Hello Seniors
Thank you for giving us the chance to speak up about the recent payment. I am a single age pensioner with many chronic illnesses. As much as I appreciate the payment as I have no savings and no home, I am concerned that the government will then, come budget time, turn round and say you have had your money, be quiet & be thankful.
It does not address the problems we have occured over the years such as the anomaly in the PBS threshold. I believe the 58 scripts needed to reach it is fine for couples but singles should have a lower threshold. 58 is far too many for most singles, unless they are chronically ill like me, to reach. Then with the housing department, they take 25% of any monies we receive. I believe it should be connected with the rates, when householders get a rate increase then the department should take 10% of our latest rise. This would make it fairer all round. There are other problems that have to be looked at too.
I run an action group in the Richmond area & there are many pensioners living on the Tweed & they are doing it tough as are all pensioners. We need a big rise a fortnight to bring us to a reasonable living standard.
I really hope this will be addressed at the next budget.
Thank you for this opportunity

Terri B