Work disincentive: Pensioners left out-of-pocket because they work

“Pensioners are angry that they lose part of their pension because they have to report their earnings fortnightly to Centrelink.”

“Treasurer Wayne Swan could entice thousands of Age Pensioners to work if reporting requirements were returned to what they were.”

“Years ago pensioners fought to be able to average-out their employment income, either over three months or a year, so that those who work casually were not unfairly penalised.”

“Some Age Pensioners are better off under the new ‘Work Bonus’ system. But most Age Pensioners who work on a casual basis now lose part of their pension, whereas before they may well have seen no change.”

“If Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Treasurer Swan are serious about getting older people back into the workforce, they’d abolish the fortnightly reporting requirements for pensioners who work casually.”

Media contact: 0410 612 182

Charmaine Crowe
Policy Coordinator
Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA)
Level 9, 28 Foveaux Street Surry Hills NSW, 2010
Phone (02) 9281 3588
Mob 0410 612 182
Fax (02) 9281 9716