She's in her 60s, but is too young for a pension. The Burnie resident from north west Tasmania doesn't qualify for disability payment, but has vertigo and other health problems that make it hard to work.

After years as a single mother of four active children, a creative flair, gardening skills and an eye for foraging, Ms Carling is good at "making do".

But there's only so far it can go. As the cost of living rises, her pool of money stays the same, and it seems the situation is only getting worse.

"It's the way I've always lived, but now it's a lot more important," she said, referring to her strict budget and resourcefulness.

"I did better a few years ago on the pension with four kids. The government's going slow, they're not keeping up with the need.

"I'm scared stiff of living on the street."

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The Morrison government on Tuesday night announced a one-off, $250 payment for job-seekers, pensioners, carers, veterans, concession card holders and some self-funded referees to combat the rising cost of living.

"$250 ain't gonna do much," Ms Carling mused.

"It's not a lot. It might help me keep out of arrears with the rent, it could put me another week ahead."

Ms Carling said she'd probably never vote Liberal.

"I was raised in a Labor family," she said.

"But now I'd rather see some Greens get in. I want to see that influence, make sure that we're looking after the world. I don't like that world that my grandkids are going into."

The St Vincent de Paul Society is one of Australia's major emergency relief providers.

Acting chief executive officer Dr Les baxter said the charity was concerned that JobSeeker benefits had not kept pace with the cost of living, driving more people into poverty than before.

"The fall-out for all of this will be more families and more individuals will be in need of the St Vincent de Paul Society and the services we provide," he said.

"As the months get colder, the Society will be asked for more food vouchers, contributions towards power bills, assistance to balance household budgets, clothing for children, and emergency accommodation.

"It is a downward spiral of distress and dilemma from which many families and individuals never recover."