, boosting payments for those on JobSeeker and other welfare programs from September 20.
  • The Greens had proposed a higher increase to bring income support rates above the poverty line, which was rejected by the government and opposition.
  • Single parents with children aged eight and above will be eligible for the higher Parenting Payment Single rate, gaining an additional $177 each fortnight until their youngest child turns 14.
  • Despite calls for higher welfare payments, the government cited significant pressures on the budget, with other cost-of-living measures introduced to work alongside the increase.
If you have more questions about this recent change, we highly encourage getting in touch with Services Australia.

So, what are your thoughts, members? Do you think $40 a fortnight is enough to tide you over amid the high cost of living? Tell us your thoughts below!
No I don't think it will be enough it is very hard these days with the cost of living after we pay the rent and the bills there is hardly anything left for groceries we struggle every week.
 
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