Zero income but no cost of living payment from government

Revenue minister David Parker did not mention that those with no income would not be eligible for the cost of living payment. (Image: Getty)

Jem Traylen

Mon, 01 Aug 2022

Those who didn’t earn an income last year, including many tertiary students, will not be among those receiving the cost of living payment on Monday.Student unions say the policy is deeply discriminatory and a symptom of a student support system that is fundamentally broken.Government ministers have repeatedly said the payments are to help those on low and middle incomes who do not already receive the winter energy payments that beneficiaries and superannuitants get.Eligibility is based on individuals earning $70,000 or less in the last ta...

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