The new Pension Work Bonus rule is taking effect today
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It can be difficult to make ends meet on the pension. Even with the recent (small) increase, living costs have become overwhelmingly high.
So, any extra help is always welcome news — and that's exactly what we're here to tell you about, members!
In an effort to help address labour shortages across the country, Australian pensioners will now have the ability to work more hours without receiving a penalty to Centrelink payments.
This change came into effect Thursday, December 1, and adds $4000 to the maximum Work Bonus balance limit, raising the ceiling for qualified working pensioners from $7800 to $11,800.
The change is effective until January 1, 2024, which is when the limit resets to $7,800.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth explained that the move is designed to enable pensioners who are able and willing to work to ‘immediately boost the supply of labour’ needed to meet the demands of the country.
‘The government will also look to strengthen legislation to ensure pensioners who are working don’t get unnecessarily kicked out of the social security system.'
'The Albanese Labor government is committed to improving the lives of all Australians – including older Australians – and, importantly, providing choice.'
Prior to this, there were concerns raised by many senior Australians stuck between wanting to work more hours and preserving their pensions as costs of living skyrocketed.
Aussies who receive the Carer Payment or Disability Support pension are also qualified for the Work Bonus.
All one needs to do is declare his or her income and the Work Bonus will automatically be applied if the eligibility requirements are met.
This development comes after welfare payments saw a boost with indexation in September.
Those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments saw an additional $38.90 a fortnight for singles and $58.80 for couples.
In related news, welfare payments for millions of Australians might see more increases if the Labor-led government has enough votes to support its proposed industrial relations bill.
So, what do you think? How will this development impact you, especially if you are working to make ends meet?
Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!
Source: YouTube/Services Australia
So, any extra help is always welcome news — and that's exactly what we're here to tell you about, members!
In an effort to help address labour shortages across the country, Australian pensioners will now have the ability to work more hours without receiving a penalty to Centrelink payments.
This change came into effect Thursday, December 1, and adds $4000 to the maximum Work Bonus balance limit, raising the ceiling for qualified working pensioners from $7800 to $11,800.
The change is effective until January 1, 2024, which is when the limit resets to $7,800.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth explained that the move is designed to enable pensioners who are able and willing to work to ‘immediately boost the supply of labour’ needed to meet the demands of the country.
‘The government will also look to strengthen legislation to ensure pensioners who are working don’t get unnecessarily kicked out of the social security system.'
'The Albanese Labor government is committed to improving the lives of all Australians – including older Australians – and, importantly, providing choice.'
Prior to this, there were concerns raised by many senior Australians stuck between wanting to work more hours and preserving their pensions as costs of living skyrocketed.
Aussies who receive the Carer Payment or Disability Support pension are also qualified for the Work Bonus.
All one needs to do is declare his or her income and the Work Bonus will automatically be applied if the eligibility requirements are met.
This development comes after welfare payments saw a boost with indexation in September.
Those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Carer Payments saw an additional $38.90 a fortnight for singles and $58.80 for couples.
In related news, welfare payments for millions of Australians might see more increases if the Labor-led government has enough votes to support its proposed industrial relations bill.
Key Takeaways
- The maximum Work Bonus balance will increase from $7800 to $11,800 as of December 1.
- The changes will automatically come into effect and apply to pensioners and veterans.
- The changes are effective for a year, and will end on January 1, 2024.
Tell us your thoughts and opinions below!
Source: YouTube/Services Australia