The Albanese government is set to announce a shakeup to Centrelink's JobSeeker payments – and if you're aged over 55, there could be an extra bonus in store for you!

According to recent reports, recipients aged over 55 will receive a modest increase to the current $50 daily JobSeeker rate. This move is part of a suite of cost-of-living measures to be put into action with this month’s budget, specifically targeting hard-hit workers such as the long-term unemployed and older Australians.

Over 55 JobSeeker recipients are expected to receive a boost in the upcoming budget. Image Credit: Shutterstock

The raise for older JobSeekers is set to benefit around 200,000 welfare recipients. It’s likely to be a small but modest increase that falls short of the $100 a week increase welfare advocates have been pushing for.

However, every little bit helps, and this could mean a significant difference for those who have been struggling to make ends meet on the current payment rate. As many of you may know, trying to make the most out of a tight budget can be beyond challenging.

This proposed increase will first apply only to those aged 55 and over.

At present, a single person aged 60 and over who has been receiving JobSeeker for nine months receives $745 per fortnight.

On top of a boost to JobSeeker payments, Labor is also looking into making changes to rent assistance, which is another huge consideration for seniors living on a fixed income.

Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, and Social Services Minister, Amanda Rishworth, have released a statement saying: 'We’ve been saying that for some time. I’ve also been saying there will be a very significant cost of living package in this budget and that that will be targeted to most vulnerable Australians, I think that’s what you’d expect from a Labor government.'

Meanwhile, PM Anthony Albanese, told a press conference on Monday afternoon that the government would have ‘a comprehensive plan for lifting living standards’.

‘You’ll see a range of other measures in the budget in eight days’ time, which arise from the understanding that we have that people are doing it tough. We’ve had global inflation. So, we need to make sure we keep on top of inflation. But at the same time, we’re doing what we can to provide that relief for people.’ he continued.

Key Takeaways

• Older Australians, specifically those aged 55 and over, are set to receive a modest increase to their JobSeeker payments in next week's budget.
• The raise is part of a suite of budget measures targeting vulnerable Australians, including possible changes to Rent Assistance.

At this stage, there is no further word on the specifics of the upcoming Budget shakeup – but you can be sure that we will keep you updated with the latest information that impacts you as soon as it comes in!

 

[Belinda Anne]

Looking at it on paper $745.00 a week looks amazing!

I remember I used to be paid $11.60 a week, as a first-year carpentry apprentice back in 1968 and mum took half of that in rent.

Reality hits hard when rent is just over half of that.

I live just under an hour out of town, so there's fuel costs, computer access costs, cellphone costs, lockup storage fees, Car maintenance and insurance costs, health insurance, special medicine (naturopathy-bush medicine) costs etc etc etc.

It works out on average, that I have about $400.00 a month to splash around on myself, if I'm frugal and believe it, like many of my age and older, I live frugally, don't smoke etc.

It's been a long time since I have shared with a partner, so I am doing far better than most finance wise. I apply myself daily to create books, that I intend to publish to change things however, there is a definite need to increase the old age pension.

You can't fake getting older hey.

This is $745 a fortnight not a week by the way.

 

[Kaylee]

I applied for DSP and by my gov it is saying that the decision will be made around the 8th of may ( tomorrow) its been 3 months since I applied for it but still haven't been sent to their doctors , how long was it until they sent you to their doctor

About 8 months

 

[Pink lion]

About 8 months

I went before a panel of six and it was a year from my first application. I was in a very bad way back then with multiple spasms in my heart area due to an impact injury. All I had to do was be in the room and they got it and put me on it two weeks later.

That was about ten years back, I wheel barrowed three truckloads of soil around last week and have about a ton and a half of paving slabs to lay out in a week or so.

Whatever your disability is never forget that your body will overcome just about anything with time. I broke a bone in my ankle about four months ago and hobbled wincing, until it finally came good. Remember this hey. So many curl up with physical issues, while others just move through it... It's a choice...

 

[Luckyus]

The Albanese government is set to announce a shakeup to Centrelink's JobSeeker payments – and if you're aged over 55, there could be an extra bonus in store for you!

According to recent reports, recipients aged over 55 will receive a modest increase to the current $50 daily JobSeeker rate. This move is part of a suite of cost-of-living measures to be put into action with this month’s budget, specifically targeting hard-hit workers such as the long-term unemployed and older Australians.

View attachment 18844

Over 55 JobSeeker recipients are expected to receive a boost in the upcoming budget. Image Credit: Shutterstock

The raise for older JobSeekers is set to benefit around 200,000 welfare recipients. It’s likely to be a small but modest increase that falls short of the $100 a week increase welfare advocates have been pushing for.

However, every little bit helps, and this could mean a significant difference for those who have been struggling to make ends meet on the current payment rate. As many of you may know, trying to make the most out of a tight budget can be beyond challenging.

This proposed increase will first apply only to those aged 55 and over.

At present, a single person aged 60 and over who has been receiving JobSeeker for nine months receives $745 per fortnight.

On top of a boost to JobSeeker payments, Labor is also looking into making changes to rent assistance, which is another huge consideration for seniors living on a fixed income.

Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, and Social Services Minister, Amanda Rishworth, have released a statement saying: 'We’ve been saying that for some time. I’ve also been saying there will be a very significant cost of living package in this budget and that that will be targeted to most vulnerable Australians, I think that’s what you’d expect from a Labor government.'

Meanwhile, PM Anthony Albanese, told a press conference on Monday afternoon that the government would have ‘a comprehensive plan for lifting living standards’.

‘You’ll see a range of other measures in the budget in eight days’ time, which arise from the understanding that we have that people are doing it tough. We’ve had global inflation. So, we need to make sure we keep on top of inflation. But at the same time, we’re doing what we can to provide that relief for people.’ he continued.

Key Takeaways

• Older Australians, specifically those aged 55 and over, are set to receive a modest increase to their JobSeeker payments in next week's budget.
• The raise is part of a suite of budget measures targeting vulnerable Australians, including possible changes to Rent Assistance.

At this stage, there is no further word on the specifics of the upcoming Budget shakeup – but you can be sure that we will keep you updated with the latest information that impacts you as soon as it comes in!

Paying the bone idle, to not bother looking for work.

 

[Greatgwr]

I got excited ..there ...for 1 minute and then find JOBSEEKERS GET RISE..... the Senior Pensioners would deserve one!! Food...(especially) medication.(important very)...I bet heaps Senior Pensioners are cutting well back so they get only necessary food...
So can get ...medication..etc and food...
The most important Staples to life....
JOBSEEKERS....should be working....they have it GOOD NOW..and there are plenty of jobs.....YHEY ARE JUST TOO FUSSY...START CUTTING JOBSEEKERS $$$ THEN THEY HAVE TO WORK.....
OR THE 300.00 MIGRANTS COMING WILL JUMP AT THE CHANCE TO WORK.......JOBSEEKERS HAVE HAD IT TOOOOO GOOD
TIME TO BRING THEM BACK TO EARTH!!!

Interesting Take on Jobseekers Very generalist.
My wife is on Jobseeker she is not quite 65 and has another 2 years of jobseeker before she is eligible for the pension, she has chronic Thyroid issues, Balance issues (vertigo) is going into hospital next week to have 60% of her bowel removed, she has diverticulitis suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, has Knee problems one needs to be replaced, BUT she is still NOT eligible for the disability pension, SO IN YOUR WORLD ORDER SHE SHOULD JUST SUCK IT UP AND GET BACK TO WORK ??????? She needs bringing back down to earth ??? She has had it toooooo good??? It seems to me a good dose of EMPATHEY Training could be in order before wildly exaggerated generalities are thrown around.

 

[Ricci]

I was on Jobseeker through no fault of my own for two years before I reached pension age. What a rip off. I opted to do volunteer work for my payments as having applied for umteen jobs unsuccessfully I knew my age was against me. I volunteered in my local Primary School canteen four days a week and it was enough to satisfy my obligations. I was totally bowled over when I finally got to pension age and living became so much easier. I was one of the lucky ones as I already owned my own home but life was still very difficult on such a paltry sum as it was back then. I feel for the people who still rely on Jobseeker as life wasn't meant to be that hard.

 

[Kaz3]

Looking at it on paper $745.00 a week looks amazing!

I remember I used to be paid $11.60 a week, as a first-year carpentry apprentice back in 1968 and mum took half of that in rent.

Reality hits hard when rent is just over half of that.

I live just under an hour out of town, so there's fuel costs, computer access costs, cellphone costs, lockup storage fees, Car maintenance and insurance costs, health insurance, special medicine (naturopathy-bush medicine) costs etc etc etc.

It works out on average, that I have about $400.00 a month to splash around on myself, if I'm frugal and believe it, like many of my age and older, I live frugally, don't smoke etc.

It's been a long time since I have shared with a partner, so I am doing far better than most finance wise. I apply myself daily to create books, that I intend to publish to change things however, there is a definite need to increase the old age pension.

You can't fake getting older hey.

Jobseekers 60 years & older receive $745 per FORTNIGHT. The rise being spoken about for jobseekers over the age of 55 is only to bring them into line with those 60 years and over. There IS NO increase for any jobseekers 60 years up to 67 years of age at all. The media and politicians speaking about the rise are misleadingly making it sound like all jobseekers aged 55 years and over are receiving an increase and this is totally UNTRUE!...sadly.

 

[Kaz3]

The Albanese government is set to announce a shakeup to Centrelink's JobSeeker payments – and if you're aged over 55, there could be an extra bonus in store for you!

According to recent reports, recipients aged over 55 will receive a modest increase to the current $50 daily JobSeeker rate. This move is part of a suite of cost-of-living measures to be put into action with this month’s budget, specifically targeting hard-hit workers such as the long-term unemployed and older Australians.

View attachment 18844

Over 55 JobSeeker recipients are expected to receive a boost in the upcoming budget. Image Credit: Shutterstock

The raise for older JobSeekers is set to benefit around 200,000 welfare recipients. It’s likely to be a small but modest increase that falls short of the $100 a week increase welfare advocates have been pushing for.

However, every little bit helps, and this could mean a significant difference for those who have been struggling to make ends meet on the current payment rate. As many of you may know, trying to make the most out of a tight budget can be beyond challenging.

This proposed increase will first apply only to those aged 55 and over.

At present, a single person aged 60 and over who has been receiving JobSeeker for nine months receives $745 per fortnight.

On top of a boost to JobSeeker payments, Labor is also looking into making changes to rent assistance, which is another huge consideration for seniors living on a fixed income.

Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, and Social Services Minister, Amanda Rishworth, have released a statement saying: 'We’ve been saying that for some time. I’ve also been saying there will be a very significant cost of living package in this budget and that that will be targeted to most vulnerable Australians, I think that’s what you’d expect from a Labor government.'

Meanwhile, PM Anthony Albanese, told a press conference on Monday afternoon that the government would have ‘a comprehensive plan for lifting living standards’.

‘You’ll see a range of other measures in the budget in eight days’ time, which arise from the understanding that we have that people are doing it tough. We’ve had global inflation. So, we need to make sure we keep on top of inflation. But at the same time, we’re doing what we can to provide that relief for people.’ he continued.

Key Takeaways

• Older Australians, specifically those aged 55 and over, are set to receive a modest increase to their JobSeeker payments in next week's budget.
• The raise is part of a suite of budget measures targeting vulnerable Australians, including possible changes to Rent Assistance.

At this stage, there is no further word on the specifics of the upcoming Budget shakeup – but you can be sure that we will keep you updated with the latest information that impacts you as soon as it comes in!

Looking at it on paper $745.00 a week looks amazing!

I remember I used to be paid $11.60 a week, as a first-year carpentry apprentice back in 1968 and mum took half of that in rent.

Reality hits hard when rent is just over half of that.

I live just under an hour out of town, so there's fuel costs, computer access costs, cellphone costs, lockup storage fees, Car maintenance and insurance costs, health insurance, special medicine (naturopathy-bush medicine) costs etc etc etc.

It works out on average, that I have about $400.00 a month to splash around on myself, if I'm frugal and believe it, like many of my age and older, I live frugally, don't smoke etc.

It's been a long time since I have shared with a partner, so I am doing far better than most finance wise. I apply myself daily to create books, that I intend to publish to change things however, there is a definite need to increase the old age pension.

You can't fake getting older hey.

Jobseekers 60 years & older receive $745 per FORTNIGHT. The rise being spoken about for jobseekers over the age of 55 is only to bring them into line with those 60 years and over. There IS NO increase for any jobseekers 60 years up to 67 years of age at all. The media and politicians speaking about the rise are misleadingly making it sound like all jobseekers aged 55 years and over are receiving an increase and this is totally UNTRUE!

 

[Kaz3]

Looking at it on paper $745.00 a week looks amazing!

I remember I used to be paid $11.60 a week, as a first-year carpentry apprentice back in 1968 and mum took half of that in rent.

Reality hits hard when rent is just over half of that.

I live just under an hour out of town, so there's fuel costs, computer access costs, cellphone costs, lockup storage fees, Car maintenance and insurance costs, health insurance, special medicine (naturopathy-bush medicine) costs etc etc etc.

It works out on average, that I have about $400.00 a month to splash around on myself, if I'm frugal and believe it, like many of my age and older, I live frugally, don't smoke etc.

It's been a long time since I have shared with a partner, so I am doing far better than most finance wise. I apply myself daily to create books, that I intend to publish to change things however, there is a definite need to increase the old age pension.

You can't fake getting older hey.

Jobseekers 60 years & older receive $745 per FORTNIGHT. The rise being spoken about for jobseekers over the age of 55 is only to bring them into line with those 60 years and over. There IS NO increase for any jobseekers 60 years up to 67 years of age at all. The media and politicians speaking about the rise are misleadingly making it sound like all jobseekers aged 55 years and over are receiving an increase and this is totally UNTRUE!

 

[Stina]

Sadly, it looks as if a rise in rent assistance isn't going to materialise any time soon. More than ever, Senior pensioners who rent, are at risk of becoming homeless because they can't cope with anymore rent increases. Have we been forgotten?

 

[Ezzy]

Probably needed especially for older people who find themselves put off their last job and find it hard getting new employment.

Pensioners got a great increase last one that I'm still trying to get my head around that it was so big. I live alone and yes have my own place and have Private Health Insurance, top cover (Accidental Damages Extension cover) Home & Contents insurance, council rates, car insurance, landline phone & internet plus mobile. The bills add up even.

There are tricks to saving money and I do this by that I eat well but cheap. I don't each much, one meal a day. Tonight I made two patches of Soy & Honey Chicken and all from scratch, plus rice. Two days meals for approximately $3.50 = $1.25 per meal. I'll have a banana later which I just paid $1.99 p/k and works out $0.41 for one banana. Plus, Ill no an Ovaltine Hot milk and some water drink later tonight. I'll be then all good for my morning coffee which I make with all milk but strong Nestle 43' coffee.

Please people, think smart and buy whole fresh chickens hen on sale for $3.50-$5.00 p/kilo and cut them up yourself and freeze in small portions. You can pull out a couple of small portions and roast and have two small roast chickens in two days in a row. Cost of that meal per night could cost you only $2.50 - $3.50. Want desert, then put some puff pastry in the oven, when cooked and puffy, dust with icing sugar, or drizzle with honey, or some Nutella on top, some sliced banana, scoop of some ice cream or cream. Doesn't have to cost the earth.

Some very good advice here for meals MindyMac. Thankyou.

 

[Ezzy]

I remember well the tiny wage received as an apprentice Coppersmith between 1968 & 1972. Around 1972 / 1973 apprentice wages changed to a % of a Tradesman's rate of pay, making them better off than we were.

 

[Petra]

I am almost 62 years old and my child is in Year 12 this year. I had her when I was 44 yo.

 

[CharlesAH]

Looking at it on paper $745.00 a week looks amazing!

I remember I used to be paid $11.60 a week, as a first-year carpentry apprentice back in 1968 and mum took half of that in rent.

Reality hits hard when rent is just over half of that.

I live just under an hour out of town, so there's fuel costs, computer access costs, cellphone costs, lockup storage fees, Car maintenance and insurance costs, health insurance, special medicine (naturopathy-bush medicine) costs etc etc etc.

It works out on average, that I have about $400.00 a month to splash around on myself, if I'm frugal and believe it, like many of my age and older, I live frugally, don't smoke etc.

It's been a long time since I have shared with a partner, so I am doing far better than most finance wise. I apply myself daily to create books, that I intend to publish to change things however, there is a definite need to increase the old age pension.

You can't fake getting older hey.

It is $745.00 per fortnight, not per week.

 

[Milica]

I've worked all my life and due to medical reasons being a surgeon doing a surgery wrong , I can nolonger work although I would love to be back at work, to earn the $1200 aweek I was getting and to be around people who I loved. I was the bread winner due to hubby being ill.

Unfortunately I had to apply for centrelink and I'm now on Jobseeker Where I hand in a medical certificate every 12 weeks.
I get $644 a fortnight because I'm married . Hubby is on no payments . He is 65 and I'm 61. $644 a fortnight for 2 people is pretty near impossible to live on.

I am far from a bludger .
I have 13 kids and when they were young I could have gotten way more on centrelink with that many children but I chose to work .

People need to think before they say

Are you able to get a carers payment for looking after your husband and is he entitled to a sickness benefit or a disability support pension-until the age pension, married people can still have separate payments if there is illness there. That's outrageous that between the both of you, your entitlement is only $644 per fortnight!

 

[Milica]

Probably needed especially for older people who find themselves put off their last job and find it hard getting new employment.

Pensioners got a great increase last one that I'm still trying to get my head around that it was so big. I live alone and yes have my own place and have Private Health Insurance, top cover (Accidental Damages Extension cover) Home & Contents insurance, council rates, car insurance, landline phone & internet plus mobile. The bills add up even.

There are tricks to saving money and I do this by that I eat well but cheap. I don't each much, one meal a day. Tonight I made two patches of Soy & Honey Chicken and all from scratch, plus rice. Two days meals for approximately $3.50 = $1.25 per meal. I'll have a banana later which I just paid $1.99 p/k and works out $0.41 for one banana. Plus, Ill no an Ovaltine Hot milk and some water drink later tonight. I'll be then all good for my morning coffee which I make with all milk but strong Nestle 43' coffee.

Please people, think smart and buy whole fresh chickens hen on sale for $3.50-$5.00 p/kilo and cut them up yourself and freeze in small portions. You can pull out a couple of small portions and roast and have two small roast chickens in two days in a row. Cost of that meal per night could cost you only $2.50 - $3.50. Want desert, then put some puff pastry in the oven, when cooked and puffy, dust with icing sugar, or drizzle with honey, or some Nutella on top, some sliced banana, scoop of some ice cream or cream. Doesn't have to cost the earth.

Thankyou for some tricks in saving money & the ideas of some items to make, they sound good - you should not have to eat, not much, i feel sad that as we get older and are then on an age pension we can only eat minimally (along with not turning heaters on or fans) - it is well said that seniors need to eat almost as we did when younger to have good health and immunity, bones, blood, eyesight, muscle strength and good cognition. Why don't the politicians try eating like this, even the ones that have retired don't need to think twice about how much food to have per day, so they have enough for the following days, and heating and cooling - they would just be so flustered if they could not turn these on-i am disappointed that they don't get it - the cost of living and bills, it is pretty simple - where is the care factor for our seniors/elderly. Is this the thanks that seniors receive some of whom have worked most of there lives, life we would hope is meant to be easier as we age - but it seems to be becoming the opposite. Throughout life and as we are ageing good health is still the most important factor in being able to live a healthy life - along with housing, affordable and permanent, so that for the rest of our lives we have some Quality OF Life. The multi rich could really also help by giving from the heart.

 

[Milica]

Interesting Take on Jobseekers Very generalist.
My wife is on Jobseeker she is not quite 65 and has another 2 years of jobseeker before she is eligible for the pension, she has chronic Thyroid issues, Balance issues (vertigo) is going into hospital next week to have 60% of her bowel removed, she has diverticulitis suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome, has Knee problems one needs to be replaced, BUT she is still NOT eligible for the disability pension, SO IN YOUR WORLD ORDER SHE SHOULD JUST SUCK IT UP AND GET BACK TO WORK ??????? She needs bringing back down to earth ??? She has had it toooooo good??? It seems to me a good dose of EMPATHEY Training could be in order before wildly exaggerated generalities are thrown around.

And her Dr should be filling in a strong DSP medical report stating all of the above and how it affects her capabilities physically and in any area of her life, and that there is no possibility that she is able to work - she can then be on a disability pension for 2 yrs - and then be transferred over to the age pension - centrelink states that they go by the merit of each case - what else do they need? - if her treating Dr is in agreeance with a medical report and it is still rejected for a DSP by centrelink - Appeal it thru centrelink, different section, or seek assistance from the Ombudsman - Good Luck.

 

[Milica]

I applied for DSP and by my gov it is saying that the decision will be made around the 8th of may ( tomorrow) its been 3 months since I applied for it but still haven't been sent to their doctors , how long was it until they sent you to their doctor

All the best - you should by rights receive backpayment from the time that you applied (3 Months ago) i hope this will happen for you:_)

 

[Milica]

Why isn't my husband on centrelink...because he said he won't go on it. He worked hard we paid of our house then he became sick and then sicker abd sicker. He went into hospital and found he had something if diagnosed early would have been simple to fix , diverticulitis but unfortunately our doctor didn't diagnose it and 18 months later and what was coming out in his urine I marched in to our doctors abd demanded he be sent to a specialist.
Cut a story short the diverticulitis grew that much it formed a huge abscess and grew that much it ate a hole in his bladder.

He was 50 at the time and has never gotten better. He is always tired , high blood pressure and diabetic.

When he is 67 he will go on the pension.

There are quite a few men that just will not go onto centrelink for there own reasons - if he does decide to try for a DSP - A good strong medical report for DSP from his treating Dr would help and is required as part of the DSP application - if it is rejected by centrelink, just go further and appeal it - a different section of centrelink, it also really helps to make contact with the ombudsman. He is entitled to a payment. This is why Centrelinks rules and criteria can make it so difficult for people to even entertain the idea of applying as it causes a lot of stress and pressure on a person to go thru the process of applying for a payment - so a lot of people don't go ahead, the stress is not worth it to there health when they already have existing health issues. I'm starting to think this is part of there strategy - instead they should be looking to help all those that are eligible for assistance and that come to centrelink for help. I am grateful that we have access to centrelink in our country - but sometimes it just feels so hard to apply, when a person is sick, they cannot work, they need centrelink and they are entitled to it!

 

[Suzanne rose]

Are you able to get a carers payment for looking after your husband and is he entitled to a sickness benefit or a disability support pension-until the age pension, married people can still have separate payments if there is illness there. That's outrageous that between the both of you, your entitlement is only $644 per fortnight!

I'm the one who is more sicker , I have applied for DSP but in saying that he is definitely struggling with health and on top of that he has me to help