"Already, the [Retirement] Commission’s review found, 40% of the renters in the 65-to-74 age group are paying up to 80% of their pension on housing costs. In the Commission’s view, it is imperative to increase the Accommodation Supplement that was capped at $8,100 nearly 30 years ago, back when this amounted to 10% of the cost of an average house. Times have changed."
#GordonCampbell, 2022
http://werewolf.co.nz/2022/12/gordon-campbell-on-nationals-clueless-stance-on-national-super/
The $8,100 savings limit for having Accommodation Supplement also affects people on sickness benefits. Many of whom are stuck on Jobseeker Allowances with a medical exemption, requiring 3 monthly medical certificates, despite having lifelong conditions that make it unrealistic or impossible for them to get secure, fulltime paid work.