I need to supplement the pension with other income. I wouldn’t be able to live on only a pension.

Was on it for a while then got the chance to another job. I would not wish to go back on to the pension while I could work. Now I'm in the silly position of wishing I could have a pension as our financial position has taken a dive since Covid struck

I just live from week to week and now the help I get has just been doubled in cost so it will be much harder.

Paying a mortgage on a pension is hard what with council rates and maintenance where rent assistance helps the unemployed technically they get get a better deal they most certainly did when covid struck with 550$ extra a fortnight .where people worked paid taxes and now struggle with cost of living the way food and power has sky rocketed

I do find it hard to live on if something breaks down and has to be fixed it is hard

so far its been ok but if ihad to have an operation wouldnt be to good and havent saved for furneral or hearing aids as yet

I do not live on the pension and probably will never live on the pension, but I have lived my whole life as though I have been on the pension for fear of what may lay ahead. Now I worry about my children and how they are going to manage so I kept $20,000 from my superannuation and gave the rest to my them but still they struggle. Looking back I worked way too hard for what I have. There was not much enjoyment in the life I had. I would have been better off working less, having a bit more time for myself and my family and just living off the pension perhaps.

To add insult to injury the new pollies have just got a good pay rise only after 2 weeks in the job whereas the workers etc. have been fighting for something for years. The pollies have not had a rise for 2-3 years but then they are getting over paid anyway living on a fantastic wage, perks, etc.

Fortunately we are not fully dependent on the pension we receive only a part pension .I feel strongly about means testing .It should not be used against age pensions

National superannuation is seeming to be riding for a short time of the year but it doesn't seem to be affording the groceries it should. The price has gone up by half more than it was this time la st year..I am shocked each time I go grocery shopping at how the amount has gone up and I leave things off the order to try as ND keep it down but it still goes over the top.

there's mot much left from the 'blind' pension either, particularly because her tucker costs me about $50 a month and virtually all of our 'savings' have gone. What bugs me though is the whiners who reckon that if you've got a wage or are on the pension that you are doing ok, because they are not getting interest on their money or not getting dividends on their shares, fact check, you can own your own residence and have more than a million $AU and still get a part aged pension. fact check the full aged pension for a couple is about AU$1480which is reduced by 50c ents for every dollar that you get per fortnight in excess of $320 so I'd guess that a couple could 'bring in' about 800 a fortnight and still get a part pension, It's funny but the 'concessions' for pensioners have never kept pace with inflation and annual upwards adjustments either

Australian Government needs to help more at both ends of the age scale. A lot more people suffering a lot more than before.

I really can't comment because I'm too young I'm only 59

I'm on the age pension and have more money now than when I worked as a part time agency carer. I find I have to budget carefully. I am by myself so makes a difference. Recently a friend took to a place called Earthwise in Subiaco where you could have a hot meal enough for two, Also if you went at 10am there was a food shop where they had frozen, tinned food also fresh fruit and veges and everything paid for by weight. works out suprisingly cheap, also an op shop. Free bread, loaves and bread buns lovely and fresh and soft. 50 cents for a coffee. always on a Thursday morning from 10am for the food shop and 12md for lunch. There are other places too where you can have your electricity bill paid once a year and every 3 months a little help with food Fridays at Nollamara Uniting Aid. Another place hands out food packages on a Wednesday from 9 to 11 at a church in Lombardi Street Woodlands. I don't use them all the time but they are handy when I have a lot of bills come in all at once. Yes cost of living is going up and you have to do your best to manage. Of course it helps if you have a generous son who always helps me if I ask him. The pension needs a decent rise.

If you earn a wage or are on the pension you are doing alright. My husband and I worked and did without while we saved for our retirement and now that we are retired we get nothing from the government and pay full price for everything while we use our savings. We don't ever get an increase and over the past few years we have earnt next to no interest and in 2020 and 2021 we didn't receive any dividends on our shares so we hardly had any income at all. Today the stock market fell and my husband told me how much money we had lost, and given our age we won't be able to make it up as we have with previous market falls. Our pool of money gets smaller and smaller while those on the pension ask for more money and wage earners also want more. There is no-one we can ask for more money because no-one really cares. We very often wonder why we bothered to do without and save as we might have been better off spending our money and getting the old age pension because people for some reason feel sorry for them. People hear self funded and think "rich" but it depends when you retired and the rules changed.

Sometimes depending on the outgoing expenditure, eg, all bills seem to come at once, rates, insurances, telstra, etc

I do struggle a bit but I have a big dog to feed, & I rent

a struggle seeing it has ot kept up with cpi, and we paid 7.5% of our income to have a pension when we retired. but as usual the politicians have different idead

NZ super is just enough to keep body & soul together- definitely no extras

I am not on the aged pension, but from what I have heard it is not easy, especially with the cost of living skyrocketing every day. Any increases to the pension are so small they would be lucky to buy even a Mars bar let alone meet all of the inflation.

It's a struggle.

At present just getting by with all the inflation, gas,electricity and water on top of food, transport and accommodation costs, difficult and hard to deal with at times

Yes depending on the cost of living

not there yet but have seen retired people having to come back to the workforce to survive

With the combination of us both having saved like mad for the last few years of our working lives we were able to have a modest amount in our super. Bear in mind that prior to compulsory super very few working class people had the opportunity to even be granted self paid super into their work super schemes. However now, we are graciously allowed about $35 pension each per fortnight. We've had to forgo most forms of insurance such as full vehicle or health insurance as we just can't afford it.

I'm lucky, I paid off my mortgage and after losing my super' because of thieves, I'm now on the aged pension and still find it hard to live on. I pity those people who have a mortgage or rent, I don't know how they manage.

I find it enough but I worked very hard to make sure that I was mortgage free before I retired, I saved a little extra to help me in retirement too so I manage ok but not much left over. I have three dogs though and they cost me $100 pw with food, meds, vet expenses etc.

I'm on the aged pension, but doing surveys to get that little extra, have small savings, so doing okay at the moment. Would have trouble if I had a big expense .

I wish that I qualified for a part pension.

do not get it

I find the aged pension very generous and we are living comfortably with all the extras and discounts we get from the government

I plan to live out my retirement years on the foreign mission field, somewhere warm and cheap.

There is not a lot left at the end of the shop

With help with growing some of our own food when we can, don't go or do any thing much. Try and stay at home as much as possible cook all our own meals. Doesn't help living on a country road as we got a cracked windscreen again. 2 in 6 months costing $330 a pop. EEKKK.

Same here but not enough for a lot more people

if you own your house [comfortable] if you dont [extreme pain] i own my house lucky

I have no idea. I am not on a pension and will not be because of my assets.

No way! The government has been aware for years that the "boomer" generation would mean a significant shift in the ratio of the number of employed supporting those on a pension. It used to be 15 employed for every retiree and retirees generally lived for 3 years after retirement. Now, it's 3 in the workforce for every retiree and we're living for 15 years after retirement. Still, the government messes with superannuation allowing people to access it now with no real policies to address the situation other than people having to sell their homes and live a lesser lifestyle because previous governments have left the "problem" for successive governments. They're fine of course with the generous pensions they receive. Eventually, they'll come up with a "final solution" and get rid of anyone over retirement age. I just threw that last scary scenario in there but I wouldn't put anything past the useless bastards!

i really don't know

all i have is the aged pension and i pay 2/3 of it for rent, i struggle to pay medical insurance and eat meals that are not as healthy as they should be. it is a constant struggle the pension needs to go up and the rent allowance is nowhere near enough.

I don't have any super and am an aged pensioner. I have to make a lot of decisions about what I can and can't afford. Often I can't have something that I would like rather than something that I need

I agree with some of the comments on this subject, especially the amounts that the politicians receive. It is an insult to the majority of pensioners that they have to struggle to maintain a quality of life when they have paid taxes all their working life to what the politicians get. Okay whilst they are actually working but once they are no longer working politicians, their wages should be cut back plus they lose all the perks that they get but the community do not know about. It is very hard to pay rent/mortgage & cope with the ever-rising cost of living plus all the other things that you have to pay such as car insurance/rego, medical bills etc. It is a daily struggle & you do have to adapt to the pension you receive & get the help when you have to.

Self funded by super by the money we put in, but dont get any other help either

I haven't tried to get any yet but I am assured that it is a nightmare process and a 46 page application form...I wish I was an MP.... Edited 14-Jun-22 15:20pm

just dont try to keep up with the jones

It is not enough and I am struggling to survive on it.

We live with our single daughter and her 4 schoolage children, while we are waiting to build a small home on her large holding. I don't what we would have done without her, we do live on a pension and yes it is hard to make ends meet.

Im not a pensioner but my parents are,its woeful what they are getting,these are people who built this country then thrown on the scrapheap,its like once your out of the tax system,just hurry up and die,we dont want you

we are lucky as we own our house if we never and had to rent things would be different we can bye wont we wont and get bye

it is almost enough to survive if have freehold house, nothing extra, for grandies no trips or luxuries. by the time rates, insurance food maintenance etc is done...... I believe NZ superannuation is not even equivalent to minimum wage that keeps rising hence making items more expensive

i dont know about that

Once upon a long time ago the Aged Pension kept pace with the Minimum Wage or very nearly so. It also was just above the Official Poverty Line. Today, successive Federal Governments, whilst conveniently arranging for themselves and their fellow politicians, senior Public Servants, the Judiciary, Retired - or is that sacked? - politicians through the Politician Appointed and Owned ill-named "Independent Remuneration Tribunal" to grant themselves regular 7% per annum Pay Rises - whilst they keep all Pensioners - Aged and others, those on Unemployment - the vast majority of those out of work do Not want to be - either on No increases as a result of the CPI or at a very minimum. For Example: The Inflation Rate is currently running at 5.1% - deliberately kept Low by the ABS using out-dated methods whilst you and I all know that Food Prices alone have increased by around 22%! When that 5.1% CPI was announced Pensions did Not go up. Our politicians are already seeking a 7% Pay Rise for themselves and citing Cost of Living Pressures as justification! The ALP Premier of SA, Peter Malinauskas sacked 3 Public Servants who were on $600,000.00 per annum and appointed 3 new ones, who just happened to be ALP hacks and gave them a tad under 21% Pay Rise taking their Cash Income to $725,000.00 plus other non-cash benefits. All Pensions should be, if not above the current official Poverty Line at least equal to it. The country can afford it.

It is enough for me but I have no rent to pay so that would make a big difference. i find I can even save a bit for a short holiday and presents for children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren.

Very insufficient

I find it enough if you are careful what you spend. I actually get more per wk now than I earned as a retail store manager!

I am grateful for a part pension, We worked hard all our lives, and saved as much as we could. I still work to a budget, and try to save, if it is only a couple of dollars, for the inevitable rainy day. No debt, and never spend more than you 'earn' is my motto.

I am 74 and no pension but have applied for it. Problem was my wife works and her minimum wages is above the maximum for me. So got to scrape thru and do as many online surveys as possible. It helps but joist got to wait 4-6 weeks to see how I go. I applied before and was told sorry. I said to the Centrelink person I paid taxes for 50 years and nothing BUT you can find money for all who sneak in the back door. I said I might become a asylum seeker and get all you can throw at me. She said you are right ( but I can’t comment as employee) it’s a joke.

Pension alone is a struggle to do all you want to do. Need savings to dip into.

For anyone not owning their own home, I can see it being a struggle.

You must have supplemental income to plan for inflation and emergencies.

It’s barely enough if you own your home freehold but if you pay rent or a mortgage…..you’re cooked. It takes some really careful budgeting to get by

We always lived on on one income and invested the other. So we are doing well in retirement.

I'm on disability & my family & i struggle every month. We live check to check once my bills are paid our money is gone.

It's amazing how people in government decide on the measly sum for the age pension when they retire on huge amount of money plus lerks and perks for the rest of their lives - I would like to see them all trying to survive on this paltry amount even for one week!!! I don't know how people who don't own their home survive on this amount - the mind boggles!!!

I'm on Jobseeker and it's even less than the pension, yeah I'm struggling and have no life.

My husband is in the process of applying for it. You just about have to jump over hurdles to try and get it. The amount of information required is absolutely ridiculous. For goodness sake he's paid his taxes they should have the information. And then it's for a pathetic amount. They need to seriously look at the amount that is given to pensioners. Edited 14-Jun-22 14:03pm

We are really struggling, especially with the cost of living, combined with the fact that we are in private rental, which takes a great deal of our pension. What would be fair for the Government to at least raise it above the poverty line

Its a constant struggle now that my superannuation has been used up.

i struggle to make ends meet most times but then when you go without its ok,

My brother has saved $2000 in less than a year since he gave up smoking. The ones who own their own homes or have social housing seem to do okay from my limited knowledge.

Give the pensioners more $$$. Pay them weekly , & give them more discounts

I think the government should consider paying the pension out weekly with the same amount they pay out fortnightly. It is a very hard struggle living on the fortnightly pension { same amount payout weekly }

Iam not on aged pension yet but have family and friends who are. Some of them manage ok like my parents but I also know a lot of them who do struggle.

all ok

This is a very regulated question, unfortunately refutation does not pay the bills!

Aged pension is an insult. Superannuation didn't come in until the 90's for most people. Not enough time to get an amount to live on when retiring. Most of those on a pension have paid their taxes and should at least get the same as the minimum wage. Not so bad if you worked in the public sector where superannuation was available when I started work in the 60's. Why are our seniors not respected and looked after.

You may be ok if you ate noodles 7 days a week.

Aged pension for a single person is much less than required.

No, not enough, with the rising cost of living.

I think it not enough to live off is because price is rising all over the place and many people is struggled to make ends meet.

How does anyone manage on the pension alone especially with the rapid rising in the cost of living?

Never be afraid to seek extra help if your pension is not providing you with enough financial support. There are many additional methods of help within most communities eg. food hampers from charities like St. Vincent de Paul etc. It is understandable that asking for extra help can be embarassing and fearful for some, but try to reach out to your community as there are many kind hearted volunteers who can give you a little help. The aged pension is essentially a small supplement to add to a lifetime of savings .It is not something that can be lived off 100% without additional sources of support. It is very sad that so many pensioners for one reason or because of many, have not been able to save sufficiently over their lifetime to give themselves more comfortable and less stressful retirements. Everyone's circumstances are different and people's monetary needs in their old age are very different. Some truly struggle and need additional support. Please speak up. Contact your local council and they should be able to guide you to organisations that will do their best to provide you with a little extra assistance.

With the cost of living continually rising, Money is not going as far as it use to. pensioners often have to go without some things

Not enough!

I do with less in my youth in order to save for when I am older so why should I subsidize those that don't.

Not enough Edited 14-Jun-22 06:11am

If you own your home and car I think you would get by pretty well but if you are renting or have any loans then no chance to live on the age pension.

No, it is not enough to live on. My view is that the government should pay everyone a basic living wage (not means tested), and then we wouldn't need payments like pensions, benefits, etc.

I struggle.

I live from check to check.

CLICK "LIKE" ON HERE IF you agree that pensions should increase by at least $100 to $200 a fortnight ???

I find it very hard. I struggle every month to make ends meet being on a fixed income. Nothing left over for fun time

i can't afford to pay attention ;-(

I turned 65 in March, used to be the old-age pension age but not anymore as it's now 67 in Australia. I am however on a disability pension and struggle as much as all of you, if not more. After paying my rent, electricity, gas, water, internet, and mobile phone bills I have $40 a fortnight for food, taxi fares, and everything else. To make it worse my rent is increasing by $20 a week ( $40 a fortnight) in 60 more days. To make that even worse my GP has referred me to 5 different specialists for different medical conditions BUT I cannot see any of them because NONE of them bulk bill anymore and they all charge $ 180 each consultation and the Medicare rebate for each one is only $38. BUT WAIT, IT DOES NOT END THERE:- I've been getting Meals on Wheels from my local council FREE of charge since February last year and getting a few in-home care services from the Shire too for FREE under hardship clauses; however, from 1st July 2022 these services are no longer through the Shire and have been privatized thanks to Scott Morrison. As a result the Meals on Wheels has increased from $5-80 per meal to $ 10-50 per meal. As a result of recently turning 65 I now have to go through "My Aged Care" for these services and although I have been approved for "Package Number 3" they still want me to pay $ 10-96 per day per service I receive, taking into account all the services I need that will cost me $88 per fortnight out of the $40 per fortnight I currently have for food etc and be $88 per fortnight out of the $0 I will have for food etc once my rent goes up.....Meaning although the My Aged Care package number 3 gives me $34,000 a year in funding ( paid directly to service providers ) I will NOT be able to get any of those services or Meals on Wheels because I do not have the money to pay $ 10-96 a day per service. I applied for a hardship to waiver those fees but in making their decision Services Australia made their decision on the amount of pension payments I am paid and DID NOT ask me what my fortnightly expenses are to determine how much I have left over after paying rent and bills...As if Services Australia believes our only expenses are the My Age Care fees. Meaning that the government believes that expenses such as rent/mortgage, electricity, gas, water, internet, phone, groceries, taxis, petrol, insurance, vet bills etc DO NOT exist

My pension (federal civil service retirement check (USA) - in my case) is more than enough (I am saving about 1,000 dollars a month on my federal civil service retirement check) - since it is tax-free (I retired on 100% disability). I got shot on the job by a disgruntled co-worker - my retirement automatic double in amount - however, I am not eligible for a cola (cost of living adjustment)!Edited 14-Jun-22 08:35am

Cannot even afford heating nowadays.

I struggle every day.

Have to look for cheaper everything

I still have a mortgage, Strata fees, car insurances third party only, internet for something to do, utilities,rates, credit card, etc. and I rarely go out in the car to save fuel so maybe once a fortnight to grocery shop, never buy food or drink in a cafe etc. dine out, go to the theatre etc. I have a strict budget and stick to it but as everything is going up this is going to become harder and harder. Now our rates and water are going up over 5% each, electricity is going up in 2 weeks, groceries are going through the roof etc. I can see where I will have to eliminate insurance, internet, the car and still not be able to manage.