In a recent article, we discussed the reactions of SDC members to the pension indexation news, a ‘whopping’ $2.68 extra per day (based on maximum singles age pension). You can read more about that here.

The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said something many members know to be true. Those on Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension and even Jobseeker ‘cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills’.

That likely sounds all too familiar.

Edwina continues, ‘The inadequacy of these payments directly corrodes people’s capacity and confidence. Being forced to go without the basics like enough food impairs people’s ability to…engage in their community.’

This increase has us wondering what pensioners are supposed to spend this loose change on.

The soaring grocery prices? Over the past year, there has been a 16.2 per cent increase in the cost of fruit and vegetables and a 10 per cent increase for essentials like bread and cereal.

Rising energy prices? EnergyAustralia just increased prices by up to 14.1 per cent per year for those on variable contracts in QLD, NSW, SA and the ACT.

What about the 10th consecutive interest rate rise? You can read more about how this will affect you here.

And for those who rent, will this cover the increasing costs passed on by landlords? SQM Research reports that the average weekly cost of renting a property across the country increased by 18 per cent in the year leading up to January 12, 2023. The surge is even more significant in the major cities, with a collective rise of 24.6 per cent ($161 on average per month) during the same period.

What can a few extra dollars a day pay for? Image Credit: Shutterstock

So what CAN $2.68 pay for?

A McDonald’s hamburger or small chips (but not both).
Half a cup of takeaway coffee
3.61 per cent of rent (based on the $520 per week average in Sydney)
Almost an hour of reverse cycle airconditioning (assuming 6kW/hr)

As member @IdaConte put it: ‘I have to be on a special diet and $2.68 a day won’t be enough to buy 1 litre of special milk and sourdough bread for 1 day!!!!’

All Australians want is peace of mind and security.

Member @Monks summed it up perfectly: ‘We are not greedy, but I do think we should be able to turn the light on to see at night and to have the heater running to keep warm not go to bed at 7:30 pm so we can keep warm at night or sit rugged up in blankets during the day to keep warm.’

‘In the warmer weather we should not have to go to the local shopping centre to be comfortable. We are not second rate citizens and we do not live in a backward country so why does our governments think we are a pain on the system, but they were only too happy to take our money in taxes, and now we get treated like second rate. Not good enough.’

Not good enough, indeed.

If the current pension does not cover the basic living expenses (food, housing, electricity), then it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong with the system.

It doesn’t take an economist to know something needs to change. But where are those experts to come up with the solutions? There’s only so long we can wait.

While there are sentiments of ‘it’s better than nothing’, and there is definitely something to be said for the benefits of positive thinking (I’m usually a glass-half-full person), pensioners simply deserve better.

I, for one, am looking forward to the day we can share a positive and more substantial pension update.

To end on a positive note, I would like to share member @Isis’ comment: ‘Of course, it is a drop in the ocean. However, that drop will pay for a little more food for my pets. I can be frugal with myself, but the pets get me out of bed each day.’

Isn’t that a fantastic example of the Australian spirit?

As always, we will keep you updated with all the latest pension news.

Feel free to share what you’ll be spending your $2.68 per day on.

 

[Luckyus]

In a recent article, we discussed the reactions of SDC members to the pension indexation news, a ‘whopping’ $2.68 extra per day (based on maximum singles age pension). You can read more about that here.

The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said something many members know to be true. Those on Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension and even Jobseeker ‘cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills’.

That likely sounds all too familiar.

Edwina continues, ‘The inadequacy of these payments directly corrodes people’s capacity and confidence. Being forced to go without the basics like enough food impairs people’s ability to…engage in their community.’

This increase has us wondering what pensioners are supposed to spend this loose change on.

The soaring grocery prices? Over the past year, there has been a 16.2 per cent increase in the cost of fruit and vegetables and a 10 per cent increase for essentials like bread and cereal.

Rising energy prices? EnergyAustralia just increased prices by up to 14.1 per cent per year for those on variable contracts in QLD, NSW, SA and the ACT.

What about the 10th consecutive interest rate rise? You can read more about how this will affect you here.

And for those who rent, will this cover the increasing costs passed on by landlords? SQM Research reports that the average weekly cost of renting a property across the country increased by 18 per cent in the year leading up to January 12, 2023. The surge is even more significant in the major cities, with a collective rise of 24.6 per cent ($161 on average per month) during the same period.

View attachment 15223

What can a few extra dollars a day pay for? Image Credit: Shutterstock

So what CAN $2.68 pay for?

A McDonald’s hamburger or small chips (but not both).
Half a cup of takeaway coffee
3.61 per cent of rent (based on the $520 per week average in Sydney)
Almost an hour of reverse cycle airconditioning (assuming 6kW/hr)

As member @IdaConte put it: ‘I have to be on a special diet and $2.68 a day won’t be enough to buy 1 litre of special milk and sourdough bread for 1 day!!!!’

All Australians want is peace of mind and security.

Member @Monks summed it up perfectly: ‘We are not greedy, but I do think we should be able to turn the light on to see at night and to have the heater running to keep warm not go to bed at 7:30 pm so we can keep warm at night or sit rugged up in blankets during the day to keep warm.’

‘In the warmer weather we should not have to go to the local shopping centre to be comfortable. We are not second rate citizens and we do not live in a backward country so why does our governments think we are a pain on the system, but they were only too happy to take our money in taxes, and now we get treated like second rate. Not good enough.’

Not good enough, indeed.

If the current pension does not cover the basic living expenses (food, housing, electricity), then it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong with the system.

It doesn’t take an economist to know something needs to change. But where are those experts to come up with the solutions? There’s only so long we can wait.

While there are sentiments of ‘it’s better than nothing’, and there is definitely something to be said for the benefits of positive thinking (I’m usually a glass-half-full person), pensioners simply deserve better.

I, for one, am looking forward to the day we can share a positive and more substantial pension update.

To end on a positive note, I would like to share member @Isis’ comment: ‘Of course, it is a drop in the ocean. However, that drop will pay for a little more food for my pets. I can be frugal with myself, but the pets get me out of bed each day.’

Isn’t that a fantastic example of the Australian spirit?

As always, we will keep you updated with all the latest pension news.

Feel free to share what you’ll be spending your $2.68 per day on.

Recovering from cataract surgery, I had a visit to the eye hospital and was given prescription for eye drops, which I was told (being not on the PBS scheme) were expensive and hard to get at the moment. However the the specialist told me that if they were too expensive (me being on the age pension and super being bough out a little bit late for me to take full advantage of) then not to bother buying them!!!

 

[elaine41]

I had thought that this pension increase would help with heating costs this winter but since the increase was announced Origin Energy announced a 20% rise in electricity costs so I'm still left wondering how I will pay the cost involved in keeping warm. With electricity up another 20% & wood for my fire going up between 43% & 100% per load i.e. from $140/load to between $200 & $280/load. I need 2.5 loads a winter just to keep the fire going on low & use the fan on the fire only a short time to warm the house more in the early morning because to keep it going all day is too expensive. I guess I'll be spending more time in bed this year to keep warm.

 

[ElizaKaye]

I recently went to a seminar abpout replacement of hips and knees. The doctor assured us that if you get a doctor to bulk bill then you probably get an inferior product that if you go to a doctor who doesn't bulk bill. Apparently the going rate for a kneee replacemnt through a specialist who doesn't bulk bill is $30,000 and then we were told we would get a new knee that is made especially for our measurements. So if pensioners saved up this much money (for only one knee) our pensione would possibly be reduced because we had to many assets alos with the increase in interest it may put some people over the income test. (I am not up to date with what we are allowed). I have just had to have 2 hip operations, on the one hip, with a waiting time of 12 months forced on me, because the first one was not successful. However, there is no way I could afford to pay for a hip operation and two knee operations, even if I was covered by Medical cover. It costs too much to be covered for hipa and knees. I was covered for a back operation with a medical cover, and it cost me approximately $8000 for the gap. (I still have the original pain, but at least I can walk now).

I have also heard that if you go into hospital for stints in your haeart and bulk billed, you may receive the old type of stints that attract cholesterol, but if you are covered by medical, you are given the new stints that apparently don't attract as much cholesterol or maybe even none. But one still has to pay the gap, with many of doctors.

 

[sharkfin1]

In a recent article, we discussed the reactions of SDC members to the pension indexation news, a ‘whopping’ $2.68 extra per day (based on maximum singles age pension). You can read more about that here.

The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said something many members know to be true. Those on Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension and even Jobseeker ‘cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills’.

That likely sounds all too familiar.

Edwina continues, ‘The inadequacy of these payments directly corrodes people’s capacity and confidence. Being forced to go without the basics like enough food impairs people’s ability to…engage in their community.’

This increase has us wondering what pensioners are supposed to spend this loose change on.

The soaring grocery prices? Over the past year, there has been a 16.2 per cent increase in the cost of fruit and vegetables and a 10 per cent increase for essentials like bread and cereal.

Rising energy prices? EnergyAustralia just increased prices by up to 14.1 per cent per year for those on variable contracts in QLD, NSW, SA and the ACT.

What about the 10th consecutive interest rate rise? You can read more about how this will affect you here.

And for those who rent, will this cover the increasing costs passed on by landlords? SQM Research reports that the average weekly cost of renting a property across the country increased by 18 per cent in the year leading up to January 12, 2023. The surge is even more significant in the major cities, with a collective rise of 24.6 per cent ($161 on average per month) during the same period.

View attachment 15223

What can a few extra dollars a day pay for? Image Credit: Shutterstock

So what CAN $2.68 pay for?

A McDonald’s hamburger or small chips (but not both).
Half a cup of takeaway coffee
3.61 per cent of rent (based on the $520 per week average in Sydney)
Almost an hour of reverse cycle airconditioning (assuming 6kW/hr)

As member @IdaConte put it: ‘I have to be on a special diet and $2.68 a day won’t be enough to buy 1 litre of special milk and sourdough bread for 1 day!!!!’

All Australians want is peace of mind and security.

Member @Monks summed it up perfectly: ‘We are not greedy, but I do think we should be able to turn the light on to see at night and to have the heater running to keep warm not go to bed at 7:30 pm so we can keep warm at night or sit rugged up in blankets during the day to keep warm.’

‘In the warmer weather we should not have to go to the local shopping centre to be comfortable. We are not second rate citizens and we do not live in a backward country so why does our governments think we are a pain on the system, but they were only too happy to take our money in taxes, and now we get treated like second rate. Not good enough.’

Not good enough, indeed.

If the current pension does not cover the basic living expenses (food, housing, electricity), then it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong with the system.

It doesn’t take an economist to know something needs to change. But where are those experts to come up with the solutions? There’s only so long we can wait.

While there are sentiments of ‘it’s better than nothing’, and there is definitely something to be said for the benefits of positive thinking (I’m usually a glass-half-full person), pensioners simply deserve better.

I, for one, am looking forward to the day we can share a positive and more substantial pension update.

To end on a positive note, I would like to share member @Isis’ comment: ‘Of course, it is a drop in the ocean. However, that drop will pay for a little more food for my pets. I can be frugal with myself, but the pets get me out of bed each day.’

Isn’t that a fantastic example of the Australian spirit?

As always, we will keep you updated with all the latest pension news.

Feel free to share what you’ll be spending your $2.68 per day on.

When Australia started the pension fund way back the Government stole it they said they would pay it back with interest but they never did I remember working and an old bloke told me about it he was then in his 60s and now im in my 60s so what happen to the pension fund

 

[Agnes]

In a recent article, we discussed the reactions of SDC members to the pension indexation news, a ‘whopping’ $2.68 extra per day (based on maximum singles age pension). You can read more about that here.

The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said something many members know to be true. Those on Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension and even Jobseeker ‘cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills’.

That likely sounds all too familiar.

Edwina continues, ‘The inadequacy of these payments directly corrodes people’s capacity and confidence. Being forced to go without the basics like enough food impairs people’s ability to…engage in their community.’

This increase has us wondering what pensioners are supposed to spend this loose change on.

The soaring grocery prices? Over the past year, there has been a 16.2 per cent increase in the cost of fruit and vegetables and a 10 per cent increase for essentials like bread and cereal.

Rising energy prices? EnergyAustralia just increased prices by up to 14.1 per cent per year for those on variable contracts in QLD, NSW, SA and the ACT.

What about the 10th consecutive interest rate rise? You can read more about how this will affect you here.

And for those who rent, will this cover the increasing costs passed on by landlords? SQM Research reports that the average weekly cost of renting a property across the country increased by 18 per cent in the year leading up to January 12, 2023. The surge is even more significant in the major cities, with a collective rise of 24.6 per cent ($161 on average per month) during the same period.

View attachment 15223

What can a few extra dollars a day pay for? Image Credit: Shutterstock

So what CAN $2.68 pay for?

A McDonald’s hamburger or small chips (but not both).
Half a cup of takeaway coffee
3.61 per cent of rent (based on the $520 per week average in Sydney)
Almost an hour of reverse cycle airconditioning (assuming 6kW/hr)

As member @IdaConte put it: ‘I have to be on a special diet and $2.68 a day won’t be enough to buy 1 litre of special milk and sourdough bread for 1 day!!!!’

All Australians want is peace of mind and security.

Member @Monks summed it up perfectly: ‘We are not greedy, but I do think we should be able to turn the light on to see at night and to have the heater running to keep warm not go to bed at 7:30 pm so we can keep warm at night or sit rugged up in blankets during the day to keep warm.’

‘In the warmer weather we should not have to go to the local shopping centre to be comfortable. We are not second rate citizens and we do not live in a backward country so why does our governments think we are a pain on the system, but they were only too happy to take our money in taxes, and now we get treated like second rate. Not good enough.’

Not good enough, indeed.

If the current pension does not cover the basic living expenses (food, housing, electricity), then it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong with the system.

It doesn’t take an economist to know something needs to change. But where are those experts to come up with the solutions? There’s only so long we can wait.

While there are sentiments of ‘it’s better than nothing’, and there is definitely something to be said for the benefits of positive thinking (I’m usually a glass-half-full person), pensioners simply deserve better.

I, for one, am looking forward to the day we can share a positive and more substantial pension update.

To end on a positive note, I would like to share member @Isis’ comment: ‘Of course, it is a drop in the ocean. However, that drop will pay for a little more food for my pets. I can be frugal with myself, but the pets get me out of bed each day.’

Isn’t that a fantastic example of the Australian spirit?

As always, we will keep you updated with all the latest pension news.

Feel free to share what you’ll be spending your $2.68 per day on.

Saving $2.68 each day will result in $750 on Christmas day.

 

[oilsfromoz]

Here are the Age pension percentage increases year to year, the increase calculated at the end of the period, i.e. March, and includes the September increase. So this coming increase is well below the 10.1% the ABS considers to be the cost of living increase for the year

2020-2021 0.89%​

2021-2022 3.71%​

2022-2023 7.84%​

 

[mjuu]

Not wanting to sound unappreciative, but yippee, I can buy just over 10 litres more petrol / week with the extra $18 odd....meaning in my little car, I can drive about 110km further than 'normal' !
All of which means I can 'indulge' in a road trip once a month to see missed friends & relatives - altho' I'm not sure how I'll pay for the car service when my extra travel conspires to advance that a few months from now ... Oh, I forgot, there will be another index jump of maybe $3/day by then so no worries!

And in this example with around 1/3 the money going back into the system due to fuel taxes & levies, the gov't can chant & rant all they like about the 'old & the ugly' draining their budget, but it simply isn't true.
Without doing a really deep dive on the exact numbers, the reality is that most of the discretionary money (i.e. personal spendings) will filter down to the net budget income figure in one form or another (GST, company tax, rising wages (PAYE), company payroll taxes, Fee's & Duties, etc, etc) .

Anyway, with such a windfall to my own income, I can now save myself the $7/m odd dispensing fee on my anti-depressants too... Trickle down economics really does work!

 

[Ricci]

It would be nice to think that the pension increase would make a real difference. The reality is that it will disappear into the hole that is my bank account such that when everybody and everything else has been paid there will be nothing to see. It means that I will be going backwards at a slightly slower pace than before.

 

[DrivingGirl]

When Australia started the pension fund way back the Government stole it they said they would pay it back with interest but they never did I remember working and an old bloke told me about it he was then in his 60s and now im in my 60s so what happen to the pension fund

 

[Cool Lynda]

In a recent article, we discussed the reactions of SDC members to the pension indexation news, a ‘whopping’ $2.68 extra per day (based on maximum singles age pension). You can read more about that here.

The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said something many members know to be true. Those on Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension and even Jobseeker ‘cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills’.

That likely sounds all too familiar.

Edwina continues, ‘The inadequacy of these payments directly corrodes people’s capacity and confidence. Being forced to go without the basics like enough food impairs people’s ability to…engage in their community.’

This increase has us wondering what pensioners are supposed to spend this loose change on.

The soaring grocery prices? Over the past year, there has been a 16.2 per cent increase in the cost of fruit and vegetables and a 10 per cent increase for essentials like bread and cereal.

Rising energy prices? EnergyAustralia just increased prices by up to 14.1 per cent per year for those on variable contracts in QLD, NSW, SA and the ACT.

What about the 10th consecutive interest rate rise? You can read more about how this will affect you here.

And for those who rent, will this cover the increasing costs passed on by landlords? SQM Research reports that the average weekly cost of renting a property across the country increased by 18 per cent in the year leading up to January 12, 2023. The surge is even more significant in the major cities, with a collective rise of 24.6 per cent ($161 on average per month) during the same period.

View attachment 15223

What can a few extra dollars a day pay for? Image Credit: Shutterstock

So what CAN $2.68 pay for?

A McDonald’s hamburger or small chips (but not both).
Half a cup of takeaway coffee
3.61 per cent of rent (based on the $520 per week average in Sydney)
Almost an hour of reverse cycle airconditioning (assuming 6kW/hr)

As member @IdaConte put it: ‘I have to be on a special diet and $2.68 a day won’t be enough to buy 1 litre of special milk and sourdough bread for 1 day!!!!’

All Australians want is peace of mind and security.

Member @Monks summed it up perfectly: ‘We are not greedy, but I do think we should be able to turn the light on to see at night and to have the heater running to keep warm not go to bed at 7:30 pm so we can keep warm at night or sit rugged up in blankets during the day to keep warm.’

‘In the warmer weather we should not have to go to the local shopping centre to be comfortable. We are not second rate citizens and we do not live in a backward country so why does our governments think we are a pain on the system, but they were only too happy to take our money in taxes, and now we get treated like second rate. Not good enough.’

Not good enough, indeed.

If the current pension does not cover the basic living expenses (food, housing, electricity), then it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong with the system.

It doesn’t take an economist to know something needs to change. But where are those experts to come up with the solutions? There’s only so long we can wait.

While there are sentiments of ‘it’s better than nothing’, and there is definitely something to be said for the benefits of positive thinking (I’m usually a glass-half-full person), pensioners simply deserve better.

I, for one, am looking forward to the day we can share a positive and more substantial pension update.

To end on a positive note, I would like to share member @Isis’ comment: ‘Of course, it is a drop in the ocean. However, that drop will pay for a little more food for my pets. I can be frugal with myself, but the pets get me out of bed each day.’

Isn’t that a fantastic example of the Australian spirit?

As always, we will keep you updated with all the latest pension news.

Feel free to share what you’ll be spending your $2.68 per day on.

Even those of us, fortunate enough to live in government assisted housing, lose 25% of that, toward our rental. That doesn't leave much, for other expenses. I can no longer afford insurances. I am forced to sell my caravan and downsize my vehicle, in order to survive.
Retirement is supposed to be the time of life for enjoyment and travel. I don't think so.

 

[Buchan Farmer]

Great fuel for any increase. I recall Whitlam increasing pensions in first few days in office after the dribble from successive liberal governments. I think it was only 50 cents but the biggest rise at that time. Fast forwards to today, what Winn thus increase do. Well nothing really. I eat once every two or three days while trying to pay debts. Yes I can hear you say why you so much debts. Simple really after divorce in 2015, she got the money, I got the debts. ATO wanting some $90,000. And so on. My Super went to her. My farm sold - again sge got the money I got the debts of about $250,000. Still owing.
I live to day, no fuel or foods thus fortnight after being paid pension yesterday. Another 2 weeks to Next meal.
yes sometimes I get help, but to get it is a 200km trip - 20l of diesel.
it’s nit so good to be honest as everything gone up and the owner wants to increase the rental which is handshake terms

 

[mlbondason@gmail. Com]

In a recent article, we discussed the reactions of SDC members to the pension indexation news, a ‘whopping’ $2.68 extra per day (based on maximum singles age pension). You can read more about that here.

The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said something many members know to be true. Those on Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension and even Jobseeker ‘cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills’.

That likely sounds all too familiar.

Edwina continues, ‘The inadequacy of these payments directly corrodes people’s capacity and confidence. Being forced to go without the basics like enough food impairs people’s ability to…engage in their community.’

This increase has us wondering what pensioners are supposed to spend this loose change on.

The soaring grocery prices? Over the past year, there has been a 16.2 per cent increase in the cost of fruit and vegetables and a 10 per cent increase for essentials like bread and cereal.

Rising energy prices? EnergyAustralia just increased prices by up to 14.1 per cent per year for those on variable contracts in QLD, NSW, SA and the ACT.

What about the 10th consecutive interest rate rise? You can read more about how this will affect you here.

And for those who rent, will this cover the increasing costs passed on by landlords? SQM Research reports that the average weekly cost of renting a property across the country increased by 18 per cent in the year leading up to January 12, 2023. The surge is even more significant in the major cities, with a collective rise of 24.6 per cent ($161 on average per month) during the same period.

View attachment 15223

What can a few extra dollars a day pay for? Image Credit: Shutterstock

So what CAN $2.68 pay for?

A McDonald’s hamburger or small chips (but not both).
Half a cup of takeaway coffee
3.61 per cent of rent (based on the $520 per week average in Sydney)
Almost an hour of reverse cycle airconditioning (assuming 6kW/hr)

As member @IdaConte put it: ‘I have to be on a special diet and $2.68 a day won’t be enough to buy 1 litre of special milk and sourdough bread for 1 day!!!!’

All Australians want is peace of mind and security.

Member @Monks summed it up perfectly: ‘We are not greedy, but I do think we should be able to turn the light on to see at night and to have the heater running to keep warm not go to bed at 7:30 pm so we can keep warm at night or sit rugged up in blankets during the day to keep warm.’

‘In the warmer weather we should not have to go to the local shopping centre to be comfortable. We are not second rate citizens and we do not live in a backward country so why does our governments think we are a pain on the system, but they were only too happy to take our money in taxes, and now we get treated like second rate. Not good enough.’

Not good enough, indeed.

If the current pension does not cover the basic living expenses (food, housing, electricity), then it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong with the system.

It doesn’t take an economist to know something needs to change. But where are those experts to come up with the solutions? There’s only so long we can wait.

While there are sentiments of ‘it’s better than nothing’, and there is definitely something to be said for the benefits of positive thinking (I’m usually a glass-half-full person), pensioners simply deserve better.

I, for one, am looking forward to the day we can share a positive and more substantial pension update.

To end on a positive note, I would like to share member @Isis’ comment: ‘Of course, it is a drop in the ocean. However, that drop will pay for a little more food for my pets. I can be frugal with myself, but the pets get me out of bed each day.’

Isn’t that a fantastic example of the Australian spirit?

As always, we will keep you updated with all the latest pension news.

Feel free to share what you’ll be spending your $2.68 per day on.

First up, Government housing will take 25% for a rent increase. They do this with every rise to the pension. From there I will need to cover the increasing costs of my medications, electricity, gas and water. Guess I can’t have it all. There is always a silver lining to the clouds, I am loosing weight.

 

[RTS]

Recovering from cataract surgery, I had a visit to the eye hospital and was given prescription for eye drops, which I was told (being not on the PBS scheme) were expensive and hard to get at the moment. However the the specialist told me that if they were too expensive (me being on the age pension and super being bough out a little bit late for me to take full advantage of) then not to bother buying them!!!

Vitamin A is nature's eye tonic. Blackmores makes a one a day capsule to take and Chemist Warehouse is the cheapest.
My mother started taking vitamin A and didn't have to have cataract surgery.
I researched it when my aunt had Sjogren's Syndrome, which causes dry eyes.

 

[I'm Mal]

In a recent article, we discussed the reactions of SDC members to the pension indexation news, a ‘whopping’ $2.68 extra per day (based on maximum singles age pension). You can read more about that here.

The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said something many members know to be true. Those on Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension and even Jobseeker ‘cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills’.

That likely sounds all too familiar.

Edwina continues, ‘The inadequacy of these payments directly corrodes people’s capacity and confidence. Being forced to go without the basics like enough food impairs people’s ability to…engage in their community.’

This increase has us wondering what pensioners are supposed to spend this loose change on.

The soaring grocery prices? Over the past year, there has been a 16.2 per cent increase in the cost of fruit and vegetables and a 10 per cent increase for essentials like bread and cereal.

Rising energy prices? EnergyAustralia just increased prices by up to 14.1 per cent per year for those on variable contracts in QLD, NSW, SA and the ACT.

What about the 10th consecutive interest rate rise? You can read more about how this will affect you here.

And for those who rent, will this cover the increasing costs passed on by landlords? SQM Research reports that the average weekly cost of renting a property across the country increased by 18 per cent in the year leading up to January 12, 2023. The surge is even more significant in the major cities, with a collective rise of 24.6 per cent ($161 on average per month) during the same period.

View attachment 15223

What can a few extra dollars a day pay for? Image Credit: Shutterstock

So what CAN $2.68 pay for?

A McDonald’s hamburger or small chips (but not both).
Half a cup of takeaway coffee
3.61 per cent of rent (based on the $520 per week average in Sydney)
Almost an hour of reverse cycle airconditioning (assuming 6kW/hr)

As member @IdaConte put it: ‘I have to be on a special diet and $2.68 a day won’t be enough to buy 1 litre of special milk and sourdough bread for 1 day!!!!’

All Australians want is peace of mind and security.

Member @Monks summed it up perfectly: ‘We are not greedy, but I do think we should be able to turn the light on to see at night and to have the heater running to keep warm not go to bed at 7:30 pm so we can keep warm at night or sit rugged up in blankets during the day to keep warm.’

‘In the warmer weather we should not have to go to the local shopping centre to be comfortable. We are not second rate citizens and we do not live in a backward country so why does our governments think we are a pain on the system, but they were only too happy to take our money in taxes, and now we get treated like second rate. Not good enough.’

Not good enough, indeed.

If the current pension does not cover the basic living expenses (food, housing, electricity), then it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong with the system.

It doesn’t take an economist to know something needs to change. But where are those experts to come up with the solutions? There’s only so long we can wait.

While there are sentiments of ‘it’s better than nothing’, and there is definitely something to be said for the benefits of positive thinking (I’m usually a glass-half-full person), pensioners simply deserve better.

I, for one, am looking forward to the day we can share a positive and more substantial pension update.

To end on a positive note, I would like to share member @Isis’ comment: ‘Of course, it is a drop in the ocean. However, that drop will pay for a little more food for my pets. I can be frugal with myself, but the pets get me out of bed each day.’

Isn’t that a fantastic example of the Australian spirit?

As always, we will keep you updated with all the latest pension news.

Feel free to share what you’ll be spending your $2.68 per day on.

Just beggars belief, extorting $billions by raiding self funded retirees' super funds on top of saving $billions more by not having to pay pensions to self funded retires and then put pensions up by a pittance. This labour circus is preposterous. The events of 11 November 1975 desperately need to be repeated immediately.

 

[kayjay37]

In a recent article, we discussed the reactions of SDC members to the pension indexation news, a ‘whopping’ $2.68 extra per day (based on maximum singles age pension). You can read more about that here.

The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said something many members know to be true. Those on Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension and even Jobseeker ‘cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills’.

That likely sounds all too familiar.

Edwina continues, ‘The inadequacy of these payments directly corrodes people’s capacity and confidence. Being forced to go without the basics like enough food impairs people’s ability to…engage in their community.’

This increase has us wondering what pensioners are supposed to spend this loose change on.

The soaring grocery prices? Over the past year, there has been a 16.2 per cent increase in the cost of fruit and vegetables and a 10 per cent increase for essentials like bread and cereal.

Rising energy prices? EnergyAustralia just increased prices by up to 14.1 per cent per year for those on variable contracts in QLD, NSW, SA and the ACT.

What about the 10th consecutive interest rate rise? You can read more about how this will affect you here.

And for those who rent, will this cover the increasing costs passed on by landlords? SQM Research reports that the average weekly cost of renting a property across the country increased by 18 per cent in the year leading up to January 12, 2023. The surge is even more significant in the major cities, with a collective rise of 24.6 per cent ($161 on average per month) during the same period.

View attachment 15223

What can a few extra dollars a day pay for? Image Credit: Shutterstock

So what CAN $2.68 pay for?

A McDonald’s hamburger or small chips (but not both).
Half a cup of takeaway coffee
3.61 per cent of rent (based on the $520 per week average in Sydney)
Almost an hour of reverse cycle airconditioning (assuming 6kW/hr)

As member @IdaConte put it: ‘I have to be on a special diet and $2.68 a day won’t be enough to buy 1 litre of special milk and sourdough bread for 1 day!!!!’

All Australians want is peace of mind and security.

Member @Monks summed it up perfectly: ‘We are not greedy, but I do think we should be able to turn the light on to see at night and to have the heater running to keep warm not go to bed at 7:30 pm so we can keep warm at night or sit rugged up in blankets during the day to keep warm.’

‘In the warmer weather we should not have to go to the local shopping centre to be comfortable. We are not second rate citizens and we do not live in a backward country so why does our governments think we are a pain on the system, but they were only too happy to take our money in taxes, and now we get treated like second rate. Not good enough.’

Not good enough, indeed.

If the current pension does not cover the basic living expenses (food, housing, electricity), then it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong with the system.

It doesn’t take an economist to know something needs to change. But where are those experts to come up with the solutions? There’s only so long we can wait.

While there are sentiments of ‘it’s better than nothing’, and there is definitely something to be said for the benefits of positive thinking (I’m usually a glass-half-full person), pensioners simply deserve better.

I, for one, am looking forward to the day we can share a positive and more substantial pension update.

To end on a positive note, I would like to share member @Isis’ comment: ‘Of course, it is a drop in the ocean. However, that drop will pay for a little more food for my pets. I can be frugal with myself, but the pets get me out of bed each day.’

Isn’t that a fantastic example of the Australian spirit?

As always, we will keep you updated with all the latest pension news.

Feel free to share what you’ll be spending your $2.68 per day on.

If every 2nd person would volunteer

In a recent article, we discussed the reactions of SDC members to the pension indexation news, a ‘whopping’ $2.68 extra per day (based on maximum singles age pension). You can read more about that here.

The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said something many members know to be true. Those on Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension and even Jobseeker ‘cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills’.

That likely sounds all too familiar.

Edwina continues, ‘The inadequacy of these payments directly corrodes people’s capacity and confidence. Being forced to go without the basics like enough food impairs people’s ability to…engage in their community.’

This increase has us wondering what pensioners are supposed to spend this loose change on.

The soaring grocery prices? Over the past year, there has been a 16.2 per cent increase in the cost of fruit and vegetables and a 10 per cent increase for essentials like bread and cereal.

Rising energy prices? EnergyAustralia just increased prices by up to 14.1 per cent per year for those on variable contracts in QLD, NSW, SA and the ACT.

What about the 10th consecutive interest rate rise? You can read more about how this will affect you here.

And for those who rent, will this cover the increasing costs passed on by landlords? SQM Research reports that the average weekly cost of renting a property across the country increased by 18 per cent in the year leading up to January 12, 2023. The surge is even more significant in the major cities, with a collective rise of 24.6 per cent ($161 on average per month) during the same period.

View attachment 15223

What can a few extra dollars a day pay for? Image Credit: Shutterstock

So what CAN $2.68 pay for?

A McDonald’s hamburger or small chips (but not both).
Half a cup of takeaway coffee
3.61 per cent of rent (based on the $520 per week average in Sydney)
Almost an hour of reverse cycle airconditioning (assuming 6kW/hr)

As member @IdaConte put it: ‘I have to be on a special diet and $2.68 a day won’t be enough to buy 1 litre of special milk and sourdough bread for 1 day!!!!’

All Australians want is peace of mind and security.

Member @Monks summed it up perfectly: ‘We are not greedy, but I do think we should be able to turn the light on to see at night and to have the heater running to keep warm not go to bed at 7:30 pm so we can keep warm at night or sit rugged up in blankets during the day to keep warm.’

‘In the warmer weather we should not have to go to the local shopping centre to be comfortable. We are not second rate citizens and we do not live in a backward country so why does our governments think we are a pain on the system, but they were only too happy to take our money in taxes, and now we get treated like second rate. Not good enough.’

Not good enough, indeed.

If the current pension does not cover the basic living expenses (food, housing, electricity), then it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong with the system.

It doesn’t take an economist to know something needs to change. But where are those experts to come up with the solutions? There’s only so long we can wait.

While there are sentiments of ‘it’s better than nothing’, and there is definitely something to be said for the benefits of positive thinking (I’m usually a glass-half-full person), pensioners simply deserve better.

I, for one, am looking forward to the day we can share a positive and more substantial pension update.

To end on a positive note, I would like to share member @Isis’ comment: ‘Of course, it is a drop in the ocean. However, that drop will pay for a little more food for my pets. I can be frugal with myself, but the pets get me out of bed each day.’

Isn’t that a fantastic example of the Australian spirit?

As always, we will keep you updated with all the latest pension news.

Feel free to share what you’ll be spending your $2.68 per day on.

 

[kayjay37]

In a recent article, we discussed the reactions of SDC members to the pension indexation news, a ‘whopping’ $2.68 extra per day (based on maximum singles age pension). You can read more about that here.

The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said something many members know to be true. Those on Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension and even Jobseeker ‘cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills’.

That likely sounds all too familiar.

Edwina continues, ‘The inadequacy of these payments directly corrodes people’s capacity and confidence. Being forced to go without the basics like enough food impairs people’s ability to…engage in their community.’

This increase has us wondering what pensioners are supposed to spend this loose change on.

The soaring grocery prices? Over the past year, there has been a 16.2 per cent increase in the cost of fruit and vegetables and a 10 per cent increase for essentials like bread and cereal.

Rising energy prices? EnergyAustralia just increased prices by up to 14.1 per cent per year for those on variable contracts in QLD, NSW, SA and the ACT.

What about the 10th consecutive interest rate rise? You can read more about how this will affect you here.

And for those who rent, will this cover the increasing costs passed on by landlords? SQM Research reports that the average weekly cost of renting a property across the country increased by 18 per cent in the year leading up to January 12, 2023. The surge is even more significant in the major cities, with a collective rise of 24.6 per cent ($161 on average per month) during the same period.

View attachment 15223

What can a few extra dollars a day pay for? Image Credit: Shutterstock

So what CAN $2.68 pay for?

A McDonald’s hamburger or small chips (but not both).
Half a cup of takeaway coffee
3.61 per cent of rent (based on the $520 per week average in Sydney)
Almost an hour of reverse cycle airconditioning (assuming 6kW/hr)

As member @IdaConte put it: ‘I have to be on a special diet and $2.68 a day won’t be enough to buy 1 litre of special milk and sourdough bread for 1 day!!!!’

All Australians want is peace of mind and security.

Member @Monks summed it up perfectly: ‘We are not greedy, but I do think we should be able to turn the light on to see at night and to have the heater running to keep warm not go to bed at 7:30 pm so we can keep warm at night or sit rugged up in blankets during the day to keep warm.’

‘In the warmer weather we should not have to go to the local shopping centre to be comfortable. We are not second rate citizens and we do not live in a backward country so why does our governments think we are a pain on the system, but they were only too happy to take our money in taxes, and now we get treated like second rate. Not good enough.’

Not good enough, indeed.

If the current pension does not cover the basic living expenses (food, housing, electricity), then it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong with the system.

It doesn’t take an economist to know something needs to change. But where are those experts to come up with the solutions? There’s only so long we can wait.

While there are sentiments of ‘it’s better than nothing’, and there is definitely something to be said for the benefits of positive thinking (I’m usually a glass-half-full person), pensioners simply deserve better.

I, for one, am looking forward to the day we can share a positive and more substantial pension update.

To end on a positive note, I would like to share member @Isis’ comment: ‘Of course, it is a drop in the ocean. However, that drop will pay for a little more food for my pets. I can be frugal with myself, but the pets get me out of bed each day.’

Isn’t that a fantastic example of the Australian spirit?

As always, we will keep you updated with all the latest pension news.

Feel free to share what you’ll be spending your $2.68 per day on

 

[sharkfin1]

In a recent article, we discussed the reactions of SDC members to the pension indexation news, a ‘whopping’ $2.68 extra per day (based on maximum singles age pension). You can read more about that here.

The Australian Council of Social Service (Acoss) acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said something many members know to be true. Those on Centrelink payments such as the Age Pension and even Jobseeker ‘cannot afford to eat enough, cannot get essential medication or healthcare, and often go into debt to pay their energy bills’.

That likely sounds all too familiar.

Edwina continues, ‘The inadequacy of these payments directly corrodes people’s capacity and confidence. Being forced to go without the basics like enough food impairs people’s ability to…engage in their community.’

This increase has us wondering what pensioners are supposed to spend this loose change on.

The soaring grocery prices? Over the past year, there has been a 16.2 per cent increase in the cost of fruit and vegetables and a 10 per cent increase for essentials like bread and cereal.

Rising energy prices? EnergyAustralia just increased prices by up to 14.1 per cent per year for those on variable contracts in QLD, NSW, SA and the ACT.

What about the 10th consecutive interest rate rise? You can read more about how this will affect you here.

And for those who rent, will this cover the increasing costs passed on by landlords? SQM Research reports that the average weekly cost of renting a property across the country increased by 18 per cent in the year leading up to January 12, 2023. The surge is even more significant in the major cities, with a collective rise of 24.6 per cent ($161 on average per month) during the same period.

View attachment 15223

What can a few extra dollars a day pay for? Image Credit: Shutterstock

So what CAN $2.68 pay for?

A McDonald’s hamburger or small chips (but not both).
Half a cup of takeaway coffee
3.61 per cent of rent (based on the $520 per week average in Sydney)
Almost an hour of reverse cycle airconditioning (assuming 6kW/hr)

As member @IdaConte put it: ‘I have to be on a special diet and $2.68 a day won’t be enough to buy 1 litre of special milk and sourdough bread for 1 day!!!!’

All Australians want is peace of mind and security.

Member @Monks summed it up perfectly: ‘We are not greedy, but I do think we should be able to turn the light on to see at night and to have the heater running to keep warm not go to bed at 7:30 pm so we can keep warm at night or sit rugged up in blankets during the day to keep warm.’

‘In the warmer weather we should not have to go to the local shopping centre to be comfortable. We are not second rate citizens and we do not live in a backward country so why does our governments think we are a pain on the system, but they were only too happy to take our money in taxes, and now we get treated like second rate. Not good enough.’

Not good enough, indeed.

If the current pension does not cover the basic living expenses (food, housing, electricity), then it’s clear something has gone terribly wrong with the system.

It doesn’t take an economist to know something needs to change. But where are those experts to come up with the solutions? There’s only so long we can wait.

While there are sentiments of ‘it’s better than nothing’, and there is definitely something to be said for the benefits of positive thinking (I’m usually a glass-half-full person), pensioners simply deserve better.

I, for one, am looking forward to the day we can share a positive and more substantial pension update.

To end on a positive note, I would like to share member @Isis’ comment: ‘Of course, it is a drop in the ocean. However, that drop will pay for a little more food for my pets. I can be frugal with myself, but the pets get me out of bed each day.’

Isn’t that a fantastic example of the Australian spirit?

As always, we will keep you updated with all the latest pension news.

Feel free to share what you’ll be spending your $2.68 per day on.

Just imagine if the people who work in the government took a pay cut of something like $100 per pay and gave that to the pensions think how much it would help it's not much but a hell of a lot better than $2.68

 

[kinkakuji]

If you are an older senior citizen and can no longer take care of yourself and need Long-Term Care, but the government says there is no nursing home care available for you, what do you do? You may opt for Medicare Part G. The plan gives anyone 75 or older a gun (Part G) and one bullet. You may then shoot one worthless politician. This means you will be sent to prison for the rest of your life where you will receive three meals a day, a roof over your head, central heating and air conditioning, cable TV, a library, and all the health care you need. Need new teeth? No problem. Need glasses? That's great. Need a hearing aid, new hip, knees, kidney, lungs, sex change, or heart? They are all covered! As an added bonus, your kids can come and visit you at least as often as they do now! And, who will be paying for all this? The same government that just told you they can't afford for you to go into a nursing home. And you will get rid of a useless politician while you are at it. And now, because you are a prisoner, you don't have to pay any more income taxes! Is this a great country or what? Now that you have solved your senior Long-Term Care problem, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

 

[Jennie]

When Australia started the pension fund way back the Government stole it they said they would pay it back with interest but they never did I remember working and an old bloke told me about it he was then in his 60s and now im in my 60s so what happen to the pension fund

Good question, but it will never get a satisfactory answer.