Every "little bit more" helps but pensioner Rhonda Hodges fears her friends will still be unable to afford meat even after the next Centrelink indexation on March 20.
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Ms Hodges from Yetholme near Bathurst in NSW told ACM benefit increases were usually "insignificant".
She was struggling with cost of living pressures, particularly the price of food which she estimated was 40 to 50 per cent higher than 12 months ago.
Some of her friends were struggling even more because they didn't own their own home and rental increases had outpaced the pension.
"A lot of my friends can no longer afford meat," she said.
"They cook simple meals with only vegetables."
Cost of healthcare in regional areas was also higher, Ms Hodges said.
"There is little bulk-billing in western NSW and some of the procedures I have needed (knee tendon damage and surgery) are more than I can afford."
Five million Australians will receive a cash boost in March with a range of Centrelink payments increasing.
JobSeeker, the Age Pension, the Disability Support Pension, Carer and Parenting payments are in line for an increase due to indexation on March 20.
Some supplementary payments, including Commonwealth Rent Assistance, will also be indexed.
Carla Mascarenhas
Carla Mascarenhas is a journalist with Explore Travel and The Senior. She specialises in deep issues affecting Gen X and beyond, and the latest in travel news. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
