There is a huge difference between an Age Pensioner and a Self-funded Retiree. So don't go getting confused.
This thread
was about Age Pensioners taking off their shirts in protest to Rudd not doing anything for them in the Budget!
An Age Pensioner can own their own home and have up to $166,750 in the Bank and still get a FULL Pension of $270 a week as a single Age Pensioner. A couple can have up to $236,500 in the Bank to get the full Pension of $220 a week each.
The tax rules changed last year so any interest received from the money in the Bank (or invested) isn't counted as "income" any longer. However, if those Age Pensioners took a Superannuation Pension and rolled the rest over, their Super Pension is considered income and the Age Pension reduces by x$ per week/fortnight. These people get a
Part Age Pension.
An Age Pensioner gets a
Pensioner Concession Card.
The tax rules also changed with regard the need to lodge a Tax Return. Something like
under $25,000 for singles and whatever for a couple, with the Tax Offset, etc, they don't need to pay tax. Income above those amounts need to lodge a Tax Return.
Self-funded Retirees can get a
Seniors Concession Card and I outlined the details in an earlier post. Self-funded Retirees would have to lodge a Tax Return if their (self funded) income is over a certain amount. They can NOT get an Age Pension.
The whole point of the matter is that there ARE Age Pensioners out there who
do not own their own home,
do not have money in the Bank and who have to try to survive on a mere $270 a week (single) or $220 a week (couple). These are the people that need more help, not the Age Pensioner with money in the bank OR the Self-funded Retirees who own their own homes.
Mantra, as a side note, check your neighbour's "health care card". If it is a Pensioner Concession Card they get the Age Pension (and have money in the Bank) if it is a Senior Concession Card, they are Self-Funded Retirees ....