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.

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.

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!

 

[rehandra]

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!

I do not think the carer's allowance has been increased.

 

[Skilly69]

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!

 

[Lia]

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 it is not. I cannot believe it. We did a small shopping on Friday we spent $84.00 and can home with one and half small bags I did not buy any meat product. I bought 2 cleaning products pasta and the sauce rice some small bits and pieces to feed us for the week. And coming home with nearly nothing was a shock. When we do our main shopping will it be $450.00 and will that be enough for a fortnight. We have never ever spent that much money. I wish that pensioners would be given a discount at every shopping we do.

 

[Trudi]

Why is there no mention of the aged pension?

Because you pensioners will get your regular increase every year in March and September. Jobseekers and others don't

 

[John Robert]

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!

A total of $56 a fortnight amounts to $4 per day. Better than nothing but hardly a ‘milestone’ to help alleviate the poverty many on Centrelink experience. It strikes me as odd that we can commit about $346 billion for some outdated subs ( by the time they arrive), give the rich massive tax breaks and allow churches annual exemptions of over $30 billion per annum but we can’t adequately fund pensions.
As an old age pensioner there is even less benefit ( zero?) from the changes so I also wonder when do we get some respite ( other than this one off $500 energy supplement , which is appreciated but what happens the following year?? Is it a reprieve only?) for increase cost of living etc? I don’t think the old age pension is adequate for a decent standard of living. Yes, one can certainly survive on it if one owns their own home as I do but I contend that there is very little capacity to save to deal with unforeseen and even foreseen issues.

 

[John Robert]

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.

So what does one do with those who do not want to work for whatever reason, whether ‘bludgers’ or experiencing some kind of health issues whether mental or physical or trauma or for whatever reason,? Let them starve, let them sleep in garbage bins ? Lock them up?? Most people want to work. A small percentage don’t want to for whatever reason. Like you, I worked for 52 years before retiring and never needed any support from Centrelink but am now on the old age pension, it can be a struggle. I think we have to accept that some people simply can’t or won’t work but certainly encourage them to be involved in the community and to still support them and their families. If that means helping then manage the booze and drugs, so be it.

 

[mustang]

pensioners on disability pension like myself aged nearly 70 yrs young. get $1221.20 fortnight, by the time i pay rent and got same bills as others, I am not left much at all fortnight, I don't have superanuation to fall on..

 

[Zena Molotownik]

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!

N

 

[Gabriella Pettit]

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!

Hi everyone,
I think that's a good start BUT it won't be enough every time the pensions goes up every thing else becomes more expensive so how are we getting a better deal. This government has no idea what is going on here in Australia he jets of all over the world and gives heaps of money to other countries WHAT ABOUT AUSTRALIANS FIRST.....

 

[Subduedshilo]

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

Very well said. I was told I should have prepared years ago for a rental crisis. Little do they realise that low income earners do try and save for a rainy day but once those savings are gone, where to next? Hang in there those who are struggling and to those who are quick to condemn, don’t be judgemental if you don’t know a person’s circumstances

 

[Boldr77]

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!

 

[Aussie all the Way]

I’ve worked since I was 14 now 65 was looking forward to not having to report every fortnight. But born on 1st July one day out from pension now have to wait another 2 years. Never mind I’ll keep plodding on with my sad existence. And I hope you can stop moaning matey and enjoy the rest of your sad pitiful life to

Hey my life is GREAT, I'm 63 and have retired, have traveled the World 4 times and going to Africa next year, so yep I will enjoy my sad pitiful life how about YOU can you say the same.

 

[Da Freddo]

Again , you cannot survive of jobseeker .
I get $640 a fortnight and I'm struggling and I'm not paying rent or a mortgage.

I have finally got an interview with centrelink next Friday after 6 months to discuss my application for DSP . If I could work I would , I have worked all my life up to 2 years ago.

Someone on jobseeker would be lucky if it paid rent , how would they buy drugs, alcohol ect like someone stated

People nolonger get away with being on jobseeker without looking genuinely for work

Sorry to disagree Suzanne Rose.
I know of a person who held down a job with supervision responsibility.
She had a verbal altercation with a fellow worker under her supervision, this escalated into an
interdiction by management, the result. She was asked to resign "not fired but asked to resign".
When she told me what happened I wanted to have a frank discussion with her boss, which she disagreed with. This incident has really crippled her chances of getting another job despite her OUTSTANDING QUALS AND EXP. I KNOW THIS FEMALE VERY WELL, SHE WAS PART OF MY AWAY TEAM FOR SEVERAL YEARS
AND A MEMBER OF MY TOP PERFORMING CREW!
The company I was employed with would not agree to hire her even with my recommendation,
because of the row she had.
Where is the JUSTICE? this lady is a top worker and has the smarts, but when you get some idiotic self
indulgent TWIT who cares little about fellow workers and the fallout that follows ...
My lady friend is mentally scarred, yes, she is looking for work and cannot find ANYTHING ...
I REALLY FEEL FOR HER!!!
She is a job seeker who has now been thrown on the junk heap by some itinerant dickhead who cannot
listen to and accept directions from a FEMALE SUPERVISOR..
She has had many interviews and been knocked back because of this altercation.
"Interviews with govt run job agencies.
Sorry Suzanne Rose I really needed to get this off my chest.

 

[Littleboy8]

Hey my life is GREAT, I'm 63 and have retired, have traveled the World 4 times and going to Africa next year, so yep I will enjoy my sad pitiful life how about YOU can you say the same.

 

[BRIAN KK]

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!

Isn't jobseeker a stop gap payment whilst you are looking for work? A senior job seeker looking at your figure of $802.50 f/n this is $0.50c more than the rate of an aged pension partner.

 

[PeeBo]

PeeBoo

It's funny how they smile as if they care and giving you the world when they announce these rises. The aged pension has long been overdue a significant lift. I estimate that $40 is about $160 shy of lifting us out of the poverty trap.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Sorry to disagree Suzanne Rose.
I know of a person who held down a job with supervision responsibility.
She had a verbal altercation with a fellow worker under her supervision, this escalated into an
interdiction by management, the result. She was asked to resign "not fired but asked to resign".
When she told me what happened I wanted to have a frank discussion with her boss, which she disagreed with. This incident has really crippled her chances of getting another job despite her OUTSTANDING QUALS AND EXP. I KNOW THIS FEMALE VERY WELL, SHE WAS PART OF MY AWAY TEAM FOR SEVERAL YEARS
AND A MEMBER OF MY TOP PERFORMING CREW!
The company I was employed with would not agree to hire her even with my recommendation,
because of the row she had.
Where is the JUSTICE? this lady is a top worker and has the smarts, but when you get some idiotic self
indulgent TWIT who cares little about fellow workers and the fallout that follows ...
My lady friend is mentally scarred, yes, she is looking for work and cannot find ANYTHING ...
I REALLY FEEL FOR HER!!!
She is a job seeker who has now been thrown on the junk heap by some itinerant dickhead who cannot
listen to and accept directions from a FEMALE SUPERVISOR..
She has had many interviews and been knocked back because of this altercation.
"Interviews with govt run job agencies.
Sorry Suzanne Rose I really needed to get this off my chest.

That's so bad what happened to her. But being on jobseeker, they will make you take any job not just what you are trained in.

Would have been good if she took it further

 

[Littleboy8]

PeeBoo

It's funny how they smile as if they care and giving you the world when they announce these rises. The aged pension has long been overdue a significant lift. I estimate that $40 is about $160 shy of lifting us out of the poverty trap.

Pensioners get a rise every 6 months

 

[Aussie all the Way]

Isn't jobseeker a stop gap payment whilst you are looking for work? A senior job seeker looking at your figure of $802.50 f/n this is $0.50c more than the rate of an aged pension partner.

My sentiments exactly, why work when you already get the same as a retired person, sorry MORE than a retired PENSIONER. My understanding was all of these Payments i.e. jobseeker where NOT SUPPOSE TO BE ENOUGH TO LIVE ON so you WOULD go out and get a JOB. Dissability a whole different thing not in the same category.

 

[Trudi]

A total of $56 a fortnight amounts to $4 per day. Better than nothing but hardly a ‘milestone’ to help alleviate the poverty many on Centrelink experience. It strikes me as odd that we can commit about $346 billion for some outdated subs ( by the time they arrive), give the rich massive tax breaks and allow churches annual exemptions of over $30 billion per annum but we can’t adequately fund pensions.
As an old age pensioner there is even less benefit ( zero?) from the changes so I also wonder when do we get some respite ( other than this one off $500 energy supplement , which is appreciated but what happens the following year?? Is it a reprieve only?) for increase cost of living etc? I don’t think the old age pension is adequate for a decent standard of living. Yes, one can certainly survive on it if one owns their own home as I do but I contend that there is very little capacity to save to deal with unforeseen and even foreseen issues.

Your pension will be increased in September. There are TWO pension increases EVERY year, one in March and the other in September!

Maybe the age pension is not "adequate" as you say, but you had the opportunity during the 40 odd years that you were (hopefully) gainfully empoyed to save towards your retirement! Furthermore, compulsory superannuation was introduced in 1991 - that is 30 years ago! The whole idea was to put the responsibility to save towards retirement into the hands where it belongs, which is every adult. In addition to the employer contributions, individuals can add to their super accounts either through salary sacrifice or post tax deposits.

Sorry, no sympathy for poor, hard-done-by pensioners from me.