Pensioners living in pain, skipping meals as inflation pushes essentials out of reach
Pensioners are struggling to survive as inflation pushes the costs of essentials out of reach, forcing many to skip meals just to get by.
Aotearoa is grappling with a cost of living crisis as mortgage rates, rents and food prices skyrocket - driven by inflation of 7.2 percent.
But while the cost of everything is increasing, New Zealanders who are on fixed incomes, such as superannuitants, are barely staying afloat - and some have nothing left over after paying rent.
Research by the Retirement Commission found 40 percent of people aged 65 and over have virtually no other income besides NZ Super. While another 20 percent only have that and a little more.
Superannuation, main benefits and student support got a boost from April 1. The increase of 6.24 percent means a couple both aged over 65 now get $102.84 more every fortnight, while a single pensioner living alone receives an extra $66.86.
Link to video and article: Cost of living: Pensioners living in pain, skipping meals as inflation pushes essentials out of reach | Newshub
