welfare – phonakins

A dollar per welfare recipient to charities? Happy Anti-Poverty Week!

“A $2 million dollar boost” to ceo-heavy vanity projects such as Ozharvest and Foodbank is more insult than cash splash from the government at the start of Antipoverty Week for 2026. With people on welfare more than overrepresented in early death figures, and deaths of despair (addiction and mental health related deaths) happy snaps and breathy thank you from Big Names in Food Relief take over from the every day stories of people queuing up to hopefully get a free bag of veges that they hopefully don’t have to throw out too much of themselves.

"It’s the start of Anti-Poverty Week, and instead of ending government induced poverty the Minister for Social Services has announced meagre funding for emergency relief charities that amounts to less than $1 per welfare recipient, while people in this country are dying from poverty."

— 🐈‍⬛💜 phonakins 🍉🌲 (@phonakins.com) 2026-10-12T21:39:10.852Z

I mean I only had to throw out 2/5 apples in this weeks bag, and most of the grapes are fine. At least it’s not the crumpets I was relieved my partner declined because when i went to have one the morning I brought THOSE home they had those little spots of mold you cant see through the thick plastic.

Long life milk has just gone up to $1.80 a litre at my local, after hitting $1.50 this time last year. So have most canned goods, which are still waaaay cheaper at aldi, but you know it’s not the name brands as donated with much fan fare to the purple supermarket…

Anyway

Raise the rate, build and buy public housing, put a rent freeze in place and empower people to look after themselves and their communities.

Happy Anti-Poverty Week!

I have written a million things on the folly of foodbanks already Feel free to share and quote them

https://phonakins.com/2024/12/09/xmas-shutdown-much-needed-time-off-for-volunteers-but-heres-how-long-til-the-food-banks-reopen/

https://phonakins.com/2024/11/18/love-me-some-fake-mint-clice-bikkies-but-that-foodbank-offering-needs-some-actual-food/

https://phonakins.com/2024/11/29/food-banks-are-just-a-more-expensive-way-to-get-food-that-isnt-necessarily-suitable-to-to-poor-people-prove-me-wrong/

https://phonakins.com/2025/01/15/food-banks-are-broken-just-like-the-rest-of-system-they-are-in/

https://phonakins.com/2025/04/09/anzac-biscuits-cost-more-at-the-food-bank-than-aldi-thats-it-thats-the-title/

and the og
https://phonakins.com/2023/09/10/what-are-foodbank-prices-really-like/

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The 35-Day Rule

Even though I spend an awful lot of time looking at health and welfare stuff, I have A LOT to learn about the stuff that affects older people (generally 65 years + in Australia) outside of my brief grasp of the Aged Pension and how it differs from DSP.

This week’s learnings were about the 35-day rule in NSW public hospitals for “Nursing Home Type Patients“. A “Nursing home type patient is when you’re finished needing the hospital treatment for whatever you came in with (and also anything else that came up along the way) and you’re basically just receiving the level of care a car home would give – this include regular medications if they don’t need adjusting, toileting and shower and other personal care support, and accommodation and meals. After 35 days at this level of care they can start charging “at a rate equivalent to 85% of the aged pension” for care and board.

If you get sick in that time (eg you have another stroke or you get a UTI or a hospital acquired infection) you can moved back to being a regular patient and not charged, but the clock doesn’t reset. Once you’re deemed back in maintenance mode they start charging again.

This is meant to encourage people to get their wiggle on in getting their Nan into an aged care placement. Which might be a nice idea to the bean counters, but families have very little influence on getting those placements once they paperwork is all done. Which are usually done within a month if there’s social work support to do so.

There are no aged care beds anywhere, so charging a daily fee isn’t going to get Grandma into care sooner, it’s just another stressor on the family regardless of whether they can “Afford” it or not. There’s no bed for fee paying residents or fully commonwealth supported ones. If anything this fee should be on the federal government if it’s to incentivise a placement.

After 35 in a hospital after you're deemed well enough for discharge but are stuck because you're waiting for an aged care placement NSW health starts billing you an amount equiv to 85% of the pension for board and care. It can be waived for hardship but yeah should be billed to the feds.

— 💜 phonakins 🍉🌲 (@phonakins.com) 2026-08-20T11:18:31.961Z

The 85% is of the single pension rate, which is going to be $1237.70 a fortnight from September 20, or $933 for a member of a couple. It can be waived for “financial stress” which would anyone relying on the pension for their income, and certainly screwing over the partner of the person stuck in hospital.

The other indexation rates for September 20 are here.

With the scaremongering news that rents are looking to go up 30%, the $2 a week rent assistance increases are, as always, laughable. My rent will increase in December, waiting to see by how much. Last year it was $50/week with the signing of another 12 month lease.

And with the increasing unemployment rate, more are waiting on their extra $8.10 a week and for it to have already disappeared into the nether.

So, mum’s in purgatory, but a slightly quieter one after moving to a smaller hospital, but not the private one that rejected other the day they said she was moving and was packed up and transport on the way, the one that at least two staff at the current hospital have said she should go to and a couple more expressed surprise at the rejection.

So we wait, drink lots of coffee, keep calling the same places just to see and I unfortunately am getting a new area of welfare and health to specialise in complaining about.

It’s August apparently.

If you like this post, have learned something from this or my blaterings on the socials, or just want to help me pay for coffee and petrol (the new hospital is just as far a drive but parking is less crap), my wishlists an paylinks are here.

WelfareMaxxing this Budget

So, it’s Federal Budget Day, and while the government tried to ease us into their cutting of the NDIS and there being little offered directly to the poorest to help their situation, there’s a few little interesting nuggets that tell you a lot about the government of the day.

One is the news that the Feds will give payments of about $6000 to community housing providers for each person on Youth Allowance or youth rates of DSP they house. This isn’t a nice little bonus to encourage them to rent to younger people, but a payment to stop them overtly discriminating in who they give tenancies to. You see, because they can only take 30% of your payment as rent, they don’t get as much from those on youth rates so they’re more likely to give a house to an older person on DSP or Aged Pensions. Obviously since there’s such a massive waitlist (in NSW the priority waitlist has increased from 5800 households in June 2021 to 12478 now) they’re not leaving places empty.

Of course, the government could look to lessen how far behind youth are starting when trying to get rentals by increasing the payments for all adults to the same rates by payments (Youth rates go to you turn 22)… I mean the Fair Work Commission has started making changes to youth pay rates for some awards this year. I don’t see much out there being cheaper if you’re 18-21 than if you’re 22….

we worked very hard to get over a dozen Labor MPs to break ranks in the lead up to the 2023 budget, but since then have heard from MPs that they're not allowed to bring it up anymore

— Jeremy Poxon (@jeremypoxon.bsky.social) 2026-05-11T03:04:21.523Z

This idealist wants to still see ALL payment rates ABOVE the poverty line. But it seems that those Labor MPs willing to break ranks to ask for such things have been told to shush, Labor doesn’t do that.

There’s talk there might be a $200-$300 tax break for all tax payers… in 12 months. Other things like shifting around tax brackets a little are always talked about – but I will of course come back to the idea that maybe lifting the tax free threshold would be a better place to start since it helps everyone on a wage and not just the top end. I’ll also add in that it’s kinda shitty that the tax free threshold is below the poverty line and they poorest lose out on tax and reduction in their welfare payments well before they peep the poverty line.

I completely understand why the government has baulked at the gas tax changes that were near certain before Israel and the US went at Iran, there are relationships to maintain and security of diesel supplies etc etc. I do think though this is why they HAVE to go bold on Capital Gains Tax and perhaps negative gearing this year, and perhaps revisit the gas takes when there’s less global uncertainty. Trump is not making an end to their trip to Iran look like it’s happening soon, even if they do ignore Israel’s intentions in Lebanon to make it the new Gaza and expand towards their Greater Israel ideal… I got petrol today and while it’s hovering about the price it was at the end of February with the excise cut, I think it’s gonna start creeping up again soon since there’s no end in sight. I don’t think Chalmers will extend the excise discount, so it’ll jump at the end of June too…

Anyway, my goal at the start of the year to food blog my way through the year went quickly when mum has her strokes, and it’s been a full one, slow but long three and a bit months since. I’ve had Everyplate meals most weeks, but switched over the buying bull chicken and mince or thanking Dad for handing over his meat tray winnings other weeks – either because money’s been tighter or because I’ve felt adventurous enough to do a week’s meals myself but have regretted that about 50% of the time when that week has had long or mentally taxing days.

We’re starting to look towards what the next step is for mum, had a builder out with the OT yesterday to see what’s possible in terms of making access to the house easier and get an idea for redoing the bathroom as an open wet room. Dad and I have been starting to assist with Mum’s personal care more in the hospital and had a more formal training session with the physio on using the sling lifter today. She may need to go into a nursing home in the short term while we get the house done, but we’re still hoping to get her home full time and get the equipment and care support she needs. She’s going to get a wheelchair soon that she can then be transported in, so I’ll get Bruce onto finding a vehicle for Dad and us to transport her so we don’t have to rely on taxis.

So, I was just back from visiting two food pantries and Aldi last week when a friend used the word “Welfaremaxxing” and I figured it could apply to us stretching our payments well beyond what most could by being creative in our purchases and other ways of feeding our families. But I would love to be able to have my meal kits to make my brain that little less taxed, and to not have to spend a whole morning using the privilege of having a car and good physical function to make sure I have enough cash to pay for the bills that can’t be worked around will free bread and zucchini. Unlike many who can’t drive, don’t have a car, buses don’t go to the new warehouse the government’s funding for a foodbank, or are living in tents by the old station because they couldn’t get a rental and are only able to heat their food because a charity gave them a camp stove.

There’s being frugal and then there’s knowing that the government should be doing more to house and feed people rather than outsourcing it to charities and the individual.

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Indexation is not an increase, especially if we’re looking at petrol and other hikes due to war

Indexation amounts were released last week, and I’ll personally be getting $10.25 more a week in my DSP and rent assistance. See all the details in the tables here.

Social Security Payment Parameters20 March 2026 indexation Rates Pension Rates Pension — Single — Resident Component (per fortnight) Previous Amount 20 Mar 2026 Increase Basic Rate $1,079.70 $1,100.30 $20.60 Pension Supplement $84.90 $86.50 $1.60 Energy Supplement $14.10 $14.10 - Typical Total Rate $1,178.70 $1,200.90 $22.20 Note: also includes illness separated, respite care or partner in gaol. Pension — Partnered (each) — Resident Component (per fortnight) Previous Amount 20 Mar 2026 Increase Basic Rate $813.90 $829.40 $15.50 Pension Supplement $64.00 $65.20 $1.20 Energy Supplement $10.60 $10.60 - Typical Total Rate $888.50 $905.20 $16.70 — Pensions from March 20

Commonwealth Rent AssistanceCommonwealth Rent Assistance — SSAct — Maximum rates Family situation (per fortnight) Previous Amount 20 Mar 2026 Increase Single $215.40 $219.40 $4.00 Single — Sharer $143.60 $146.27 $2.67 Partnered — Illness separated $215.40 $219.40 $4.00 Partnered — Temporarily separated $203.00 $206.80 $3.80 Couple $203.00 $206.80 $3.80 Commonwealth Rent Assistance — SSAct — Rent thresholds Family situation (per fortnight) Previous Amount 20 Mar 2026 Increase Single $152.00 $154.80 $2.80 Single — Sharer $152.00 $154.80 $2.80 Partnered — Illness separated $152.00 $154.80 $2.80 Partnered — Temporarily separated $152.00 $154.80 $2.80 Couple $246.20 $250.80 $4.60 — Rent assistance amounts from March 20

As always, they start accumulating from March 20, so no one sees the full increase pain into their account until at least April, and not til mid-April for some. Standard single JobSeeker is getting a $15.10 a fortnight “boost” (*voms*) as the gov and media love to call it. $7.55 a week isn’t exactly a powerup.

Jobseeker Payment RatesNote: some of the following rates may apply to Special Benefit recipients. JobSeeker Payment — Single — No dependent children Component (per fortnight) Previous Amount 20 Mar 2026 Increase Basic Rate $793.60 $808.70 $15.10 Energy Supplement $8.80 $8.80 - Typical Total Rate $802.40 $817.50 $15.10 JobSeeker Payment — Single — With dependent children Component (per fortnight) Previous Amount 20 Mar 2026 Increase Basic Rate $849.90 $866.00 $16.10 Energy Supplement $9.50 $9.50 - Typical Total Rate $859.40 $875.50 $16.10 JobSeeker Payment — Single — Principal carer of a dependent child Component (per fortnight) Previous Amount 20 Mar 2026 Increase Basic Rate $849.90 $866.00 $16.10 Energy Supplement $9.50 $9.50 - Pharmaceutical Allowance $7.00 $7.00 - Typical Total Rate $866.40 $882.50 $16.10 — Jobseeker rates from March 20

Of course, the ACCC had been “asked” to keep an eye on fuel prices, but that’s just about all they’ll do – watch. I can do that too. Which is why when taking the recycling this morning we went to the lil servo and garage at Mirabooka for fuel. I handed them the $50 note Dad had given me and the 5c coin from my Gudetama coin purse and topped it up.

They say we might see an interest rate rise because of the extra inflation of fuel costs and the impact that will have on food and transport costs. I’m sure that in itself will put brakes on already stretched waged-households spending, but sure throw an interest rate hike on top. Gotta play the numbers.

Nearly paid off the power bill, then it’s rego for the Corolla next month. Our household spending is certainly not all that wild. but as long as Maxi has food and treats we’re going fine.

Just do the little things to stay sane so you can rage against the big ones

Content warnings – suicide, death, social murder

Just sorting out my meds this morning, making sure I’m ready for another week. Looking after me so I can look after me and then look after others.

rainbow day and night pill box

We lost another community member.

David’s death is at the hands of the politicians who talk about helping others but leave them in the gutter. That put maintaining the status quo of more investment properties for themselves and their mates over having a public housing safety net for all who need and want it. Who want to make sure that the NDIS is seen as tough and efficient but can’t get back to applicants with supports and then make them reapply all over again, but oh look there’s another barrier because a report is now out of date or their drivers license is expired and so they can’t make ID points.

I’m tired and angry and sick of all this and it doesn’t have to be this way but those in the powers that be in governments and social services keep it this way.

Like, is this a good news story from the weekend? Daniel was repeatedly and illegally cut off his meagre welfare payment, surviving off the small amount his father was able to give him to pay for his medications. Daniel was made homeless by an uncaring system that can’t even get his own processes right. Daniel is getting nearly three years back pay – but that is only $52k. And he held off revealing his story until that was paid because through fear it would be withheld by a system that’s known to dish dirt on the poor and vulnerable to protect its own image and keep its system working.

They have learned nothing from Robodebt except that they can get away with it. That Daniel and David will be blips on their radars, that no matter whether it’s the red or blue team they can sweep them aside and keep their jobs or move into better ones. Royal commissions and NACC mean shit when Scotty’s got a new job and Bill Shortens robot got binned but people are still out there dying because the “Welfare” system doesn’t care about the welfare of the worst off.

$A screenshot of a news article from the Sound Telegraph by Ava Berryman, dated Wednesday, 15 October 2025.The headline reads: "New SecondBite charity warehouse helps The Crew feed more locals suffering from food insecurity."The main image is a photograph showing a person in a high-visibility vest holding a cardboard box filled with fresh produce, including lettuce and red onions. The box has the SecondBite logo on the side with the tagline: "Ending Waste. Ending Hunger."The caption under the image states: "A new charity warehouse helps feed more hungry locals. Credit: Supplied"The text from the article snippet reads:"The launch of a new $2000 \text{sqm}$ warehouse in Kewdale could see about 20 million more meals per year provided to those in need through the help of one of Australia's leading food rescue organisations, SecondBite.The warehouse will help tackle food insecurity head on, with a goal to increase the amount of food rescued in WA by one million kilograms per year over the next two to three years."$

Kylea Tink is Foodbank’s new CEO. You may remember her as a teal independent, but now she’s pretending to make a difference by expanding the amount governments and individuals spend on food relief – on the food itself, on the warehouses, the trucks, the fundraisers and the branding. Oh the branding. She joins former NSW Premier John Robertson who’s the NSW CEO. Because we need multiple layers of CEOs.

They’ll put out press releases about how many are going hungry and how you too cold help out by giving their particular organisation (or OzHarvest, or Second Bite) money to fund x amount of meals or a food hamper. These press releases rarely mention that this poverty is manufactured by supermarkets that would rather over order and over change and feel good donating excess stocks than running their businesses at slightly less profit but still making a motsa and not creating food waste. Or the politicians that give another grant for another warehouse, another charity another photo opp to support the needy, but could lift so many out of this situation with a nimble piece of legislation that lifts welfare payments above the poverty line. Or at all levels buying and building public housing (States and Federal and even local councils) so that people can be immediately housed rather than renting hovels through layers of community housing providers that don’t provide guarantees of tenure.

Poverty has risen over the three years of a Labor government, and people are dying. People are dying because they’re being left behind. They’re not able to afford to feed themselves properly or to attend to their health care – people can’t afford to go to the doctor or to buy the meds their need to stay healthy. NDIS is cutting supports that are working for people while telling us that no, noone’s losing supports and here we are losing our minds. Being house should be a given but relying on the private market when public housing has ten year wait lists and crisis accommodation is two weeks in a seedy mote with a dozen others at the worst points in their lives is certainly not helping anyone.

It’s a thousand straws on each camels back, and they all carry so much weight. People can’t do it alone but too many are forced to. And they struggle on and if they get the hand their need to make it through they just might. Is that hand going to be on a case by case basis from and for an individual or will our governments actually step up to provide the supports that people need? To everyone?

So I’m going to take my meds that I’m blessed to be able to afford and stay strong for myself so that I can look after myself so I can look after others.

In terms of mental health numbers, in NSW I’ve found the mental health helpline useful for support for myself and others. There are other services and ideas listed on that page. Lifeline also has sms and online crisis chat in certain hours as well as the usual phone – 13 11 14.