DEAR News Of The Area,
MARRIED couples are discriminated against when it comes to the age pension.
Two single individuals can choose to share a house and utilities if they so desire, or they can choose to have their own houses and utilities.
A married couple does not have this choice when it comes to the age pension rules.
It is assumed that they share a house and utilities and are assessed for the age pension on this assumption.
They are not given the same choice as single individuals.
Single individuals have different rules and qualifying thresholds for assets and incomes when it comes to the age pension.
Married couples are assessed on combined assets and incomes and have lower thresholds per individual.
If I go to the supermarket and buy enough food to sustain two individuals, I don’t get a couples discount.
Wherever I go and whatever I do, I pay as an individual.
Centrelink and the age pension is the only place I get a couples discount.
This is 2026 and it is time that this is changed so that the same rules and thresholds apply to everyone whether married or single.
We are all individuals and should be treated the same.
Regards,
Beverley Metcalf,
Port Macquarie.
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