Government xmas bonus - getting one?

Hello! J here nice to meet you all!

Well the government Christmas bonus was in the news a few weeks ago, but I have not heard much since.

I think I get it because I'm a mum but I'm not totally sure. Did anyone get a letter saying they will get it, or how do you know?

If I get it I will spend a bit on Christmas presents (the government wants us to spend it right?) not sure about the rest.

Who here is getting the bonus?

What do you plan to do with the bonus money?

I haven't heard much about it, but I doubt I am getting it. Sounds like its for parents and pensioners etc and I am not in those catagories.

I have heard the money is to promote spending for the economy, however, I think this should be given to everyone not just the select few. Once again those without children or who have children grown up miss out. Families are not the only ones doing things tough. I would rather my tax money go towards health and education rather than towards people who made life style choices and now cry fowl that they are doing things tough.

I think though its great for the old pensioners but not for single mothers or working families.

Hi J. I have no idea if I'm getting it or not. I am currently recieving a Newstart allowance which should automatically exclude me BUT a couple of weeks ago centrelink sent me a pensioner card and are now paying me an extra $5.80 pharmaceutical allowance. I still have to put in a form each fortnight but I don't have to write down any jobs which I have applied for. So I'm buggered if I know whether I will see it or not If I do recieve it I'll be shopping around for cheap OS airfares to anywhere except Indonesia. If I don't get it, well I can't miss what I never had. I don't want to call them to find out because I don't believe it is wise to draw attention to yourself as far as centrelink is concerned. I prefer to stay off their radar.

In regards to centrelink its always best if they don't see you

Too darn right Rhopegwyn, that is a theory that hasn't let me down yet. Ya just fly straight, don't ask questions, don't contact them if it can be avoided and pray to whatever God or Gods you believe in that they don't contact you.

I knew a person many years ago who worked in the department and she told me if they didn't like a particular person, as payback they would cut off their payments. They called themselves the God Department. One click of a button and the person is left without any money.

go to this web link. It explains all about it and who gets what.
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/Internet/jennymacklin.nsf/content/pensioners_14oct2008.htm

I think I'm getting it. By all accounts I will get about $2,000. I won't complain if it's true.

i just priced 2 single beds with mattresses 249x2 + 139x2 = 778 and he said he would knock 30 off for cash wtf what happened to 10% i said, he said they are priced too low. then i priced a recliner for me for 575 but it is going up 40% in december
gunna price some more tomorrow and hopefully lay bye the ones i want. chuck in a laptop azuz? for just under 500 i think for axl. a new camera and a decent something for jolly will leave us enough to cover xmas and some school stuff for next year. or we will leave it alone until next year when every thing is selling cheap and buy then, or i might chuck a grand each into the boys bank accounts and spend what i get on xmas and school

The payment will be made along with your first FTB payment after the 8th of december.

thanks for the info. i do need to buy my son some new clothes.

I was just in Coles and nearly ran into a man who works at centrelink, he says "Hi How are you"

Bummer i didnt want to be known to them either.

They gave me SUCH a hard time when i collected the newstart. I only got it for about 6 months but they cut me off a few times. Im sure im one of those people who they dont like.

Iv worked since i was 14 and still at school and even when i didnt have a perm job i was still doing bits here n there. Thats what they were getting angry at.
They were saying i had to go for an interview at a time i had a days work. They prefered me to go to the app than work.

Strange Organization that one.

No bonuses here

Some of our family and friends are getting it.

personally I have been saving some of my money all year so I dont really NEED it (but it will be nice though)

A friends doctor has insisted that she give it to him to cover fees owed

I keep telling her he is not alowed to do that but she still insists she has to.

when i was in centrelink last i was told that the money will come through anytime between the 8th and the 19th. boy do i need a haircut. i am starting to look like a shaggy english sheepdog

From what I've read and from what I've been told and from what I've worked out, the only pensioners getting the bonus are the Aged pension, Carers pension and Disabled pension. Parents on pensions get the money for the children but they don't get the bonus for themselves unless they also get one of the above pensions. Pensioners get it on their pension day after the 8th and parents get it when they would normally get their childs money after the 8th and everyone should have it before the 19th. Ann

I'm still waiting fir mine to come through. I will check my account on Saturday when I next go shopping. Don't think it will be in by then, but who knows.

all these bonuses started after my kids grew up,would of been nice if i'd had a bit of help raising three kids.does centrelink think they stop wanting stuff and they dont eat much after they turn 16,i havnt got the heart to charge my kids board.i never had to pay it,when i lived at home,why should they.