Make weekly pension payments a choice

27 July 2010

With news that the Coalition will seek to have Child Care Rebate payments made on a weekly basis to help ease cost-of-living pressures, political parties should take the same approach for pensioners and Allowance recipients and give them the option of weekly payments as well,” said Antoine Mangion, CPSA Policy/Research Officer.

“Opposition Leader Tony Abbott yesterday highlighted what many people have long known: that it is much easier for households to budget when they receive their income on a weekly basis. Minister for Families Jenny Macklin acknowledged this was especially the case for low income households earlier this year as well.

“Most single pensioners get by on $350 a week and Allowance recipients try to manage on even less, yet they can only get paid in fortnightly instalments. With bills, weekly and daily expenses such as food, medicine and transport, along with the occasional unexpected cost, many pensioners and Allowance recipients would welcome the opportunity to receive their payments in shorter intervals.

“The changes made earlier this year by the Australian Government allowing some to access weekly payments are welcome. However only those deemed vulnerable and at risk of homelessness are eligible. This is far too narrow.

“It shouldn’t be the case that Centrelink determines how people are best able to budget. People should be given the opportunity to make that decision for themselves.

“We call on the Australian Government, Opposition and other parties to make optional weekly Centrelink payments a reality. This simple yet effective change will mean a great deal to households on low incomes.”

Contact: Antoine Mangion, CPSA Policy/Research Officer

Mobile: 0410 612 182

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