The Meeting Place > Government & Centrelink > Couple - one pensioner - one not old enough yet?

Couple - one pensioner - one not old enough yet?

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Wendy HK
12 yrs ago

My husband will be retiring at the end of the year at age almost 67.
He is fine to get the age pension but I will only be 63 so therefore not eligible for another two years.
I haven't worked (for a boss) for 12 years and when I did it was a specialised field that I haven't kept up with the technology so can't go back to that.
How do other couples cope on one pension and CentreLink says I will have to go on NewStart ***laughs loudly** I was too old at 40 to get a job (I did after 6 months of trying) so what hope now??

4 comments
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clay
12 yrs ago

Its likely that the New Start allowance is similar to the Age pension payment anyway and you should check this out first ...........If I am right ....and I may not be ....this payment will cease and the aged pension payment will take over automatically when you are of the correct age ............

Wendy, your husband will go on to the married aged pension ($564 per fortnight incl., Supplement) if he has not got Super & you will automatically go on to Newstart ($439 per fortnight) until you are 64 & 6 months, at which time you go onto the same rated as your husband.  If you are renting, you will get the rental allowance + phone, electricity & water allowances

When I said you qualified at age 64 1/2, I was persuming that you were born before 31st December 1948 if later, you will have to wait until you are 65.

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Wendy HK
12 yrs ago

Whew! Thanks for that Clay & Innes.
I had visions of lining up for an interview at jobs with the power suited young pretties and totally being outclassed!
I am 6 months too young (love saying "too young" :-) ) to get into the 64.5 yo cut off.

4 comments



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