Here at the SDC, we know how hard it can be to receive a stable income. To relieve the constant insecurity, many older adults around Australia rely on a pension, as provided by the government, to ensure they can live comfortably in their later years.

However, with onerous restrictions and requirements to qualify for a pension, not everyone can access the payments.

Case in point: an 88-year-old widow who recently sent a question to money columnist Noel Whittaker, asking how she can get access to a pension after her husband's passing.

It was an innocent enough question about the age pension—but it would be one that divided opinion and sparked outrage among Aussies on social media.

An Australian widow has sparked outrage over her 'entitled' question about the pension to a money columnist. Credit: Shutterstock.

'My husband and I received a part pension, but he passed away, and I now have all the assets but no pension,' she wrote, adding that she was 88 and owned her own home.

'I have $680,000 in savings and $180,000 in shares. My income is $25,000 p.a. Is there anything I can do to get a part pension?'

Unfortunately, the woman's question landed her at the centre of online outrage.

One Twitter user made a joke that the question was the type that would drive Whittaker to drink, saying: 'How often do you think Fairfax's money columnist has to drink a straight shot of hard liquor before answering a question like this every week.'

A cheeky reply to another 'Ask Noel' column's headline, 'We have $1m in assets. Can we get the age pension?' saw a user profess that 'They would have willingly died of alcohol poisoning before answering this.'

Meanwhile, another commented: 'Lady, you're 88. Where are you getting 25k per year if not investments? You'll be fine,' one Twitter user wrote.

A few criticised the woman, with many accusing her of being 'entitled', greedy, and seemingly seeking to get her hands on more money.

'The problem with old people these days is they're too entitled. Back in my day, old people reused their tea bags and were grateful,' someone wrote.

Though still puzzled by the question, some people offered more sincere responses to the woman. They suggested she could 'cash in' her shares or withdraw some of her savings and 'enjoy life for the next few years'.

Amidst the online backlash, Noel Whittaker responded and stated that the woman's question highlighted a hard lesson: how a surviving partner can lose their pension if 'all the money' in a will was passed on to them rather than 'being judiciously spread among family members'.

He revealed that according to the woman's current financial situation, she might not be eligible for an aged pension. However, he did state that if her funds are managed in the right way, she should be able to qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

​

Pensions have become a sensitive topic for Australians due to recent major changes made to the eligibility thresholds for receiving payments. These changes came into effect on July 1 of this year.

If you want to learn more about this topic, feel free to check out the articles we've written before, which are listed below:

• Pension age increase draws ire from unions and older Aussies: 'Should not be a one size fits all.'
• Reevaluating Retirement: Should 70 be the New Standard Age for Pensions?
• Australian Seniors React To Upcoming Change: Pension Age and Income Tests Alterations on July 1, 2023.

Key Takeaways

• An 88-year-old Australian widow caused controversy with her question to a money columnist about how she could acquire part of a pension despite owning significant assets.
• Many social media users criticised, mocked and even deemed the woman as 'entitled' for seeking financial advice.
• Amidst the comments, some users gave constructive feedback, suggesting the lady either liquidate her assets or start spending her savings.
• Noel Whittaker, the columnist, suggested that the woman's predicament highlighted how leaving all money to the surviving partner in a will could result in the loss of their pension and suggested possible solutions.

Members, if you're educated about the conditions that qualify you for a pension, it'll go a long way in helping you secure a steady retirement income.

Depending on your situation—whether you're single, a sole parent, a couple, or a carer—you may be able to receive the Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, or other income support payments.

Our advice? Use the Services Australia website to help you figure out what payments and services you're eligible for, and get in touch with the department if you need to know more.

We would like to know your thoughts on the topic discussed in this article. Did you find it helpful and informative? Please feel free to share your comments with us; we value and appreciate your feedback!

 

[rachtrex]

Here at the SDC, we know how hard it can be to receive a stable income. To relieve the constant insecurity, many older adults around Australia rely on a pension, as provided by the government, to ensure they can live comfortably in their later years.

However, with onerous restrictions and requirements to qualify for a pension, not everyone can access the payments.

Case in point: an 88-year-old widow who recently sent a question to money columnist Noel Whittaker, asking how she can get access to a pension after her husband's passing.

It was an innocent enough question about the age pension—but it would be one that divided opinion and sparked outrage among Aussies on social media.

View attachment 25628

An Australian widow has sparked outrage over her 'entitled' question about the pension to a money columnist. Credit: Shutterstock.

'My husband and I received a part pension, but he passed away, and I now have all the assets but no pension,' she wrote, adding that she was 88 and owned her own home.

'I have $680,000 in savings and $180,000 in shares. My income is $25,000 p.a. Is there anything I can do to get a part pension?'

Unfortunately, the woman's question landed her at the centre of online outrage.

One Twitter user made a joke that the question was the type that would drive Whittaker to drink, saying: 'How often do you think Fairfax's money columnist has to drink a straight shot of hard liquor before answering a question like this every week.'

A cheeky reply to another 'Ask Noel' column's headline, 'We have $1m in assets. Can we get the age pension?' saw a user profess that 'They would have willingly died of alcohol poisoning before answering this.'

Meanwhile, another commented: 'Lady, you're 88. Where are you getting 25k per year if not investments? You'll be fine,' one Twitter user wrote.

A few criticised the woman, with many accusing her of being 'entitled', greedy, and seemingly seeking to get her hands on more money.

'The problem with old people these days is they're too entitled. Back in my day, old people reused their tea bags and were grateful,' someone wrote.

Though still puzzled by the question, some people offered more sincere responses to the woman. They suggested she could 'cash in' her shares or withdraw some of her savings and 'enjoy life for the next few years'.

Amidst the online backlash, Noel Whittaker responded and stated that the woman's question highlighted a hard lesson: how a surviving partner can lose their pension if 'all the money' in a will was passed on to them rather than 'being judiciously spread among family members'.

He revealed that according to the woman's current financial situation, she might not be eligible for an aged pension. However, he did state that if her funds are managed in the right way, she should be able to qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

View attachment 25657​

Pensions have become a sensitive topic for Australians due to recent major changes made to the eligibility thresholds for receiving payments. These changes came into effect on July 1 of this year.

If you want to learn more about this topic, feel free to check out the articles we've written before, which are listed below:

• Pension age increase draws ire from unions and older Aussies: 'Should not be a one size fits all.'
• Reevaluating Retirement: Should 70 be the New Standard Age for Pensions?
• Australian Seniors React To Upcoming Change: Pension Age and Income Tests Alterations on July 1, 2023.

Key Takeaways

• An 88-year-old Australian widow caused controversy with her question to a money columnist about how she could acquire part of a pension despite owning significant assets.
• Many social media users criticised, mocked and even deemed the woman as 'entitled' for seeking financial advice.
• Amidst the comments, some users gave constructive feedback, suggesting the lady either liquidate her assets or start spending her savings.
• Noel Whittaker, the columnist, suggested that the woman's predicament highlighted how leaving all money to the surviving partner in a will could result in the loss of their pension and suggested possible solutions.

Members, if you're educated about the conditions that qualify you for a pension, it'll go a long way in helping you secure a steady retirement income.

Depending on your situation—whether you're single, a sole parent, a couple, or a carer—you may be able to receive the Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, or other income support payments.

Our advice? Use the Services Australia website to help you figure out what payments and services you're eligible for, and get in touch with the department if you need to know more.

We would like to know your thoughts on the topic discussed in this article. Did you find it helpful and informative? Please feel free to share your comments with us; we value and appreciate your feedback!

I would like to mention 1 thing here what about superannuation ? does it affect your pension i have been a carer for my son for 25 years and now i cant do it anymore i have no super and i am not old enough for a pension my husband is alot older than me and has super and a pension but i dont know how what i would even qualify for would i have to find a job @ 62 probably not an option with all the heath problems that have plagued my by being a carer.

 

[Herbie1950]

I haven't read any where it says she worked all her life! If they collected all that wealth maybe she never had to work

You‘re missing the point and I’m not arguing with you.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

As far as I am aware in NZ everyone gets the age pension, it's not means tested. You paid taxes throughout your working life with a guarantee that you would receive an age pension when you retired. (it is not welfare payment) established in the early 1900's has been a cornerstone for Australia’s social security system ever since. This elderly woman may be mean and greedy but temper this thought with the benefits that our politicians receive.

Yes OUR POLITICIANS ARE GREEDY GREEDY GREEDY GREEDY beyond belief nowadays, I don't believe any one of them is in it for the PEOPLE, only to feather their own nests and there doesn't seem to be a lot WE the normal people can do about it.

 

[Gazman]

Here at the SDC, we know how hard it can be to receive a stable income. To relieve the constant insecurity, many older adults around Australia rely on a pension, as provided by the government, to ensure they can live comfortably in their later years.

However, with onerous restrictions and requirements to qualify for a pension, not everyone can access the payments.

Case in point: an 88-year-old widow who recently sent a question to money columnist Noel Whittaker, asking how she can get access to a pension after her husband's passing.

It was an innocent enough question about the age pension—but it would be one that divided opinion and sparked outrage among Aussies on social media.

View attachment 25628

An Australian widow has sparked outrage over her 'entitled' question about the pension to a money columnist. Credit: Shutterstock.

'My husband and I received a part pension, but he passed away, and I now have all the assets but no pension,' she wrote, adding that she was 88 and owned her own home.

'I have $680,000 in savings and $180,000 in shares. My income is $25,000 p.a. Is there anything I can do to get a part pension?'

Unfortunately, the woman's question landed her at the centre of online outrage.

One Twitter user made a joke that the question was the type that would drive Whittaker to drink, saying: 'How often do you think Fairfax's money columnist has to drink a straight shot of hard liquor before answering a question like this every week.'

A cheeky reply to another 'Ask Noel' column's headline, 'We have $1m in assets. Can we get the age pension?' saw a user profess that 'They would have willingly died of alcohol poisoning before answering this.'

Meanwhile, another commented: 'Lady, you're 88. Where are you getting 25k per year if not investments? You'll be fine,' one Twitter user wrote.

A few criticised the woman, with many accusing her of being 'entitled', greedy, and seemingly seeking to get her hands on more money.

'The problem with old people these days is they're too entitled. Back in my day, old people reused their tea bags and were grateful,' someone wrote.

Though still puzzled by the question, some people offered more sincere responses to the woman. They suggested she could 'cash in' her shares or withdraw some of her savings and 'enjoy life for the next few years'.

Amidst the online backlash, Noel Whittaker responded and stated that the woman's question highlighted a hard lesson: how a surviving partner can lose their pension if 'all the money' in a will was passed on to them rather than 'being judiciously spread among family members'.

He revealed that according to the woman's current financial situation, she might not be eligible for an aged pension. However, he did state that if her funds are managed in the right way, she should be able to qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

View attachment 25657​

Pensions have become a sensitive topic for Australians due to recent major changes made to the eligibility thresholds for receiving payments. These changes came into effect on July 1 of this year.

If you want to learn more about this topic, feel free to check out the articles we've written before, which are listed below:

• Pension age increase draws ire from unions and older Aussies: 'Should not be a one size fits all.'
• Reevaluating Retirement: Should 70 be the New Standard Age for Pensions?
• Australian Seniors React To Upcoming Change: Pension Age and Income Tests Alterations on July 1, 2023.

Key Takeaways

• An 88-year-old Australian widow caused controversy with her question to a money columnist about how she could acquire part of a pension despite owning significant assets.
• Many social media users criticised, mocked and even deemed the woman as 'entitled' for seeking financial advice.
• Amidst the comments, some users gave constructive feedback, suggesting the lady either liquidate her assets or start spending her savings.
• Noel Whittaker, the columnist, suggested that the woman's predicament highlighted how leaving all money to the surviving partner in a will could result in the loss of their pension and suggested possible solutions.

Members, if you're educated about the conditions that qualify you for a pension, it'll go a long way in helping you secure a steady retirement income.

Depending on your situation—whether you're single, a sole parent, a couple, or a carer—you may be able to receive the Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, or other income support payments.

Our advice? Use the Services Australia website to help you figure out what payments and services you're eligible for, and get in touch with the department if you need to know more.

We would like to know your thoughts on the topic discussed in this article. Did you find it helpful and informative? Please feel free to share your comments with us; we value and appreciate your feedback!

Anyone who has paid tax in this country SHOULD be entitled to a pension. Only those bludgers who have dodged taxes should be ineligible for the pension.

 

[Tipsy]

Here at the SDC, we know how hard it can be to receive a stable income. To relieve the constant insecurity, many older adults around Australia rely on a pension, as provided by the government, to ensure they can live comfortably in their later years.

However, with onerous restrictions and requirements to qualify for a pension, not everyone can access the payments.

Case in point: an 88-year-old widow who recently sent a question to money columnist Noel Whittaker, asking how she can get access to a pension after her husband's passing.

It was an innocent enough question about the age pension—but it would be one that divided opinion and sparked outrage among Aussies on social media.

View attachment 25628

An Australian widow has sparked outrage over her 'entitled' question about the pension to a money columnist. Credit: Shutterstock.

'My husband and I received a part pension, but he passed away, and I now have all the assets but no pension,' she wrote, adding that she was 88 and owned her own home.

'I have $680,000 in savings and $180,000 in shares. My income is $25,000 p.a. Is there anything I can do to get a part pension?'

Unfortunately, the woman's question landed her at the centre of online outrage.

One Twitter user made a joke that the question was the type that would drive Whittaker to drink, saying: 'How often do you think Fairfax's money columnist has to drink a straight shot of hard liquor before answering a question like this every week.'

A cheeky reply to another 'Ask Noel' column's headline, 'We have $1m in assets. Can we get the age pension?' saw a user profess that 'They would have willingly died of alcohol poisoning before answering this.'

Meanwhile, another commented: 'Lady, you're 88. Where are you getting 25k per year if not investments? You'll be fine,' one Twitter user wrote.

A few criticised the woman, with many accusing her of being 'entitled', greedy, and seemingly seeking to get her hands on more money.

'The problem with old people these days is they're too entitled. Back in my day, old people reused their tea bags and were grateful,' someone wrote.

Though still puzzled by the question, some people offered more sincere responses to the woman. They suggested she could 'cash in' her shares or withdraw some of her savings and 'enjoy life for the next few years'.

Amidst the online backlash, Noel Whittaker responded and stated that the woman's question highlighted a hard lesson: how a surviving partner can lose their pension if 'all the money' in a will was passed on to them rather than 'being judiciously spread among family members'.

He revealed that according to the woman's current financial situation, she might not be eligible for an aged pension. However, he did state that if her funds are managed in the right way, she should be able to qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

View attachment 25657​

Pensions have become a sensitive topic for Australians due to recent major changes made to the eligibility thresholds for receiving payments. These changes came into effect on July 1 of this year.

If you want to learn more about this topic, feel free to check out the articles we've written before, which are listed below:

• Pension age increase draws ire from unions and older Aussies: 'Should not be a one size fits all.'
• Reevaluating Retirement: Should 70 be the New Standard Age for Pensions?
• Australian Seniors React To Upcoming Change: Pension Age and Income Tests Alterations on July 1, 2023.

Key Takeaways

• An 88-year-old Australian widow caused controversy with her question to a money columnist about how she could acquire part of a pension despite owning significant assets.
• Many social media users criticised, mocked and even deemed the woman as 'entitled' for seeking financial advice.
• Amidst the comments, some users gave constructive feedback, suggesting the lady either liquidate her assets or start spending her savings.
• Noel Whittaker, the columnist, suggested that the woman's predicament highlighted how leaving all money to the surviving partner in a will could result in the loss of their pension and suggested possible solutions.

Members, if you're educated about the conditions that qualify you for a pension, it'll go a long way in helping you secure a steady retirement income.

Depending on your situation—whether you're single, a sole parent, a couple, or a carer—you may be able to receive the Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, or other income support payments.

Our advice? Use the Services Australia website to help you figure out what payments and services you're eligible for, and get in touch with the department if you need to know more.

We would like to know your thoughts on the topic discussed in this article. Did you find it helpful and informative? Please feel free to share your comments with us; we value and appreciate your feedback!

Bloody hell lady you are getting more than the standard pension now, and we survive,(dont ask me how) you are just being downright Greedy... At 88 and 680k in the bank.... how long do you think you are going to live FFS.... I will take some of your hands if you are that desperate.....

 

[Startrekker58]

GREEDY GREEDY GREEDY GREEDY GREEDY GREEDY

Two scenarios where income is exactly the same for both couples. One couple are frugal and save all their lives live in a modest home invest their savings. Go on holidays every year to the same caravan park at xmas for thirty years with the same caravan and catch up with friends and family and have a good time rather than an extravagant time. Not skinflints just careful.

Second couple move to many houses over the years but now reside in much larger house so have the same amount of assets as first couple just most is tied up in their home. Go on holidays every year but go overseas often or go to expensive resorts. No savings to show for their more lavish lifestyle.

Both couples spent the same amount of money over the years but I will assume the second couple get a larger pension. One person dies and I will assume scenario 2 pension is not affected other than changed to single pension. Scenario 1 pension was probably less when a couple then when her partner dies she is not entitled to any pension.

Who is the greedier just saying. Your greedy greedy greedy comment annoys me. Many people squander money over the years and feel entitled to a full pension. She is just as entitled to the pension as the wasteful people. As for politicians don't get me started on their ridiculous entitlements when retired like the same rules don't apply to them.

 

[Tipsy]

Yes OUR POLITICIANS ARE GREEDY GREEDY GREEDY GREEDY beyond belief nowadays, I don't believe any one of them is in it for the PEOPLE, only to feather their own nests and there doesn't seem to be a lot WE the normal people can do about it.

Absobloodylutely

 

[Jest]

Here at the SDC, we know how hard it can be to receive a stable income. To relieve the constant insecurity, many older adults around Australia rely on a pension, as provided by the government, to ensure they can live comfortably in their later years.

However, with onerous restrictions and requirements to qualify for a pension, not everyone can access the payments.

Case in point: an 88-year-old widow who recently sent a question to money columnist Noel Whittaker, asking how she can get access to a pension after her husband's passing.

It was an innocent enough question about the age pension—but it would be one that divided opinion and sparked outrage among Aussies on social media.

View attachment 25628

An Australian widow has sparked outrage over her 'entitled' question about the pension to a money columnist. Credit: Shutterstock.

'My husband and I received a part pension, but he passed away, and I now have all the assets but no pension,' she wrote, adding that she was 88 and owned her own home.

'I have $680,000 in savings and $180,000 in shares. My income is $25,000 p.a. Is there anything I can do to get a part pension?'

Unfortunately, the woman's question landed her at the centre of online outrage.

One Twitter user made a joke that the question was the type that would drive Whittaker to drink, saying: 'How often do you think Fairfax's money columnist has to drink a straight shot of hard liquor before answering a question like this every week.'

A cheeky reply to another 'Ask Noel' column's headline, 'We have $1m in assets. Can we get the age pension?' saw a user profess that 'They would have willingly died of alcohol poisoning before answering this.'

Meanwhile, another commented: 'Lady, you're 88. Where are you getting 25k per year if not investments? You'll be fine,' one Twitter user wrote.

A few criticised the woman, with many accusing her of being 'entitled', greedy, and seemingly seeking to get her hands on more money.

'The problem with old people these days is they're too entitled. Back in my day, old people reused their tea bags and were grateful,' someone wrote.

Though still puzzled by the question, some people offered more sincere responses to the woman. They suggested she could 'cash in' her shares or withdraw some of her savings and 'enjoy life for the next few years'.

Amidst the online backlash, Noel Whittaker responded and stated that the woman's question highlighted a hard lesson: how a surviving partner can lose their pension if 'all the money' in a will was passed on to them rather than 'being judiciously spread among family members'.

He revealed that according to the woman's current financial situation, she might not be eligible for an aged pension. However, he did state that if her funds are managed in the right way, she should be able to qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

View attachment 25657​

Pensions have become a sensitive topic for Australians due to recent major changes made to the eligibility thresholds for receiving payments. These changes came into effect on July 1 of this year.

If you want to learn more about this topic, feel free to check out the articles we've written before, which are listed below:

• Pension age increase draws ire from unions and older Aussies: 'Should not be a one size fits all.'
• Reevaluating Retirement: Should 70 be the New Standard Age for Pensions?
• Australian Seniors React To Upcoming Change: Pension Age and Income Tests Alterations on July 1, 2023.

Key Takeaways

• An 88-year-old Australian widow caused controversy with her question to a money columnist about how she could acquire part of a pension despite owning significant assets.
• Many social media users criticised, mocked and even deemed the woman as 'entitled' for seeking financial advice.
• Amidst the comments, some users gave constructive feedback, suggesting the lady either liquidate her assets or start spending her savings.
• Noel Whittaker, the columnist, suggested that the woman's predicament highlighted how leaving all money to the surviving partner in a will could result in the loss of their pension and suggested possible solutions.

Members, if you're educated about the conditions that qualify you for a pension, it'll go a long way in helping you secure a steady retirement income.

Depending on your situation—whether you're single, a sole parent, a couple, or a carer—you may be able to receive the Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, or other income support payments.

Our advice? Use the Services Australia website to help you figure out what payments and services you're eligible for, and get in touch with the department if you need to know more.

We would like to know your thoughts on the topic discussed in this article. Did you find it helpful and informative? Please feel free to share your comments with us; we value and appreciate your feedback!

i can assure you that teabags were not around in my younger years. 1950's-60's. Why are people jealous of someone who has a money set aside for themselves? I feel it was a genuine question to ask.

 

[Jest]

Two scenarios where income is exactly the same for both couples. One couple are frugal and save all their lives live in a modest home invest their savings. Go on holidays every year to the same caravan park at xmas for thirty years with the same caravan and catch up with friends and family and have a good time rather than an extravagant time. Not skinflints just careful.

Second couple move to many houses over the years but now reside in much larger house so have the same amount of assets as first couple just most is tied up in their home. Go on holidays every year but go overseas often or go to expensive resorts. No savings to show for their more lavish lifestyle.

Both couples spent the same amount of money over the years but I will assume the second couple get a larger pension. One person dies and I will assume scenario 2 pension is not affected other than changed to single pension. Scenario 1 pension was probably less when a couple then when her partner dies she is not entitled to any pension.

Who is the greedier just saying. Your greedy greedy greedy comment annoys me. Many people squander money over the years and feel entitled to a full pension. She is just as entitled to the pension as the wasteful people. As for politicians don't get me started on their ridiculous entitlements when retired like the same rules don't apply to them.

one must not assume.

 

[Jest]

I haven't read any where it says she worked all her life! If they collected all that wealth maybe she never had to work

come on. is it of concern to you what she did?

 

[MHM]

Here at the SDC, we know how hard it can be to receive a stable income. To relieve the constant insecurity, many older adults around Australia rely on a pension, as provided by the government, to ensure they can live comfortably in their later years.

However, with onerous restrictions and requirements to qualify for a pension, not everyone can access the payments.

Case in point: an 88-year-old widow who recently sent a question to money columnist Noel Whittaker, asking how she can get access to a pension after her husband's passing.

It was an innocent enough question about the age pension—but it would be one that divided opinion and sparked outrage among Aussies on social media.

View attachment 25628

An Australian widow has sparked outrage over her 'entitled' question about the pension to a money columnist. Credit: Shutterstock.

'My husband and I received a part pension, but he passed away, and I now have all the assets but no pension,' she wrote, adding that she was 88 and owned her own home.

'I have $680,000 in savings and $180,000 in shares. My income is $25,000 p.a. Is there anything I can do to get a part pension?'

Unfortunately, the woman's question landed her at the centre of online outrage.

One Twitter user made a joke that the question was the type that would drive Whittaker to drink, saying: 'How often do you think Fairfax's money columnist has to drink a straight shot of hard liquor before answering a question like this every week.'

A cheeky reply to another 'Ask Noel' column's headline, 'We have $1m in assets. Can we get the age pension?' saw a user profess that 'They would have willingly died of alcohol poisoning before answering this.'

Meanwhile, another commented: 'Lady, you're 88. Where are you getting 25k per year if not investments? You'll be fine,' one Twitter user wrote.

A few criticised the woman, with many accusing her of being 'entitled', greedy, and seemingly seeking to get her hands on more money.

'The problem with old people these days is they're too entitled. Back in my day, old people reused their tea bags and were grateful,' someone wrote.

Though still puzzled by the question, some people offered more sincere responses to the woman. They suggested she could 'cash in' her shares or withdraw some of her savings and 'enjoy life for the next few years'.

Amidst the online backlash, Noel Whittaker responded and stated that the woman's question highlighted a hard lesson: how a surviving partner can lose their pension if 'all the money' in a will was passed on to them rather than 'being judiciously spread among family members'.

He revealed that according to the woman's current financial situation, she might not be eligible for an aged pension. However, he did state that if her funds are managed in the right way, she should be able to qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

View attachment 25657​

Pensions have become a sensitive topic for Australians due to recent major changes made to the eligibility thresholds for receiving payments. These changes came into effect on July 1 of this year.

If you want to learn more about this topic, feel free to check out the articles we've written before, which are listed below:

• Pension age increase draws ire from unions and older Aussies: 'Should not be a one size fits all.'
• Reevaluating Retirement: Should 70 be the New Standard Age for Pensions?
• Australian Seniors React To Upcoming Change: Pension Age and Income Tests Alterations on July 1, 2023.

Key Takeaways

• An 88-year-old Australian widow caused controversy with her question to a money columnist about how she could acquire part of a pension despite owning significant assets.
• Many social media users criticised, mocked and even deemed the woman as 'entitled' for seeking financial advice.
• Amidst the comments, some users gave constructive feedback, suggesting the lady either liquidate her assets or start spending her savings.
• Noel Whittaker, the columnist, suggested that the woman's predicament highlighted how leaving all money to the surviving partner in a will could result in the loss of their pension and suggested possible solutions.

Members, if you're educated about the conditions that qualify you for a pension, it'll go a long way in helping you secure a steady retirement income.

Depending on your situation—whether you're single, a sole parent, a couple, or a carer—you may be able to receive the Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, or other income support payments.

Our advice? Use the Services Australia website to help you figure out what payments and services you're eligible for, and get in touch with the department if you need to know more.

We would like to know your thoughts on the topic discussed in this article. Did you find it helpful and informative? Please feel free to share your comments with us; we value and appreciate your feedback!

I have a great deal of sympathy for this lady. Yes, she has some liquid assets which assist her income, but the value of her investments and her income are depreciating rapidly, due to the effects of uncontrolled monetary inflation. I will assume that at least part of her income is sourced from whatever private superannuation fund she has (this may be included in what she refers to as "savings"), if so her super value will be depreciating by the amount of her receivable "pension" fund.
In any event, the matter touches on the fairness of a government pension scheme which disregards those in the community who have had the prudence to make provision during their working lives for the circumstances of their retirement. I am not suggesting that the government pension be universally distributed, but the threshold level in value of assets could be made adjustable according to relevant monetary inflation rates.
The comment concerning application for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is at best nebulous. The benefits available from that source are about as tangible as the clouds.

 

[Catherines]

Australia should do what the UK and NZ does, it doesn't matter how much you have, you get the FULL AGE PENSION, as they have worked hard all their lives and paid taxes, wake up australia if NZ and the UK can do it so can we. Jan Purcell

When and how will the government 'back-date' our system to do the same as the UK and NZ? The UK & NZ do have a good system but changing the Australian system now is fraught with errors and major difficulty. It will be such a nightmare trying to determine how much each of us has previously paid in taxes over our working lives, the rise and fall in living costs etc to determine how much one should get. And where will all the back payments come from to pay out those who have missed out on pensions all these years? Your taxes and mine from retirees and working people. An absolute nightmare and I hope our government does not go down that path - even if the majority think we should. Take ROBODEBT as a terrible example of incompetence. Can you imagine the millions of people wanting to claim back-dated pension from the government?

There is a specific amount of cash, investments & assets (excluding your home) taken into consideration after which you are not entitled to a single dollar amount in pension. This has changed over the years but the current stated figure is what matters. If she gives away money to her family now there is also a limit on how much she can give away in a set period and if she is not careful the balance she ends up with could become a pittance to live off. Then she will start complaining about how the government should increase the pension.

She can only hope that she will still be entitled to even one cent in pension and that is going to cost her quite a few dollars for the advice alone. Why is she being so greedy? Isn't she earning enough (the $25,000 she stated) from her investments to live off? What about the interest from their superannuation and interest from her stated investments? Where is all that money going? Not my business, but that needs to be answered before claiming she used to get something while her husband was alive and now she gets nothing. Tongue in cheek - HOW SAD.

I think she is just being greedy. The pension she and her husband got would not have been all that much while he was alive with her stated assets. I know and sympathise that there are many elderly, disabled and disadvantaged people who struggle financially and I have no answer to how they should be treated or how much they should get. Superannuation was brought in many years ago so that we (and our employers) were compelled to put money into super accounts - that money was meant to be our savings for retirement. Unfortunately, some (not all) chose to take out large amounts of money during the CoVid pandemic period because the government allowed it and now many are complaining they have little in superannuation. Where do we stop asking the government to back us up on everything? The more the government provides the more our taxes will increase because that is where the money comes from in the first place - it is not simply printed in a Mint as and when the government requires it.

 

[Catherines]

It’s seems you work hard all your life then you get zero from the government. We are talking about discounts on utilities…. Why shouldn’t she be entitled to at least that.

As I understand it there are discounts on utilities - up to each of us to get the facts, and ask for those discounts. If this lady is 88 she should have been entitled to them, and assuming her late husband was also in a similar age bracket they should have been getting the relevant discounts over quite a few years. And she and her husband would have been entitled to the very generous discount of prescribed medication - currently about $7. That is such a huge saving on what the general public pays for their medication.

 

[Ballerina53]

Either this or she is just plain stupid

Super greedy I think. At 88 why does she want or need more?Live on what she has.She is very lucky!!

 

[DrivingGirl]

Have a little compassion people!! She’s 88 and lost her husband who probably managed every last cent in the household.
I used to be an insurance agent managing all the life and investment products for a large company’s super fund. We had many women as young as in their 60s who didn’t even know how to open a bank account! Poor lady is grieving and probably had bills to pay that she can’t manage and wouldn’t have a clue how to sell shares- all she asked for was a little advice. Wow we can be a mean lot on this forum - lucky you’re not 88 and grieving

 

[Sheenagh]

The system is the system. I would rather be paying for this elderly lady in her advanced years than a bunch of no hoping ex pollies who we have to pay heaps of $$$$'s when they no longer hold their position. Thats the difference.

 

[Isis]

I have some understanding of how she feels. Although not nearly as well off as her and living on much less each month, the same thing happened to me when my partner died. Coping with all the expenses of a death and the emotional factors, it isn’t easy to immediately have your income stream reduced. I hope she has good financial advice and family and friends who love and care for her.

Her money is tied up and for what? $25,000 a year even for 1 person isn’t a fortune to live on. But she has the ability to get more of her own money.
Many years ago my husband passed,my pension was changed , then years later I get a letter, they overpaid me and I owed $21,000. Yes I had to pay it off, 83 years old and almost done.
The whole system is a case of everybody is equal but some are more equal than others.

 

[riskydave]

Here at the SDC, we know how hard it can be to receive a stable income. To relieve the constant insecurity, many older adults around Australia rely on a pension, as provided by the government, to ensure they can live comfortably in their later years.

However, with onerous restrictions and requirements to qualify for a pension, not everyone can access the payments.

Case in point: an 88-year-old widow who recently sent a question to money columnist Noel Whittaker, asking how she can get access to a pension after her husband's passing.

It was an innocent enough question about the age pension—but it would be one that divided opinion and sparked outrage among Aussies on social media.

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An Australian widow has sparked outrage over her 'entitled' question about the pension to a money columnist. Credit: Shutterstock.

'My husband and I received a part pension, but he passed away, and I now have all the assets but no pension,' she wrote, adding that she was 88 and owned her own home.

'I have $680,000 in savings and $180,000 in shares. My income is $25,000 p.a. Is there anything I can do to get a part pension?'

Unfortunately, the woman's question landed her at the centre of online outrage.

One Twitter user made a joke that the question was the type that would drive Whittaker to drink, saying: 'How often do you think Fairfax's money columnist has to drink a straight shot of hard liquor before answering a question like this every week.'

A cheeky reply to another 'Ask Noel' column's headline, 'We have $1m in assets. Can we get the age pension?' saw a user profess that 'They would have willingly died of alcohol poisoning before answering this.'

Meanwhile, another commented: 'Lady, you're 88. Where are you getting 25k per year if not investments? You'll be fine,' one Twitter user wrote.

A few criticised the woman, with many accusing her of being 'entitled', greedy, and seemingly seeking to get her hands on more money.

'The problem with old people these days is they're too entitled. Back in my day, old people reused their tea bags and were grateful,' someone wrote.

Though still puzzled by the question, some people offered more sincere responses to the woman. They suggested she could 'cash in' her shares or withdraw some of her savings and 'enjoy life for the next few years'.

Amidst the online backlash, Noel Whittaker responded and stated that the woman's question highlighted a hard lesson: how a surviving partner can lose their pension if 'all the money' in a will was passed on to them rather than 'being judiciously spread among family members'.

He revealed that according to the woman's current financial situation, she might not be eligible for an aged pension. However, he did state that if her funds are managed in the right way, she should be able to qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

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Pensions have become a sensitive topic for Australians due to recent major changes made to the eligibility thresholds for receiving payments. These changes came into effect on July 1 of this year.

If you want to learn more about this topic, feel free to check out the articles we've written before, which are listed below:

• Pension age increase draws ire from unions and older Aussies: 'Should not be a one size fits all.'
• Reevaluating Retirement: Should 70 be the New Standard Age for Pensions?
• Australian Seniors React To Upcoming Change: Pension Age and Income Tests Alterations on July 1, 2023.

Key Takeaways

• An 88-year-old Australian widow caused controversy with her question to a money columnist about how she could acquire part of a pension despite owning significant assets.
• Many social media users criticised, mocked and even deemed the woman as 'entitled' for seeking financial advice.
• Amidst the comments, some users gave constructive feedback, suggesting the lady either liquidate her assets or start spending her savings.
• Noel Whittaker, the columnist, suggested that the woman's predicament highlighted how leaving all money to the surviving partner in a will could result in the loss of their pension and suggested possible solutions.

Members, if you're educated about the conditions that qualify you for a pension, it'll go a long way in helping you secure a steady retirement income.

Depending on your situation—whether you're single, a sole parent, a couple, or a carer—you may be able to receive the Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, or other income support payments.

Our advice? Use the Services Australia website to help you figure out what payments and services you're eligible for, and get in touch with the department if you need to know more.

We would like to know your thoughts on the topic discussed in this article. Did you find it helpful and informative? Please feel free to share your comments with us; we value and appreciate your feedback!

wish I had 860000 in the bank and shares.....

 

[Catherines]

I have a great deal of sympathy for this lady. Yes, she has some liquid assets which assist her income, but the value of her investments and her income are depreciating rapidly, due to the effects of uncontrolled monetary inflation. I will assume that at least part of her income is sourced from whatever private superannuation fund she has (this may be included in what she refers to as "savings"), if so her super value will be depreciating by the amount of her receivable "pension" fund.
In any event, the matter touches on the fairness of a government pension scheme which disregards those in the community who have had the prudence to make provision during their working lives for the circumstances of their retirement. I am not suggesting that the government pension be universally distributed, but the threshold level in value of assets could be made adjustable according to relevant monetary inflation rates.
The comment concerning application for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is at best nebulous. The benefits available from that source are about as tangible as the clouds.

It’s not only about the money she’d receive from the pension. As I see it receiving just a small amount would give her a pensioner rate on electricity, gas, rates, water , etc and why shouldn’t she get those discounts? They worked all their lives just like everyone else…Shes 88 for goodness sake.

I'm not commenting about other states but here in Queensland you get a Seniors card at 65 and get quite a lot of discounts on utilities. Maybe she should ask the authorities in her State about that. Perhaps she is already getting them but doesn't know it because she hasn't read her utility accounts carefully.

 

[Isis]

Have a little compassion people!! She’s 88 and lost her husband who probably managed every last cent in the household.
I used to be an insurance agent managing all the life and investment products for a large company’s super fund. We had many women as young as in their 60s who didn’t even know how to open a bank account! Poor lady is grieving and probably had bills to pay that she can’t manage and wouldn’t have a clue how to sell shares- all she asked for was a little advice. Wow we can be a mean lot on this forum - lucky you’re not 88 and grieving

That was me, ran a household but husband did everything connected to finances, I learned the hard way, but I learned. No need for people to be so harsh, an opinion cane be given without being so judgemental