Since March 1, 1998, new residents entering residential aged care may be asked to pay an income tested daily care fee, based on their income and the level of care they receive. This fee, which is in addition to the basic daily care fee, helps cover living expenses like meals, laundry, heating/cooling and nursing or personal care. The fee is paid directly to the care service as part of the resident’s aged care fee.
16/12/2002
The Australian population is ageing and financial planners are increasingly becoming more involved in dealing with residential aged care issues.
12/09/2008
From July 1, 2005, accommodation bonds paid by older Australians moving into residential aged care will be exempt from the Social Security and Veterans’ Affairs assets tests, until the bond is refunded to the person or their estate when they leave the home.
02/08/2005
Clients often procrastinate over financial decisions and panic when the event occurs – unfortunately this procrastination limits financial planning opportunities. This is an all too common scenario for aged care.
04/03/2009
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23/10/2006
From September 1, 2004, a carer may get Carer Allowance even if they do not live with the person they care for.
18/11/2004
Rent Assistance is a supplementary payment available to help people who are required to rent accommodation in the private rental market.
27/06/2006
There are a number of accommodation choices for people to think about if they find they can no longer live in their current home. This article looks at one of the options – moving in with friends or relatives. There are issues to consider if a person is thinking about moving in with friends or relatives but at the same time not wishing to sell their home.
19/01/2006
Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment available to parents or carers who provide daily care and attention for adults or children with a disability or severe medical condition.
22/05/2006
Over the coming months, more initiatives will be rolled out by the Government as part of its Federal election commitment to seniors.
15/12/2004
There are a number of accommodation choices for people to think about if they find that their existing home is too big for them. Which option to choose often depends on their personal circumstances. In this article, we will look at moving into a retirement village.
15/02/2006
Changes to Baby Bonus and Maternity Immunisation Allowance commenced from 1 January 2009. These payments are provided by the Australian Government and can help parents and carers with the costs associated with caring for a new baby, young or adopted child.
01/02/2009
Centrelink offers payments to assist people who are caring for someone who has a severe disability or medical condition or who is a frail aged person.
28/11/2007
The Government offers a range of payments through the Family Assistance Office to support families with their work and family responsibilities.
26/07/2005
Centrelink issues the following concession cards: pensioner concession card, health care card and Commonwealth seniors health card. All three cards entitle the cardholder to Commonwealth health concessions, such as low-cost medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
06/03/2003
2008 National Conference on the Gold Coast is fast approaching and we can’t wait to welcome you there.
13/10/2008
The Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme assists geographically isolated families with the additional costs incurred in educating their school aged children.
06/02/2007
A Guide to Centrelink Concession Cards provides information on Government concessions.
07/07/2005
Centrelink Newstart Allowance is available to people who are looking for work or not working full time, subject to satisfying the eligibility criteria. Job seekers aged 50 or over who get Newstart Allowance will be seen by a Centrelink personal adviser.
22/03/2005
Financial planners would now be aware that the pension assets test is changing from September 20, 2007, so it seems timely to outline what Centrelink defines as an asset and what assets are considered exempt when applying for a Centrelink pension.
19/09/2007