March Indexation: Relief for Australians on Centrelink Benefits in Aged Care and Disability
March Indexation: Relief for Australians on Centrelink Benefits in Aged Care and Disability
The Australian government's March indexation provides a much-needed boost to Australians who receive Centrelink benefits, particularly those in aged care and disability. The government adjusts some Centrelink payments twice a year to keep pace with inflation and maintain the value of the payments. However, these increases do not provide any increase in purchasing power for households that depend on them.
From March, several payments will see indexation increases, including age pension, ABSTUDY, disability support pension, carer payment, JobSeeker, and parenting payment (single parent). This increase will have a significant impact on the aged care and disability sectors, where many Australians rely on these payments to cover their basic needs and expenses, such as healthcare, medications, and daily living costs.
The indexation increase in age pension, disability support pension, and carer payment will provide much-needed relief to those receiving these payments, particularly those who are single and living alone. These payments are vital for people who are unable to work due to their age or disability, and the increase will help them maintain their standard of living.
However, the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) notes that indexation increases do not address the inadequacy of income support, particularly for those on JobSeeker payments. People on JobSeeker payments often have disabilities or chronic health conditions, and the increase may not be sufficient to cover their expenses.
Additionally, the aged care and disability sectors often struggle to find and retain qualified and compassionate caregivers due to low wages and poor working conditions. As the cost of living increases, these workers may find it challenging to make ends meet and may choose to leave the sector, exacerbating the existing shortage of caregivers. This situation may make it more difficult for elderly and disabled Australians to receive the care and support they require.
While the March indexation provides some relief, there is still much work to be done to address the inadequacy of income support and improve the working conditions for caregivers in the aged care and disability sectors.