Almost three-quarters of people receiving income support are cutting back on meat, fresh fruit and vegetables due to the low rate of payments and rising cost of living, a new survey by ACOSS has found. 

The research – which surveyed 760 people living on JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and Parenting Payment in July and August – also found three in four were struggling to afford the medication they needed. 

The research found:  

• 71% are cutting back on meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. 51% are skipping meals altogether 

• 74% are having difficulty affording the medicine or medical care they need. 92% said that the low rate of income support harmed their mental health and 84% said it harmed their physical health 

• 68% are cutting back on heating or cooling their homes, 54% are cutting back on using lights, and 42% go to bed early to save money 

• 81% said they use their car less than they would otherwise and 87% see friends and family less often 

• 94% of people renting privately are in rental stress, paying more than 30% of their income on rent. 

“These findings are deeply disturbing and are a source of national shame,” said ACOSS Acting CEO Edwina MacDonald. 

“The shockingly low rate of income support is seriously damaging people’s physical and mental health.  

“The reality is that if you receive JobSeeker or a related income support payment, you are unable to afford essentials and are forced into a life of poverty and deprivation. 

According to MacDonald Income support should help people get through tough times, not keep them in a struggle for survival. 

Australia has one of the lowest income support payments among wealthy nations and the OECD has recommended increasing them.  

“The government must urgently lift these payments to a livable level,” added MacDonald. 

Former security guard and AusStudy recipient Lester, from Adelaide, said his $841-a-fortnight payment makes it very hard for him to afford life’s essentials. 

“After paying my rent I’ve got $201 left each fortnight to cover food, bills and medicine. I often have to skip meals and turn off the heating just to keep a roof over my head. I cannot tell you how difficult the past few years have been”. 

ACOSS is urging the government to: 

• Lift income support payments to at least the pension rate, currently $80 a day, and index to wages as well as price movements 

• Establish a disability and illness supplement to recognise the additional costs that people with disability and chronic illnesses face 

• Establish a single-parent supplement 

This national survey ran over five weeks from 12 July through to 18 August 2024 and collected 760 responses from people receiving JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy, Parenting Payment and related income support payments. More than 1.4 million people receive these payments, which are inadequate to cover the cost of food, housing, transport, and healthcare. 

Third Sector

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