
Aged pensioners to feel impact of asset test changes
For the first time since the deeming rate was cut during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government will raise the rate from "artificially low levels" from September 20.
A deeming rate of 0.75 per cent will apply to assets under $64,200 for singles, with holdings above that at 2.75 per cent.
Those marks are up from 0.25 per cent and 2.25 per cent respectively.
But Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the rates remained below historical, pre-pandemic levels.
"The social security system must be grounded in fairness, which is why we adjust supports as the economy changes," she said.
"We'll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind."
The deeming rate is the government's method of calculating earnings on savings to see if people are eligible for welfare payments, and how much they should receive.
Cuts throughout the pandemic and subsequent freezing have saved social security recipients $1.8 billion, the government said.
The Australian Government Actuary will recommend deeming rates moving forward, but the social services minister will retain final say and could still make adjustments during exceptional services.
Indexation, to kick in from September 20, will raise age and disability pensions and carer payments by nearly $30 a fortnight.
More than five million recipients across the welfare system are set for raises including more than 2.5 million on the age pension.
"Thanks to indexation, millions of Aussies will receive a boost to their payment to help them cover everyday costs like groceries and healthcare … the government wants to help take the pressure off when it comes to cost of living," Ms Plibersek said.
Pensioners are set to feel the impact after the federal government raised rates on asset tests for welfare.
For the first time since the deeming rate was cut during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government will raise the rate from "artificially low levels" from September 20.
A deeming rate of 0.75 per cent will apply to assets under $64,200 for singles, with holdings above that at 2.75 per cent.
Those marks are up from 0.25 per cent and 2.25 per cent respectively.
But Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the rates remained below historical, pre-pandemic levels.
"The social security system must be grounded in fairness, which is why we adjust supports as the economy changes," she said.
"We'll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind."
The deeming rate is the government's method of calculating earnings on savings to see if people are eligible for welfare payments, and how much they should receive.
Cuts throughout the pandemic and subsequent freezing have saved social security recipients $1.8 billion, the government said.
The Australian Government Actuary will recommend deeming rates moving forward, but the social services minister will retain final say and could still make adjustments during exceptional services.
Indexation, to kick in from September 20, will raise age and disability pensions and carer payments by nearly $30 a fortnight.
More than five million recipients across the welfare system are set for raises including more than 2.5 million on the age pension.
"Thanks to indexation, millions of Aussies will receive a boost to their payment to help them cover everyday costs like groceries and healthcare … the government wants to help take the pressure off when it comes to cost of living," Ms Plibersek said.
Pensioners are set to feel the impact after the federal government raised rates on asset tests for welfare.
For the first time since the deeming rate was cut during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government will raise the rate from "artificially low levels" from September 20.
A deeming rate of 0.75 per cent will apply to assets under $64,200 for singles, with holdings above that at 2.75 per cent.
Those marks are up from 0.25 per cent and 2.25 per cent respectively.
But Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the rates remained below historical, pre-pandemic levels.
"The social security system must be grounded in fairness, which is why we adjust supports as the economy changes," she said.
"We'll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind."
The deeming rate is the government's method of calculating earnings on savings to see if people are eligible for welfare payments, and how much they should receive.
Cuts throughout the pandemic and subsequent freezing have saved social security recipients $1.8 billion, the government said.
The Australian Government Actuary will recommend deeming rates moving forward, but the social services minister will retain final say and could still make adjustments during exceptional services.
Indexation, to kick in from September 20, will raise age and disability pensions and carer payments by nearly $30 a fortnight.
More than five million recipients across the welfare system are set for raises including more than 2.5 million on the age pension.
"Thanks to indexation, millions of Aussies will receive a boost to their payment to help them cover everyday costs like groceries and healthcare … the government wants to help take the pressure off when it comes to cost of living," Ms Plibersek said.
Pensioners are set to feel the impact after the federal government raised rates on asset tests for welfare.
For the first time since the deeming rate was cut during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government will raise the rate from "artificially low levels" from September 20.
A deeming rate of 0.75 per cent will apply to assets under $64,200 for singles, with holdings above that at 2.75 per cent.
Those marks are up from 0.25 per cent and 2.25 per cent respectively.
But Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the rates remained below historical, pre-pandemic levels.
"The social security system must be grounded in fairness, which is why we adjust supports as the economy changes," she said.
"We'll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind."
The deeming rate is the government's method of calculating earnings on savings to see if people are eligible for welfare payments, and how much they should receive.
Cuts throughout the pandemic and subsequent freezing have saved social security recipients $1.8 billion, the government said.
The Australian Government Actuary will recommend deeming rates moving forward, but the social services minister will retain final say and could still make adjustments during exceptional services.
Indexation, to kick in from September 20, will raise age and disability pensions and carer payments by nearly $30 a fortnight.
More than five million recipients across the welfare system are set for raises including more than 2.5 million on the age pension.
"Thanks to indexation, millions of Aussies will receive a boost to their payment to help them cover everyday costs like groceries and healthcare … the government wants to help take the pressure off when it comes to cost of living," Ms Plibersek said.
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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Aged pensioners to feel impact of asset test changes
Pensioners are set to feel the impact after the federal government raised rates on asset tests for welfare. For the first time since the deeming rate was cut during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government will raise the rate from "artificially low levels" from September 20. A deeming rate of 0.75 per cent will apply to assets under $64,200 for singles, with holdings above that at 2.75 per cent. Those marks are up from 0.25 per cent and 2.25 per cent respectively. But Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the rates remained below historical, pre-pandemic levels. "The social security system must be grounded in fairness, which is why we adjust supports as the economy changes," she said. "We'll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind." The deeming rate is the government's method of calculating earnings on savings to see if people are eligible for welfare payments, and how much they should receive. Cuts throughout the pandemic and subsequent freezing have saved social security recipients $1.8 billion, the government said. The Australian Government Actuary will recommend deeming rates moving forward, but the social services minister will retain final say and could still make adjustments during exceptional services. Indexation, to kick in from September 20, will raise age and disability pensions and carer payments by nearly $30 a fortnight. More than five million recipients across the welfare system are set for raises including more than 2.5 million on the age pension. "Thanks to indexation, millions of Aussies will receive a boost to their payment to help them cover everyday costs like groceries and healthcare … the government wants to help take the pressure off when it comes to cost of living," Ms Plibersek said. Pensioners are set to feel the impact after the federal government raised rates on asset tests for welfare. For the first time since the deeming rate was cut during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government will raise the rate from "artificially low levels" from September 20. A deeming rate of 0.75 per cent will apply to assets under $64,200 for singles, with holdings above that at 2.75 per cent. Those marks are up from 0.25 per cent and 2.25 per cent respectively. But Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the rates remained below historical, pre-pandemic levels. "The social security system must be grounded in fairness, which is why we adjust supports as the economy changes," she said. "We'll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind." The deeming rate is the government's method of calculating earnings on savings to see if people are eligible for welfare payments, and how much they should receive. Cuts throughout the pandemic and subsequent freezing have saved social security recipients $1.8 billion, the government said. The Australian Government Actuary will recommend deeming rates moving forward, but the social services minister will retain final say and could still make adjustments during exceptional services. Indexation, to kick in from September 20, will raise age and disability pensions and carer payments by nearly $30 a fortnight. More than five million recipients across the welfare system are set for raises including more than 2.5 million on the age pension. "Thanks to indexation, millions of Aussies will receive a boost to their payment to help them cover everyday costs like groceries and healthcare … the government wants to help take the pressure off when it comes to cost of living," Ms Plibersek said. Pensioners are set to feel the impact after the federal government raised rates on asset tests for welfare. For the first time since the deeming rate was cut during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government will raise the rate from "artificially low levels" from September 20. A deeming rate of 0.75 per cent will apply to assets under $64,200 for singles, with holdings above that at 2.75 per cent. Those marks are up from 0.25 per cent and 2.25 per cent respectively. But Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the rates remained below historical, pre-pandemic levels. "The social security system must be grounded in fairness, which is why we adjust supports as the economy changes," she said. "We'll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind." The deeming rate is the government's method of calculating earnings on savings to see if people are eligible for welfare payments, and how much they should receive. Cuts throughout the pandemic and subsequent freezing have saved social security recipients $1.8 billion, the government said. The Australian Government Actuary will recommend deeming rates moving forward, but the social services minister will retain final say and could still make adjustments during exceptional services. Indexation, to kick in from September 20, will raise age and disability pensions and carer payments by nearly $30 a fortnight. More than five million recipients across the welfare system are set for raises including more than 2.5 million on the age pension. "Thanks to indexation, millions of Aussies will receive a boost to their payment to help them cover everyday costs like groceries and healthcare … the government wants to help take the pressure off when it comes to cost of living," Ms Plibersek said. Pensioners are set to feel the impact after the federal government raised rates on asset tests for welfare. For the first time since the deeming rate was cut during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government will raise the rate from "artificially low levels" from September 20. A deeming rate of 0.75 per cent will apply to assets under $64,200 for singles, with holdings above that at 2.75 per cent. Those marks are up from 0.25 per cent and 2.25 per cent respectively. But Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the rates remained below historical, pre-pandemic levels. "The social security system must be grounded in fairness, which is why we adjust supports as the economy changes," she said. "We'll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind." The deeming rate is the government's method of calculating earnings on savings to see if people are eligible for welfare payments, and how much they should receive. Cuts throughout the pandemic and subsequent freezing have saved social security recipients $1.8 billion, the government said. The Australian Government Actuary will recommend deeming rates moving forward, but the social services minister will retain final say and could still make adjustments during exceptional services. Indexation, to kick in from September 20, will raise age and disability pensions and carer payments by nearly $30 a fortnight. More than five million recipients across the welfare system are set for raises including more than 2.5 million on the age pension. "Thanks to indexation, millions of Aussies will receive a boost to their payment to help them cover everyday costs like groceries and healthcare … the government wants to help take the pressure off when it comes to cost of living," Ms Plibersek said.


Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
Aged pensioners to feel impact of asset test changes
Pensioners are set to feel the impact after the federal government raised rates on asset tests for welfare. For the first time since the deeming rate was cut during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government will raise the rate from "artificially low levels" from September 20. A deeming rate of 0.75 per cent will apply to assets under $64,200 for singles, with holdings above that at 2.75 per cent. Those marks are up from 0.25 per cent and 2.25 per cent respectively. But Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek said the rates remained below historical, pre-pandemic levels. "The social security system must be grounded in fairness, which is why we adjust supports as the economy changes," she said. "We'll continue to make sure the system is there to support those who need it most, ensuring that everyone can make ends meet and no one gets left behind." The deeming rate is the government's method of calculating earnings on savings to see if people are eligible for welfare payments, and how much they should receive. Cuts throughout the pandemic and subsequent freezing have saved social security recipients $1.8 billion, the government said. The Australian Government Actuary will recommend deeming rates moving forward, but the social services minister will retain final say and could still make adjustments during exceptional services. Indexation, to kick in from September 20, will raise age and disability pensions and carer payments by nearly $30 a fortnight. More than five million recipients across the welfare system are set for raises including more than 2.5 million on the age pension. "Thanks to indexation, millions of Aussies will receive a boost to their payment to help them cover everyday costs like groceries and healthcare … the government wants to help take the pressure off when it comes to cost of living," Ms Plibersek said.

Sydney Morning Herald
4 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Push to recognise overseas qualifications before unions and business clash on tax
Nurses, engineers and other immigrants with qualifications from overseas would be able to work in Australia under a proposal that won support at Tuesday's economic roundtable as unions and bosses jousted over a bid to slap a new tax on businesses. Treasurer Jim Chalmers hailed the first day of the three-day Canberra talkfest as a moment of consensus on skills reform, prompting Labor to do an about-face and start drafting a joint statement of intent after last week downplaying expectations of any international summit-style statement. As Chalmers prepared to oversee disputes over artificial intelligence at Wednesday's session, he lauded the collaboration of economists, captains of industry and workers' representatives, who he said had 'really risen to the occasion'. But other sources in the closed-off cabinet room said the meeting was highly stage-managed. 'No one is challenging anyone,' one participant said on the condition of anonymity. Former Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe launched a significant attack on Labor's economic record, saying in a clip released as the roundtable began that Chalmers had spent more at a time when restraint was needed to bring down inflation. 'After COVID, we haven't really got back to a clearly articulated framework for decision-making with fiscal policy,' Lowe said in a video recorded a month ago and released on Tuesday by the University of NSW and think tank e61. Noting that higher interest rates were the chief tool used to tackle inflation, Lowe said 'exercising discipline is not popular, and exercising restraint is not popular. It's much easier for the political class to say, if things need to slow, we'll get the central bank to do that with interest rates, and they can, they can take the blame.' At the roundtable, there was broad backing for slashing another tranche of so-called 'nuisance tariffs' – tiny charges on imports which add to compliance costs and consumer prices. But trade union bosses at the high-profile talkfest, including the ACTU's Sally McManus, raised concerns about acknowledging some foreign degrees and warned that industries would need to be protected if tariffs were removed.