Retirement
‘Manifestly unfair’: Age pension deeming rate
1 May’s deeming rate change for pensioners is not enough to combat the grip of the COVID-19 health and financial crisis, an advocacy group has warned.
‘Manifestly unfair’: Age pension deeming rate
1 May’s deeming rate change for pensioners is not enough to combat the grip of the COVID-19 health and financial crisis, an advocacy group has warned.
Just last week, the upper rate for savings and investments balances above $51,800 for a single pensioner fell from 3 per cent to 2.25 per cent, while the lower rate for savings and investments below $51,800 fell from 1 per cent to 0.25 per cent.
National Seniors Australia has previously welcomed the change of rates, but chief advocate Ian Henschke said that in the current COVID-19 context – where the official cash rate is at the record low of 0.25 per cent and billions of dollars of value has been wiped off the stock market – the “latest deeming rate cut is simply not enough”.
“Mayday is the international cry for help when in distress, and that’s how pensioners feel this May day because once again this latest deeming rate cut is simply not enough,” Mr Henschke said.
He highlighted bank deposit rates being at an all-time low, stock market crashes, slashed dividends and vanishing rental returns to illustrate his point.
Despite acknowledging the drop to 2.25 per cent, Mr Henschke queried: “Where do you find a safe place to get that sort of return?”
“Remember you’re deemed to be earning that amount, and your pension is cut accordingly by 50 cents in the dollar for every dollar earned above the threshold.”
According to National Seniors Australia, the rate is “manifestly unfair” and hurts nearly 1 million Australians – more than 500,000 of whom are aged pensioners.
And the 2.25 per cent rate is nowhere near what would be offered to anyone walking into a bank.
Mr Henschke said the deeming rate was too high, “even before the full impact of the COVID crisis hit home”.
Back in March, former treasurer Peter Costello had called out the deeming rate as too high, arguing that “the current rate was pushing pensioners into riskier investments, and that was a problem”, the advocate flagged.
“The current state of the sharemarket and property market shows just how risky the investment environment is outside of a government-backed term deposit,” he continued.
“If it says you can earn 2.25 per cent, then it should offer an investment that gives that return.”
About the author
About the author
Retirement Planning
Empowering your future: Financial literacy and retirement planning in Australia
In today’s complex financial landscape, achieving a secure and comfortable retirement requires more than just saving money. It demands a deep understanding of financial concepts and the ability to ...Read more
Retirement Planning
How much do you need to retire comfortably in Australia?
Retiring comfortably in Australia is a goal shared by many, but achieving this requires careful financial planning and a clear understanding of the cost of living. Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement planning advice for Australians: Avoiding common pitfalls
Retirement planning is a critical step in securing your financial future, but it's fraught with potential pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans. Read more
Retirement Planning
Mastering financial planning for retirement in Australia
Financial planning for retirement is a nuanced journey that requires careful consideration and strategic planning, particularly in Australia's unique financial landscape. Read more
Retirement Planning
Crafting your retirement planning spreadsheet in Australia
Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, especially in Australia where the landscape of superannuation and investments offers unique opportunities and challenges. Read more
Retirement Planning
Maximising your pension plan in Australia: Strategies for a comfortable retirement
In the ever-evolving landscape of retirement planning in Australia, securing a comfortable retirement through your pension plan has become increasingly important. Read more
Retirement Planning
Supporting our veterans: A guide to financial resources and benefits
Military veterans have made invaluable contributions to their country, and in recognition of their service, there are numerous financial resources and benefits available to support them in civilian ...Read more
Retirement Planning
The ultimate retirement planning checklist for Australians
Retirement planning is a multifaceted process that demands careful attention to financial, legal, and personal considerations. Read more
Retirement Planning
Empowering your future: Financial literacy and retirement planning in Australia
In today’s complex financial landscape, achieving a secure and comfortable retirement requires more than just saving money. It demands a deep understanding of financial concepts and the ability to ...Read more
Retirement Planning
How much do you need to retire comfortably in Australia?
Retiring comfortably in Australia is a goal shared by many, but achieving this requires careful financial planning and a clear understanding of the cost of living. Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement planning advice for Australians: Avoiding common pitfalls
Retirement planning is a critical step in securing your financial future, but it's fraught with potential pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans. Read more
Retirement Planning
Mastering financial planning for retirement in Australia
Financial planning for retirement is a nuanced journey that requires careful consideration and strategic planning, particularly in Australia's unique financial landscape. Read more
Retirement Planning
Crafting your retirement planning spreadsheet in Australia
Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, especially in Australia where the landscape of superannuation and investments offers unique opportunities and challenges. Read more
Retirement Planning
Maximising your pension plan in Australia: Strategies for a comfortable retirement
In the ever-evolving landscape of retirement planning in Australia, securing a comfortable retirement through your pension plan has become increasingly important. Read more
Retirement Planning
Supporting our veterans: A guide to financial resources and benefits
Military veterans have made invaluable contributions to their country, and in recognition of their service, there are numerous financial resources and benefits available to support them in civilian ...Read more
Retirement Planning
The ultimate retirement planning checklist for Australians
Retirement planning is a multifaceted process that demands careful attention to financial, legal, and personal considerations. Read more