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!

 

[Pink lion]

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

I do absolutely empathize. I was likewise unable for many months to have my long-term disability application heard. A person's information regarding their situation, often means little to people, whose job it is to sit and read copious amounts of data, all day it seems attempting to see who is faking and who is truly in need.

Considering how much they have to read daily; I do get actually understand.

Is there any way you can formally request that your case be personally assessed? I finally managed through my case file manager (I think I said something like, are you making me go through this for your entertainment, what's wrong with you? Or maybe something similar) to get an interview in front of 6 people or was it 4, I can't recall.

I also wrote a statutory declaration that everything stated was true and correct for me in every way, to support my application as well. There was a lot of hoops to crawl through, but once I was in front of them, they got it and two weeks later I received my new status and was able to lay at home and recover and not worry.

After nearly a year, my interview lasted about twenty minutes, with each person in turn asking questions regarding my situation. Mind you my issue was severe heart-area spasm pain related at the time, and so VERY obvious to anyone.

People are people and good clear minded people are everywhere what I am saying.

May I suggest, formally requesting your case worker to get a panel of people together to assess your situation, may likewise expedite help for you as well? I hope this helps.

 

[Greatgwr]

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.

Thanks for the advice We have been down the DSP road twice and been refused Twice we have decided to wait for the outcome of the operation in a weeks time then will try again.

 

[Milica]

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

Either way one should be receiving the DSP until age pension and one is entitled to a carers payment if looking after the other - it is good to make enquiries so that you are not missing out on what your entitlements are-you could also try the seniors advocacy service in your state.

 

[Milica]

Either way one should be receiving the DSP until age pension and one is entitled to a carers payment if looking after the other - it is good to make enquiries so that you are not missing out on what your entitlements are.

Thanks for the advice We have been down the DSP road twice and been refused Twice we have decided to wait for the outcome of the operation in a weeks time then will try again.

All the best - i forgot to mention, you could also try the seniors advocacy service in your state.

 

[Pink lion]

All the best - i forgot to mention, you could also try the seniors advocacy service in your state.

It really does seem to depend on who we ask, when it comes to finding out our entitlements. Far too long a story to relate, however NEVER GIVE UP! Especially when you have the evidenced truth on your side, sooner or later this will be heard.

Changing your enquiry to different departments has been suggested. My lesson in life was when I ACCEPTED a judgement when I could absolutely prove myself and so received NO COMPENSATION AT all for a VERY SERIOUS workplace injury.

I do not at all wish to start a new thread. I only mention it because YOU WILL SUCCEED if you continue to present the evidence. It is unfortunate that yours is a sad tale, that is understood by many thousands of people either undergoing or who have passed through the quagmire of bureaucracy.

Luckily our site has many survivors with advice that can help. This is my final post on this.

 

[Milica]

It really does seem to depend on who we ask, when it comes to finding out our entitlements. Far too long a story to relate, however NEVER GIVE UP! Especially when you have the evidenced truth on your side, sooner or later this will be heard.

Changing your enquiry to different departments has been suggested. My lesson in life was when I ACCEPTED a judgement when I could absolutely prove myself and so received NO COMPENSATION AT all for a VERY SERIOUS workplace injury.

I do not at all wish to start a new thread. I only mention it because YOU WILL SUCCEED if you continue to present the evidence. It is unfortunate that yours is a sad tale, that is understood by many thousands of people either undergoing or who have passed through the quagmire of bureaucracy.

Luckily our site has many survivors with advice that can help. This is my final post on this.

Yes i agree, and that we are all survivors in one way or another, that have our own life stories and that we can help each other if we can. I am sure many have suggested different depts to try and assist - i hope i have not offended anyone on this site - i stopped work 18 months ago and it seems when a topic comes up to assist others i go back into work mode! - I worked in Welfare, Advocacy (last 13 years) and many other areas of assistance for people in crises! I certainly don't think i know it all or have all the answers-but when the opportunity arises and we are asked what do we think - i find myself typing! With all due respect to all long term members (i am still quite new) i will reign it in to a few sentences, if i can! And you are right if you continue to persist as much as personally possible without detriment to self, there will be success or completion of an issue. Have a great day to All:_)

 

[Suzanne rose]

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...

You know I always thought I could get through anything , move mountains if need be.
I was one of those who went to work when really sick.
Now I have a double whammy physical pain and mental pain. The depression and anxiety is what I really hate . I never ever thought that I wouldn't be able to control my head.

My time is mostly spent now hibernating in my room

Controlling how you are is Easy to say ...harder to do.

 

[Milica]

The arthritis in my ankle is classified as severe. I also have Spinal Degenerative Disease & my hip & knee are going as well. Centrelink sent me to the Pain Clinic & so called "Expert" Specialists, to be told the pain is in my head, if I didn't think about it, it would go away & also be accused of Faking it. So here on Jobseeker I stay. Thanks for nothing Centrelink.

You really need to go further, Seniors Advocacy Service, Ombudsman - your treating Dr's, Appeals & Complaints Dept of Centrelink, Welfare Advocacy Services, Local Member of Parliament. That's an insult i am sure to you - by them advising you that your severe ankle pain, spinal degenerative disease, hip & Knee pain that you are feeling - is all in your head - that's not nice to hear when you would have been hoping for help, & on what grounds/evidence are they saying you are Faking it! If you have your Dr's findings - x-rays, blood tests that confirm your diagnosis, try the above avenues for help.

 

[Ezzy]

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 was receiving DSP prior to reaching Retirement age, l believe my wife received, l think, Partner Allowance (don't quote me on that. She's in bed just now). She also received a Carer Allowance for me. This was organised through my G.P. who was actually the person who bought this to our attention, but not until l had been on DSP for many years. He was a great support supplying the necessary info to back up the applications.

I was originally knocked back for DSP after Centrelink's Dr knocked me back. I appealed, saw another of their Drs who was more understanding & was successful in my application. The whole process was a little stressful but a great relief when both these were granted. No more visits to Centrelink & an extra benefit for my wife with the Carer's payment. She still organises my medications together with her own.

Suzanne rose, can l encourage you to apply for both payments. These will give you both so much relief & peace of mind while taking some monetary pressure off you both.

 

[Pink lion]

You know I always thought I could get through anything , move mountains if need be.
I was one of those who went to work when really sick.
Now I have a double whammy physical pain and mental pain. The depression and anxiety is what I really hate . I never ever thought that I wouldn't be able to control my head.

My time is mostly spent now hibernating in my room

Controlling how you are is Easy to say ...harder to do.

I have a number of TRICKS? to control emotionality where the stomach churns and the adrenals kick in and to distract my attention away from what many call the RIVER where thoughts may pour like open floodgates. These all work very effectively, so you may feel to utilize them.
(1) it is scientifically "impossible" to remain in anyway upset while sitting back flat against as tree (try it) read a book or just close your eyes and sit with a book as if you are doing this. Having disruptive children take time out against a tree will do likewise for them. Scientifically there are many reasons for this.
(2) Going barefoot on grass or down at the beach, all bare skin contact with Mother nature (our frequency) will ground us.
(3) Placing the tip of one's tongue on the roof of one's mouth is the basis of all meditation and softly humming or even imagining your softly humming will not allow thoughts to occur if this is required.
(4) Picking up three hard stones so that they rattle and clack together, when shaken by both hands. This will remove any unwanted emotional thought within five minutes. method: shake the stones while angry irritated sad etc and put your attention into the sound and the feelings in the palms. After a time (you'll know when) open your hands drop them out and wash your arms elbows to fingertips.
The palms have energy points in the center that relate to our emotion shaking stones creates a different sound and a different sense for our emotional consideration. Dropping the stones is to drop the issue. Crystals of course are better, but they must be washed and cleared afterwards.
By all means comment, however, only do so after doing this please, so you will have an experience to comment on. This last one is the most potent especially for shock is my own personal experience. I hope this assists in relieving you from stress.
And if possible, sit empty on a blanket by a river, meditating (the tip of the tongue on the roof of your mouth) and just watch the river pass is a very calming activity,
Cheers, Johnny

 

[Simplelife]

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!!!

Well sorry but I have just gone on to jobseeker. I am 65 so can’t get a pension yet. I work in my husband and my small business and we are struggling to make ends meet. It’s not easy to get a job when you’re 65 and have been self employed last 40 so no Cert 111 or Cert 1V in my admin field because I’ve been doing that job for years and it was not necessary. So maybe don’t generalise too much. We are not all lazy bloodsuckers.

 

[Milica]

Well sorry but I have just gone on to jobseeker. I am 65 so can’t get a pension yet. I work in my husband and my small business and we are struggling to make ends meet. It’s not easy to get a job when you’re 65 and have been self employed last 40 so no Cert 111 or Cert 1V in my admin field because I’ve been doing that job for years and it was not necessary. So maybe don’t generalise too much. We are not all lazy bloodsuckers.

It is hard to get a job - i have been trying for P/Time work in areas that i have worked in, and they do say they are trying to get older workers back in - but once they know your age and you have the face to face-i am sure the age factor comes into it-but you are politely advised-not successful as there where many applicants!_! I just have to keep on trying as, it's correct it is hard to make ends meet. I am in private rental and just want to still be able to pay the rent which comes up every 7 days!! Many, Many years ago when i first started working as a young person, there where no Certificates, you got the job and then you had on the job training, learning as you worked. I can say now in some areas where there are shortages, they advertise & advise successful candidates will be on the job trained!!

 

[Littleboy8]

Duchess - spot on! Pensioners should be getting this boost, not those on Job Seeker .....

I’m 65 on jobseeker use a wheelie walker because of a hip replacement have osteoarthritis etc! Pay $380.00 a week rent and bills not much left for food! Chronic pain! Now being hounded by a company called workforce aust to apply for jobs or they keep threatening me to cut off my payments bullying tactics! Have Centrelink medical certificates but they keep hounding me! Stressful and intimidating! I have no money for transport can’t catch buses live an hour from frankston can’t walk there on a wheelie walker! No wonder people commit suicide!so depressed!

 

[Ezzy]

In 1988 the Manager of the company l was resigning from to go to another job was interviewing people for my job. A 60 + gent put the Manager on the spot in a face/face interview when he was told he was too old for the job. The gent retorted by saying, 'won't you even give me a chance?' He got the job but the Manager later confided in me that he felt sorry for me having to put up with all his chatter. Unfortunately the business closed down here in W.A. not long after l left.

As mentioned here earlier, Bunnings are employing older people, such as the Electrician mentioned, because they have experience, just as the small hardware stores which we have lost did.

 

[Simplelife]

I have a number of TRICKS? to control emotionality where the stomach churns and the adrenals kick in and to distract my attention away from what many call the RIVER where thoughts may pour like open floodgates. These all work very effectively, so you may feel to utilize them.
(1) it is scientifically "impossible" to remain in anyway upset while sitting back flat against as tree (try it) read a book or just close your eyes and sit with a book as if you are doing this. Having disruptive children take time out against a tree will do likewise for them. Scientifically there are many reasons for this.
(2) Going barefoot on grass or down at the beach, all bare skin contact with Mother nature (our frequency) will ground us.
(3) Placing the tip of one's tongue on the roof of one's mouth is the basis of all meditation and softly humming or even imagining your softly humming will not allow thoughts to occur if this is required.
(4) Picking up three hard stones so that they rattle and clack together, when shaken by both hands. This will remove any unwanted emotional thought within five minutes. method: shake the stones while angry irritated sad etc and put your attention into the sound and the feelings in the palms. After a time (you'll know when) open your hands drop them out and wash your arms elbows to fingertips.
The palms have energy points in the center that relate to our emotion shaking stones creates a different sound and a different sense for our emotional consideration. Dropping the stones is to drop the issue. Crystals of course are better, but they must be washed and cleared afterwards.
By all means comment, however, only do so after doing this please, so you will have an experience to comment on. This last one is the most potent especially for shock is my own personal experience. I hope this assists in relieving you from stress.
And if possible, sit empty on a blanket by a river, meditating (the tip of the tongue on the roof of your mouth) and just watch the river pass is a very calming activity,
Cheers, Johnny

Wow thank you. I already meditate but the stones/crystal trick sounds awesome. Great tips.

 

[Deb410]

I am a Jobseeker, am 64 years old, have arthritis, have applied for over 500 jobs in the last couple of years. No one will employ me and i get no response when i apply for jobs. I rely on Centrelink but i still have my mortgage, Medication, Bills, Fuel etc. By the time this is paid there is not much left for food.

I totally agree. I am the same age with health issues. Cant get disability pension not sick enough. Cant work to sick. Still paying for house. I feel you.

 

[Milica]

I’m 65 on jobseeker use a wheelie walker because of a hip replacement have osteoarthritis etc! Pay $380.00 a week rent and bills not much left for food! Chronic pain! Now being hounded by a company called workforce aust to apply for jobs or they keep threatening me to cut off my payments bullying tactics! Have Centrelink medical certificates but they keep hounding me! Stressful and intimidating! I have no money for transport can’t catch buses live an hour from frankston can’t walk there on a wheelie walker! No wonder people commit suicide!so depressed!

Can you make contact with a Seniors Advocacy Service in your area, or a Welfare Advocacy Service so they can assist with an appeal to centrelink for you - there is also access to a social worker at centrelink. You can make calls (this can have long wait times) or on-line if you have a computer - there is also the Ombudsman. Hope the above can help.

 

[Littleboy8]

About 8 months

Blimey Charlie! I’m still waiting for an assessment officer to call me after 2 months why are they so slow! Also sent my doc certificates to Centrelink and after two months they still haven’t uploaded them to workforce!looks like another phone call to Centrelink and another 2 hour wait on phone!

 

[Ezzy]

Not good enough!!!

Is this the result of a an article which was reported a while back? During Covid staff were made redundant & then when operations picked up again the dept found they needed staff again & employed untrained staff? I expect the "oversight" (l want to use stronger language), has caused a backlog. The people who have submitted forms to Centrelink are now paying the price for the Federal Government's mistake (again).

ls it any wonder people needing a result from this Department are doing life so hard? When will the Federal Government get things right???

 

[Kgee]

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

Can your husband apply for Disability pension since he cant work?