“Frustrating” pension process deterring seniors from applying to Centrelink
The process of applying for the Age Pension is a fraught experience for many older Australians, according to a new joint study conducted by National Seniors Australia (NSA) and Retirement Essentials.
Retirement Essentials founder and CEO Paul Rogan said the study revealed the scale of the problem for the first time.
“Our study, conducted by National Seniors Australia, proves beyond doubt that the Age Pension application services is a deeply complex and frustrating experience for many,” he said.
“This is an important document for senior Australians and public policy stakeholders. It shines a light on a vast problem which has been ‘hiding in plain sight’.”
According to the report less than four in 10 senior Australians are satisfied with the application process for the Age Pension, while 88 per cent of the 4,500 respondents were dissatisfied with the Age Pension forms and processes.
"I was surprised by how widespread this problem is. If the survey data is reflective of the whole community, then based on demographic trends over 153,000 Australian seniors each year are having a negative experience when applying for the pension," Rogan said.
Rogan also added that many eligible people actually gave up on accessing their entitlements due to the frustrating process.
“And when the purpose of the Age Pension is to be a safety net, we need to do more to assist seniors to navigate the complex process and support them,” he said.
How do you find the process of applying for the Age Pension? Let us know in the comments below.