Centrelink

Financial responsibility

With people struggling to survive on the current Age Pension, how do those who have the financial responsibility of grandchildren cope?

We have been overwhelmed with your comments and stories of how difficult you find it to live on the Age Pension but keep in mind, there can always be people who are worse off than you.  We received the following from one of our subscribers, who didn’t give his name. 

“I don’t get an old Age Pension but a widow’s allowance with no concessions except a health benefits cards.  My weekly allowance is $218 and now I have the responsibility of my two grand children as their single mother has bi-polar and is too ill to look after them at present.  I only get $140 per week from her for the kids and it doesn’t go far when the teenager needs $5 per day for bus money.”

It acts to highlight the plight of pensioners and carers who have no choice but to look after family and loved ones, without proper financial support.  With people living longer, and the increase of parents being unable to look after their own children, this is no doubt a widespread issue across the country.

We have highlighted this issue to Centrelink, who hopefully will advise of some form of assistance. For more information on Centrelink, click here

Pension poverty

Our hero this week is 80-year-old Chum Taylor who attended the first of the new Labor government’s “community” cabinet meetings in Perth and asked any members who could live on $530.90 a fortnight to put their hands up.

Unsurprisingly no one did. Sadly, the government’s response was to suggest a change to the index, not the base pension rate. It has long been our view that the Age Pension for both couples, but particularly for singles, is totally inadequate for a modest lifestyle. It is simply not good enough to fiddle with ways of indexing future increases, the base rate is far too low and it is the responsibility of the government to review this paltry amount, and increase it to something approaching subsistence level. Evidence that the $13980 per annum offered to single Age Pensioners is way below a livable amount can be seen in the regularly updated Westpac-ASFA Retirement Standard budget breakdowns. The last summary (September 2007) suggests the amount needed for a modest lifestyle for a single Age Pensioner is $18742 per annum. This means an additional $4762 per annum (equaling a 34% increase) is required – not for a comfortable lifestyle ($36319 per annum) but just a modest one.

It is our firm view that until we learn to treat our older citizens with more care, allowing them more choice and dignity, particularly when it comes to affording basic health care, our whole society is the poorer. We cannot continue to expect older Australians to care for family members, whether the sick, those suffering from dementia, or providing low or no cost care for grandchildren, when we ask them to survive on a pittance. We are inviting responses to these from the Minister for Health and Ageing, The Hon. Nicola Roxon and the shadow Minister, the Hon. Margaret May. Watch this space for an update.

Asset test changes

It’s finally happening. As of 20 September 2007, the pension asset test will change – allowing more people to get a Centrelink benefit. You could be eligible if your assets are in the range of $529,250 and $960,500 depending upon your home ownership status.

These changes will apply to those receiving the Age Pension , Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment (adult) Carer Payment (child) Bereavement Payment Wife Pension or Widow ‘B’ Pension.

Those currently on a reduced rate pension because of the value of their assets will receive an automatic payment increase. Those who were previously ineligible for a payment because of the value of their assets may now become eligible for a pension, including some Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders. The income test does not change.

If you think you may be eligible, you can register and claim online. Read more here and click through to the registration.

In between concession cards

@boutSeniors has heard from Anne about the issues of Centrelink concessions for self-funded retirees. We passed her query on to the Minster and Shadow Minister for Ageing, as well as the Minister and Shadow Minister responsible for matters relating to Centrelink.

Below is Anne’s letter.
I recently sold my house and bought a cheaper one. Now I can’t get the (single) ‘low income health card’ (which I was on), as I am just over the limit, but well below the Seniors health card limit (I have this card).

What I want to know is why can’t self-funded retirees get more concessions? The way I read it, although my income is under what a pensioner can earn and still get a fringe benefit card, I can’t get that card.

Only telephone and medicine concessions are on the Seniors health card, whereas the pensioner with a concession card gets municipal rates, water rates, electricity, gas, travel concessions, animal registration, dental, entry into exhibits, etc.

On the low income health card I did get electricity and water usage, but not much else. Seems like discrimination against self-funded retirees to me and there’s no way that Centrelink listens. By the way, with the State Seniors card in the rural areas of Victoria, we can only travel concession rates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – all other times it’s full fare.
Unfortunately, we got only one reply to Anne’s problem – from the Shadow Minister for Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas. The Minister for Ageing suggested we contact Senator Mal Brough as Centrelink was his portfolio. But we heard nothing back from either Senator Brough or his opposition counterpart, Jenny Macklin.

Here is Senator Jan McLucas’s reply:

Dear Anne
Thank you for your email regarding cost of living pressures and access to concessions.
I understand how difficult it is these days making ends meet as a self-funded retiree. There have been significant increases in the cost of living in recent years, particularly in essentials such as food and petrol. Not to mention basics around the home like phone and electricity bills.

In recognition of the cost of living pressures faced by older Australians, Labor has initiated a Senate Inquiry into these pressures, their impact on older Australians, and the adequacy of current pension and tax arrangements. The Inquiry will also explore issues around access to concessions. Over 200 submissions were received and the committee is due to report on 13 September.

The recent Federal Budget contained a special one-off payment for age pensioners and some self-funded retirees. Labor supported this extra payment, and in the Parliament we helped to get it paid as quickly as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Jan McLucas
Shadow Minister for Ageing, Disabilities and Carers
Labor Senator for Queensland

Q&A – pension bonus

Patricia’s question has come as a timely reminder of the importance of knowing what entitlements are available. It’s also worth remembering the value of listening and communicating with others – it’s through our social networks that we often hear about opportunities or options about which we new little or nothing.

Q. Patricia
I have heard that if you are still working over retirement age (65 for men, depends on birthdate for women) you are eligible for a payout re Centrelink when you do actually retire.
Can you help? There are many people in the workforce over 60 because of their knowledge and reliability. I commute to Sydney daily and I see a great deal of mature people travelling to work who are well into their 60s. I feel there should be more emphasis on all seniors being informed about this payout. I found this out from one of my colleagues at work.

A. You may be eligible for the Pension Bonus Scheme, although there are a few qualifying factors. Below is a link to Centrelink, which will give you all the information you need as to the requirements, registering for the scheme and how much you may receive. The amount you are eligible for when you retire depends on the amount of basic Age Pension you are entitled to when you claim it after you leave the workforce, the length of time you have been an accruing menber of the Pension Bonus Scheme and your marital status during the time you are deferring your Age Pension. I hope this helps.
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/pension_bonus.htm

A concerned daughter

Rhonda’s question concerns whether she will be able to claim a carer’s allowance should she return from overseas to look after her father.

Q. Rhonda
I am an Australian citizen who is living abroad. I am 61 years old. My father has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer and is 85 years old. I want to return to Australia to care for him. He has been given up to only 18 months to live. Due to my age, however, I have no way of supporting myself if I go there. He is getting to the point where it is difficult for him to shop for himself etc, and he cannot take care of his home. He also recently lost his wife and is very lonely. I am wondering if I would qualify for a carer’s pension?

A. It’s always difficult arranging the right type of care for our parents and loved ones, especially when we’re not living close by.

With regards to you providing care for your father, you may be eligible for the Carer’s Payment through Centrelink.  As an Australian Citizen you meet the residency requirements although you must be resident in Australia when you lodge your claim.  This payment is means and asset tested. Your father also needs to meet the following criteria:

· be over 16 and getting an income support payment from Centrelink, a Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension or Partner Service Pension, or
· be unable to get any of these payments because they have not lived in Australia long enough to qualify, or
· meet the special care receiver income and assets limits, and
· be an Australian resident.

You will appreciate that this is only basic information, as your individual circumstances will need to be taken into consideration. I suggest you contact Centrelink to discuss your individual needs before you make any decision. They have dedicated international numbers depending on the country from which you are calling, (see below). You can also access basic information from their website, by clicking here [www.centrelink.gov.au]

Calling from Austria: 0800 295 165
Calling from Canada: 1888 2557 493
Calling from Denmark: 8088 3556
Calling from Germany: 0800 1802 482
Calling from Greece: 0080 0611 26209
Calling from Italy: 800 781 977
Calling from the Netherlands: 0800 0224 364
Calling from New Zealand: 0800 441 248
Calling from the Philippines: 1800 1611 0046
Calling from Portugal: 800 861 122
Calling from Spain: 900 951 547
Calling from Turkey: 00 800 6190 5703
Calling from the United Kingdom: 0800 1695 865
Calling from the U.S.A: 1866 3433 086
Please Note: (These free call numbers may not be available from every location within the country, and may not be free from mobile phones or public phones. Customers may need to insert coins/card in pay phones as for a local call and this may not be refunded at the end of the call.)
To call from other countries, or if the above numbers are unavailable, try +613 6222 3455.

Nominees

You may request the appointment of a correspondence and/or payment nominee if you need assistance in dealing with Centrelink, or to manage your Centrelink payments. Your nominee must be someone you trust who will always act in your best interests. A correspondence nominee can do most things on your behalf, including complete forms, attend interviews, provide information and receive correspondence from Centrelink. A payment nominee will receive your payment into an account in their name. The payment is to be used exclusively for your benefit. 
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Permission to Enquire
It may be convenient to give a third party permission to make enquiries on your behalf about your Centrelink record. Some typical examples of third parties are your partner, an adult child, or your financial planner. Go there

Responsibilities

Centrelink was formerly known as The Department of Social Security.
Centrelink Customer Service Centres provide services for various government departments including the departments of Family and Community Services, Health and Ageing, and Veterans’ Affairs.
For retired people or people planning retirement Centrelink provides information and services about:

• Age Pension
• Accommodation and renting
• Financial Information Service
• Pensioner Concession Card
• Commonwealth Seniors’ Health Card
• Pension Loans Scheme
• Retirement assistance

• Disability Support Pension
• Carer Payment
• Sickness Allowance
• Mobility Allowance
• Carer Allowance
• Rent Assistance
• Postal Concessions for the Blind
• Special Benefit
• Bereavement Allowance
• Bereavement Payments
• Widow Allowance
• Widow Pension Class B
• Newstart
• Health Care Cards
• Remote Area Allowance
• Pensioner Education Supplement

Centrelink Contacts

• Centrelink home page:
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  Most of what you will want to know is in the section ‘individuals’.
  You may find the A-Z Directory on the Centrelink site helpful in quickly finding the information you want:
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• Retirement matters: All general inquiries about the Age Pension, Commonwealth Seniors’ Health Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Financial Information Service, and publications: 13 23 00.
  
• For Centrelink appointments: 13 10 21.
  
• Information for non-English speaking persons. Centrelink Multilingual Call can handle your inquiry or provide information in many languages: 13 12 02.
  
• Centrelink provides a telephone typewriter (TTY) service for those with a hearing or speech impairment
  For Customer Relations: 1800 000 567.
  For Payment Inquiries: 1800 810 586.
• For matters relating to disability, illness or injury and carers: 13 27 17
• Customer Relations Line: For comment, complaint or compliments about Centrelink’s service 1800 050 004.
  
• International Services: For pensions paid overseas, claiming pensions from other countries and those paid under international agreements: 13 16 73.
• If you are calling from overseas: +61 3 6222 3455.

Centrelink Customer Service Centres

Find your local Centrelink office here.
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Assistance to Farmers

Centrelink has a range of assistance options for Australian farmers. More information and the relevant links can be found below.

If you are self-employed or repsonsible for a farm? 
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Australian Government Drought Assistance
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Australian Government Drought Buses and Murray-Darling Basin Drought Bus
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Murray-Darling Basin Initiative
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Bereavement Allowance and Bereavement Payment

If you are recently widowed, have no dependent children and have not been getting a payment from Centrelink, Bereavement Allowance helps give you an adequate level of income while you make funeral arrangements, settle financial affairs, look for work and find out whether you are eligible for a longer term payment from Centrelink.
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If you are in receipt of an eligible pension or allowance, a Bereavement Assistance helps make it easier for you to adjust to changed financial circumstances after the death of your partner or someone you cared for. Go there

Carers

Are you caring for someone who is frail, aged or has a disability? Centrelink can help. For more information phone Centrelink on 13 2717 or click here

Carer Payment is a payment for carers who, because of the demands of their caring role, are unable to support themselves through substantial participation in the workforce.
Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment available to parents or carers who provide daily care and attention for adults and children with a severe disability or medical condition. Carer Allowance may be paid on top of Carer Payment or other payments, such as Age Pension. A claim for Carer Allowance can be based on the assessment of a health professional, without the need for a final diagnosis, if it is evident the person needs personal care and will continue to need it for at least 12 months.

From 1 July 2006, legislative changes came into effect that enable new claims for Carer Allowance to be backdated for up to 12 weeks from the date a carer advises Centrelink they intend to claim the payment. The backdating provisions for carers of adults are only available if the care needs are due to the acute onset of a medical condition, such as a stroke. For more information about payments when you care for an adult (16 years and over) click here For more information about payments when you care for a child (under 16 years) click here

Planning for the future
Extra assistance for older carers was announced on 28 June 2007. This new initiative will help to support older carers aged 65 years and over, who receive Carer Allowance for caring for an immediate family member aged 40 years and over who is in receipt of Disability Support Pension. The transition support worker will assist older carers and the immediate family member with a disability to consider and plan for their future care needs. The transition support worker will provide information about the new in-home support, respite and accommodation programs.

Employment Preparation may be available for carers returning to the workforce. For more information about Employment Preparation phone 1300 363 037.

Carers Australia is the national peak body for carers, representing the needs and interests of carers at the national level. The members of Carers Australia comprise the eight state and territory Carers Associations. Phone 1800 242 636 or click here

Carer Associations are located in each State and Territory. They can provide carer-related information, support and advice to carers, including assistance through a 1800 network. These centres also arrange professional counselling for carers through the National Carer Counselling Program. For more information phone your local Carer Association on 1800 242 636.

Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres provide a single contact point for detailed information on local respite services and help carers get the respite that meets their individual needs. Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres can be contacted on 1800 059 059.

Centrepay

Centrepay is a free, voluntary, direct deduction facility which allows you to pay for certain services such as rent, gas, electricity or water. If you receive a social security payment you can arrange through Centrelink for deductions to be made each fortnight to pay bills. Find out more:
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Concession Cards

Pensioner Concession Card, (PCC) also known as pensioner card or pension card, it is available to all pensioners to obtain concessions on prescription medicines and, in conjunction with the Medicare card, basic hospital and medical treatment. The PCC is issued to anyone receiving a pension and to those aged 60 and over who have been receiving an allowance for nine months or more.

The PCC will also allow you to get these Commonwealth concessions:

• Telephone Allowance paid every three months with your pension if your phone at home is in your name or your partner’s name. The rate is reduced if one member of a couple is not a pensioner.
• People registered with the National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) can get a range of Commonwealth-approved products at subsidised prices.
• Free eyesight tests from optometrists who direct bill Medicare.
• Hearing services through the Commonwealth Hearing Services Program.
• Discount fares on Great Southern Railways Ltd.
• 
  State and Territory concessions vary for PCC holders but you should check these:
  
  • Reductions in property, water and sewerage rates paid to councils if you are a homeowner.
  • Reductions in gas and electricity bills.
  • Reductions in fares on public transport including some free travel within your State
  • Motor vehicle registration and driver’s licence may be free of charge.
  • Free ambulance service.

  For further information phone Centrelink on 132300 to obtain the publication, A Guide to Centrelink Concession Cards.
  

  The PCC also entitles holders to discounts from many private organisations and businesses. Just show your card and ask if a concession is available. For more on concession cards:
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  A Health Care Card for prescription medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is automatically issued to anyone on any form of allowance such as Newstart. Additional concessions may be offered to Low Income Health Care Card holders including health, household, educational, recreational and some transport concessions. These additional concessions, which are the responsibility of each State, Territory and Local Government and private organisations, vary widely within each State and Territory. Check your eligibility for a Health Care Card:
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  Commonwealth Seniors Health Card gives older Australians access to concessions on prescription medicines through the PBS and payment of the Telephone Allowance. Many self-funded retirees will be eligible for the CSHC. To be eligible you have to be of Age Pension age and with a taxable income under $50,000 for singles and $80,000 for couples or $100,000 for couples separated by illness. There is no asset test for the CSHC. War widows who do not hold a Pensioner Concession Card may be eligible for a CSHC. Contact Centrelink for an application form; veterans can apply at a Veterans’ Affairs office. More information:
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  Seniors Cards are issued by state and territory governments. There is no national seniors card. For more information on the seniors cards and state/territory contacts check our Seniors Card page.
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  War widows/widowers who are not in receipt of a service pension, income support supplement or age pension are eligible to receive a Transport Concession Card (TC1) if they live in New South Wales, Victoria (except World War 1 War widows/widowers) and Western Australia. The card provides travel concessions which are funded by the state.

Financial Information Service

The Financial Information Service (FIS) of Centrelink offers expert information for Centrelink and DVA clients, as well as other members of the community, to help you improve your standard of living and enjoy a better lifestyle by making the best use of your own resources. Here you can seek advice information on entitlements and how to maximise your income in retirement pension. FIS has fact sheets on income streams covering, amongst other things, allocated pensions, allocated annuities, assessable assets, family trusts and more. A FIS officer is available at most Centrelink Customer Service Centres.
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Supplementary Payments and Allowances

Pharmaceutical Allowance
Paid with the fortnightly payment of pensions and some allowances to provide financial assistance with the purchase of prescription medicines.

Telephone Allowance
Paid quarterly in January, March, July and September to pensioners, Commonwealth Senior Health Card holders and some allowees to assist with the cost of maintaining a telephone service.

Utilities Allowance
Assists age pensioners and some allowees with the cost of regular bills such as gas, electricity and water. It is paid in two instalments in March and September.

Seniors Concession Allowance
Assists Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders with the cost of some State and Territory services which are not available to them at a concessional rate. It is paid in two instalments in June and December.

Retirement Assistance

Check how Centrelink can help if you are retired or planning for retirement.
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Rent Assistance

If you are a pensioner renting in the private sector (that is, you are not paying rent directly to a government housing authority) or you pay service and maintenance fees in a retirement village, you may qualify for Rent Assistance. For information on how you qualify, how to claim, amount of assistance and other matters check this Centrelink page:
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Publications

News for Seniors is a quarterly Centrelink publication sent to age pensioners, service pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders. To receive the magazine in one of the 16 languages other than English or as an audio CD (English only) phone 13 12 02. If you don’t want to receive News for Seniors or you wish to advise a change of address, Centrelink customers should phone 13 23 00 or visit their local Centrelink Customer Service Centre. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) customers should advise DVA (phone 133 254 or if you live in regional Australia Freecall 1800 555 254). Current and recent issues of News for Seniors are available online. Centrelink also has other publications of interest to seniors. Go there

Pension Loans Scheme

This is a voluntary arrangement for people of Age Pension age (or their partners) who are unable to receive a pension due to their income or assets (but not both), or those who only get a part pension. Through the PLS, they can access capital which is tied up in their assets. The loan can be for a short time, or an indefinite period, and is paid in regular fortnightly installments. The amount you receive can be up to the maximum amount of the Age Pension. Interest is charged, and this increases the amount to be repaid. The loan is secured by any real estate owned in Australia, including your principal home. The full details of the pension loan scheme are provided in a Centrelink facts sheet, downloadable from the Centrelink website here, by phoning Centrelink Retirement Services on 13 23 00 or visiting a Centrelink customer Care Centre - click here to find the nearest one to you. 

Pensions, Payments, Allowances and Tests

Age Pension age for social security purposes is 65 years for men. Women qualify at different ages depending on their date of birth in accordance with the table below so by 2014 the minimum qualifying age for women will also be 65 years.

The qualifing age for male veterans with qualifying service and a service pension is 60. For female veterans the pension age is being raised by six months every two years so that by 1 July 2013, female and male pension ages will be the same; see the table on our Veterans’ Affairs page.

Visit this Centrelink page for information on the Age Pensions and other pensions, Income and Assets tests, Carer Payment, Rent Assistance, other allowances and benefits, age pension eligibility and other qualification information.
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The Disability Support Pension is a payment for people whose physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment prevents them from working, or for people who are permanently blind. For eligibility conditions, amount of pension, claiming and other information go to this Centrelink page:
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Check this Centrelink page for a guide as to what are considered assessable assets under the asset test:
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You can also check what assets are exempt. Note this includes "your principal home and curtilage (the land around your house you use for private purposes) of no more than two hectares". If the area is more than two hectares the excess is included as an asset.
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If you are receiving a payment through Centrelink and you are planning to go overseas, including Norfolk Island, call Centrelink because while away you could be overpaid or your payment could be stopped. If you are receiving a pension, phone Centrelink on 13 23 00. Veterans’ Affairs pensioners should contact their DVA office (click here). Note that from 1 July 2004 there is provision that payment to any Centrelink customer can be suspended or cancelled while overseas if Centrelink is not notified. Also, from 1 July 2004, you cannot receive a Centrelink payment for more than 13 weeks overseas (this excludes Age Pensioners and entitled wife and Widow B Centrelink customers).
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Guide To Australian Government Payments Booklet The Guide To Australian Government Payments gives details of the payment rates and eligibility criteria for all payments made by Centrelink and the Family Assistance Office. It is updated quarterly to reflect any changes in payment rates during this time.
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Compensation If you can claim compensation for an injury or illness, you should be aware that Centrelink will take it into account when determining eligibility for most payments. The booklet Compensation Kit 2001-2002 Bookletcontains essential information on how compensation affects social security entitlements; choices for rehabilitation; review and appeal rights; and specialist services for a person claiming compensation. You can get from Centrelink or download it from this site:
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Data matching is a program used by Centrelink and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to compare information with each other and with the Australian Taxation Office. Its purpose is to ensure that pensioner payments are correct. If you fail to tell Centrelink or DVA about changes to your financial situation you could be missing out on a higher rate of pension or you could be receiving too much and it will have to be repaid. For more information see What should I do if my circumstances change?
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Gifting. Before 1 July 2002 your payment was not affected if you dispose of assets or make gifts up to $10,000 in one year. From 1 July 2002, the $10,000 annual limit still applies but there is also $30,000 limit over rolling five year periods. If you exceed either limit the excess amount will remain considered as a financial asset for a five year period and deemed income rules will apply. Find out more:
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Income support payments. You may have been eligible for payments such as Mature Age Allowance or are eligible for Newstart. In return, you may have to meet obligations such as training or community work. Mature Age Allowance cannot be claimed from 20 September 2003 but if you were receiving it before then the payment may continue. For information on the Mature Age Allowance:
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For information on the Newstart Allowance:
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Investments such as managed funds and shares are reviewed every six months and the updated values may affect payment to pensioners.

The Pension Bonus Scheme provides a tax-free lump sum for people who voluntarily defer claiming Age or Service Pension. To get the benefit you have to register and continue to work for at least 12 months. The bonus is paid when you finally retire and receive a pension. You should register within 13 weeks of meeting the requirements. For details of registration, eligibility, payment and other matters check this Centrelink site.
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In Touch Program

Centrelink’s In Touch program can help people reunite with their family and friends. The In Touch process is simple and effective. Upon receiving an In Touch request, Centrelink will write to the person being sought if that person can be identified as a Centrelink customer. The letter will include the contact details provided by the person seeking to make contact. It is entirely up to the person who receives the letter to make contact with that person. The person’s right to privacy is always paramount and it is up to them if they want to make contact. Centrelink cannot provide any details to the person who is seeking to make contact. The In Touch service is available at all Centrelink Customer Service Centres.

Social Worker

The Social Work service recognises that people may need extra help with personal or family issues. Social Workers are ready to assist Centrelink customers with any form of crisis or difficulty they may be facing.
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Phone Centrelink appointments 13 10 21 and ask for a social worker.

Income and Assets Statement

You can get quick and easy access to the financial information Centrelink holds on you by requesting a Retirement Income and Assets Statement. This enables you to make sure the information is up to date. The statement is available from your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

Veterans’ Information Service (VIS)

Centrelink provides a Veterans' Information Service and a Community Support Service in selected Centrelink Customers Service Centres to help veterans.
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Widow Allowance

If you have become widowed, divorced or separated later in life and have no recent workforce experience, Widow Allowance ensures you have an adequate level of income. Find out more:
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