PENSION RATE CUT

[kengillard]

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/politics/pension-rise-hit-by-rate-gouge/story-e6frgczf-1225840233497

Thanks Julia!

[rabbitearbandicoot]

on the subject of the OP, we received 2 letters from Centrelink today saying "An initial instalment of Clean Energy Supplement of $1 is included in your payment" - that's each mind you - so we're off out to paint the town red - lol.

It's evidently a part payment and will be $13.50 per fortnight. Is this what you are talking about kengillard? or can we expect another windfall?? 

** for which, I might add, we are grateful - every little bit helps said the old lady who ......I better not complete that ...

[cherry*135]

What the Gillard government has done is to place people who were receiving the single parent pension payment on to the NewStart allowance.  People now receive from $160 less per fortnight.  

Is that the right amount or is it $60 pw./$120 less per fortnight?

Also don't the new changes only apply to single parents whose youngest child is 8 or over? 

If work is available in their area, they could work p/t and easily earn $60 p.w (about 3 hrs work per week).

[purple_haize]

Those on the age pension get a rise of $15.43 per fortnight, if you are a couple, each person gets $15.43.

I have just been on my centrelink page, and I am on the age pension and this is what it says.

So, I got half this week and will start getting the full rise next fortnight.

[katydidthat]

Freaki, I spoke out at the time about single parents having their pensions reduced previously ... it wasn't fair then and it isn't fair now.  

Single mothers find it much more difficult to get jobs than other welfare recipients ... and they have to cope with the situation of being a parent AS WELL AS being a job seeker ... 

I heard on the radio the other day that NewStart Allowance hadn't increased in 20 years or so ... 

I hear Gillard on an almost daily basis talking about how she/her government stands up for the disadvantaged ... looks after the needs of ALL Australians ... it's not true.  

Single parents, people with disabilities ... have been sacrificed to ... I dunno?  the budget bottom line?  Popular opinion?  

Same thing with asylum seekers ... poor, broken, tortured, desperate people, trying to escape horrible lives ... after escaping even more horrible lives ... and many of them come here with needed skills and qualifications and experience ... and then we don't let them work, but allow in people from yet other countries to do jobs like hairdressing, instead of skilling up our own people.  

[katydidthat]

am*3, depending on the number of children you have, the amount starts at $160 per fortnight.  Then it increases.

Yes, it applies to single parents who have children aged 8 and over.  

BUT for many single parents, work just isn't available.  

I don't think it's unreasonable for single parents of kids aged 8 and over to seek work during school hours ... but for many, such jobs don't exist.  Employers are reluctant to give work to single parents because 1) we have a bad reputation and 2) we are expected to take much more time off than other employees.  

The cost of child care means that taking many low paid jobs is not worth it ... who wants to work and pay for child care and LOSE MONEY?  

[sandypas]

These are the correct rates:

     http://www.superguide.com.au/how-super-works/age-pension-march-2013-rates

Those who received their pension this week would have received a portion of the rise.

ph - a couple gets a total of $27 odd each which includes the clean energy allowance.

[izabsmiling]

I posted part of this earlier.This is the other half

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/seniors/benefits-payments/more-pension-increases

Adult Total Maximum Pension Rates at 20 March 2013

Single per fortnight

base $ 733.7

pension supplement $ 61.20

clean energy supplement$ 13.50

Total per fortnight$ 808.40

Partnered (ea) per fortnight

base $ 553.10

pension supplement $ 46.10

clean energy supplement $10.20

Total per fortnight $ 609.40

These new rates represent an increase in the maximum total pension-related payment of around $207 a fortnight for single people and around $236 a fortnight for couples, combined,

since September 2009.

Further pension increases through the Household Assistance Package

Pensioners, including part-rate pensioners, received an initial payment of $250 for singles and $190 for each eligible member of a couple.

This initial payment, the Clean Energy Advance, was paid automatically in May/June 2012.

From March 2013, pensioners receive a regular fortnightly amount with their pension payments, called the Clean Energy Supplement.

A single pensioner receives $13.50 a fortnight and a partnered pensioner $10.20 per fortnight ($20.40 combined for a couple).

Pensioners can choose to have the Clean Energy Supplement paid quarterly rather than fortnightly if they wish.

Pensioners who elect to receive their Pension Supplement quarterly will automatically receive their Clean Energy Supplement quarterly from 20 June 2013. Quarterly payment rates are around $88 for single pensioners and $132 for couples combined.

The Clean Energy Supplement is indexed to the Consumer Price Index.

The Household Assistance Package is part of the Government’s plan for a Clean Energy Future and benefits those who need it most.

1Disability Support Pension rates for people under 21 without children continue to be adjusted in January in line with the CPI.

[nevynreally]

am*3, depending on the number of children you have, the amount starts at $160 per fortnight.  Then it increases.

Yes, it applies to single parents who have children aged 8 and over.  

BUT for many single parents, work just isn't available.  

I don't think it's unreasonable for single parents of kids aged 8 and over to seek work during school hours ... but for many, such jobs don't exist.  Employers are reluctant to give work to single parents because 1) we have a bad reputation and 2) we are expected to take much more time off than other employees.  

The cost of child care means that taking many low paid jobs is not worth it ... who wants to work and pay for child care and LOSE MONEY?  

Working during school hours and not paying childcare is doable if you're not precious and you're willing to accept that you're not owed. Why should the public pay for you to stay home because you can't work the job you want  because you have kids?

[rabbitearbandicoot]

am*3, depending on the number of children you have, the amount starts at $160 per fortnight.  Then it increases.

Yes, it applies to single parents who have children aged 8 and over.  

BUT for many single parents, work just isn't available.  

I don't think it's unreasonable for single parents of kids aged 8 and over to seek work during school hours ... but for many, such jobs don't exist.  Employers are reluctant to give work to single parents because 1) we have a bad reputation and 2) we are expected to take much more time off than other employees.  

The cost of child care means that taking many low paid jobs is not worth it ... who wants to work and pay for child care and LOSE MONEY?  

well, perhaps they could do the lawn mowing, baby sitting and dog walking? It would save us oldies from having to do it...you could take the kids along to help - no need for child care -  ask polksalad .. she has contacts in that arena.;-)

[freakiness]

Is that the right amount or is it $60 pw./$120 less per fortnight?

Also don't the new changes only apply to single parents whose youngest child is 8 or over? 

If work is available in their area, they could work p/t and easily earn $60 p.w (about 3 hrs work per week).

It's about the rate at which the payment reduces from what I've heard.

They used to be able to earn more before the payment was reduced and the cents per dollar amount is also different.

I have no problem with the concept but I do have a problem with punishing those who are already installed in work.  I think an adjustment to the allowable earnings is in order.