For the Berkeley widow and community activist, a creaky bone or broken appliance signals panic mode.

There is no room in the single age-pensioner's budget for problems, Mrs Scott said.

"I'm terrified something will break down - if my washing machine or fridge breaks down, I'm buggered," she said.

"What savings I had have just about gone. You get so frustrated."

Deposed opposition leader Brendan Nelson is expected to introduce a private member's bill to raise the $273 weekly single age-pension by $30 in the House of Representatives today.

Mrs Scott welcomed the pension's return to the political agenda, but called on the Government to consider a more generous increase.

"Thirty dollars would be gratefully received, but $80 would help to take the pressure and the worry off," she said.

"We still wouldn't be living the high life. I buy things on special and I only get dial-up - I can't afford the broadband.

"I don't put the heater on as often as I should - I'll wait until I feel really, really miserable.

"I like to have an extra bag of dog food in the cupboard in case next time I can't afford it."

Mrs Scott is a member of Illawarra Residents Against Toxic Emissions, Wollongong Against Corruption, the South Eastern Sydney Area Health consumer committee and the Illawarra Dental Health Action Group.

She has lived on the single age-pension for the past two years since her husband, John, died, leaving the household with half its former income but many expenses unchanged.

Rates, loan repayments, car insurance and the cost of dog food and birthday presents for 14 grandchildren and great-grandchildren stayed the same while phone, electricity, gas and water bills were little reduced.

The cost of petrol had also soared, making it more expensive for Mrs Scott to attend her many committee meetings.

"My sister's been sick and I should have gone to visit her more than once but I spend $40-$45 a fortnight on petrol and I've got to make that last," Mrs Scott said.

"You've got to try and keep $20-$30 in your purse at the end of the week as you just don't know what's going to happen."