Pensioners to see financial relief from March 20, but NT seniors’ advocate says it’s not enough to ease cost-of-living pressures.

A pension increase is on the way for Territory battlers, but COTA NT warns that many seniors are still struggling with the rising cost of living. Find out what the increase is.

Minister for Youth, Seniors and Equality Jinson Charls, Sue Shearer (COTA NT) and Yvonne Coleman (STEPS). Picture: Fia Walsh.

Northern Territory pensioners and other battlers will receive a small financial boost from March 20 as the latest round of social security payment increases take effect.

Under the Albanese Labor Government’s indexation changes, single pensioners will receive an extra $3913 per year, while couples will see a combined increase of $5902 annually.

JobSeeker recipients, single parents, and those receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance will also benefit from the changes.

However, Council on the Ageing NT (COTA NT) CEO Sue Shearer says the increase doesn’t go far enough in helping pensioners manage soaring living costs, particularly in the Northern Territory.

“While the Albanese government will provide more incentives to lower cost-of-living pressures for pensioners – it is still not enough,” Ms Shearer said.

She highlighted that many pensioners are struggling to afford their rent, with the NT having one of the highest percentages of people in private rentals.

“The average pensioner, if they don’t own their home, is living on the poverty line,” Ms Shearer said.

“How can you survive on a single pension of just over $1000 per fortnight when rent is $300 to $400 each week?”

Ms Shearer is calling for changes to the pension system that would allow seniors to supplement their income without financial penalties.

“During a skill shortage, especially in the NT, why can’t pensioners earn at least $15,000 to $20,000 to supplement their pension, without having to pay 48 cents in the dollar?” she said.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the government remains committed to easing cost-of-living pressures for older Australians.

“We’ve spent the past three years strengthening our social security system so that it helps Australians at whatever age or stage they’re at in life,” she said.

She added that the regular indexation of pensions and payments is a crucial part of ensuring seniors receive financial relief.

“For pensioners and other payment recipients receiving this financial boost, this will help ease some pressure,” Ms Rishworth said.

While the latest rise provides some relief, advocates like COTA NT argue that further reforms are needed to give seniors real financial security, particularly in high-cost regions like the Northern Territory.

Originally published as Pensioners to see financial relief from March 20, but NT seniors’ advocate says it’s not enough to ease cost-of-living pressures.