Noeline Brown— retire from work, but not life...not warrant that the information is accurate or...

1CENTRELINK NEWS FOR SENIORS ISSUE 86 2011

ISSUE 86 2011

Moving to a clean energy future • Working together for you and all AustraliansDon’t forget to stay in touch! • More options for paid work—thanks to improved Work Bonus

Are you having trouble paying for your aged care expenses?

Noeline Brown— retire from work, but not life

2 CENTRELINK NEWS FOR SENIORS ISSUE 86 2011

INFORMATION

Key phone contacts✆ Seniors Line 13 2300

Age Pension, deeming, income and assets tests, Financial Information Service, Pension Bonus Scheme, Pension Loans Scheme and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

✆ International Services 13 1673 Pensions paid outside Australia, claiming pensions from other countries, pensions paid under International Agreements.

✆ Centrelink Multilingual 13 1202 for information in languages other than English.

✆ Disability, Illness or Injury and Carers 13 2717.

✆ TTY ServiceIf you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact us through our TTY service on FreecallTM 1800 810 586. To provide compliments, suggestions or complaints, please call our TTY Customer Relations Line on FreecallTM 1800 000 567. A TTY phone is required to use this service.

Calls from your home phone to Centrelink ‘13’ numbers from anywhere in Australia are charged at a fixed rate. That rate may vary from the price of a local call and may also vary between telephone service providers. Calls to ‘1800’ numbers from your home phone are free. Calls from public and mobile phones may be timed and charged at a higher rate.

✆ Customer Relations Line Freecall™ 1800 050 004 Comment, complain or provide compliments about our customer service.

✆ Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) customers should call 13 3254, or from regional Australia call Freecall™ 1800 555 254.

✆ Aged care information For information on aged care Freecall™ 1800 200 422.

Key websitesCentrelink: www.centrelink.gov.auDepartment of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs: www.fahcsia.gov.auDepartment of Veterans’ Affairs: www.dva.gov.auDepartment of Health and Ageing: www.health.gov.auMedicare Australia:www.medicareaustralia.gov.au

Aged Care Australia:www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

Receiving News for Seniors Other versions availableIf you would like to:• receive a copy of News for Seniors• change your address• cancel your copy of News for Seniors, or• discuss distribution problemscall the Seniors Line on 13 2300. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) customers who wish to make the above changes please call 13 3254 or from regional Australia call Freecall™ 1800 555 254.

News for Seniors is published in 16 community languages.

If you would like to receive News for Seniors in a language other than English, contact Centrelink Multilingual Call on 13 1202.

If you have a vision impairment and would prefer to receive an audio version of News for Seniors please call 13 2300.

To view English and non-English versions or listen to the audio version visit www.centrelink.gov.au and search under ‘Publications’.

When contacting any Centrelink telephone number please have your Customer Reference Number (CRN) and/or your concession cards handy for easy reference.

DISCLAIMER The Commonwealth of Australia has attempted to ensure the information in this publication is accurate. However, the Commonwealth does not warrant that the information is accurate or complete nor will it be liable for any loss suffered by any person because they rely in any way on it. You should contact your local Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs state office for full details of any entitlements and services to which you may be eligible, or how any pending changes in legislation, programs or services may affect you.

© Commonwealth of Australia 2011. ISSN 1033-8365


IN THIS ISSUE

ContentsKey phone contacts 2

Key websites 2

Receiving News for Seniors 2

Other versions available 2

From the Editor 4

Letter to the Editor 4

Message from the Minister 5

FEATURE STORYNoeline Brown—retire from work, but not life 6

YOUR STORIESFrom law enforcement to exam rules 7

NEWSMoving to a clean energy future 8

Support for Self-funded retirees 8

Clean Energy Household Assistance payments 9

Support for senior Australians receiving a pension 10

Second anniversary of Pension Reforms 11

Public holiday reporting and payment arrangements 12

Working together for you and all Australians 14

LIFESTYLEDon’t forget to stay in touch! 15

POLICYAustralia has a National Carer Strategy 16

Are you having trouble paying for your aged care expenses? 17

More options for paid work—thanks to improved Work Bonus 19

Are you a member of a community group, club or association? 20

FINANCEPlanning for the future care needs of your family 21

Be aware of the latest scams 22

Robyn has some good advice… 23

CONNECTDid you know you can now transfer to the Age Pension online? 24

A cheaper way to connect to family and friends 24

You’ve got (1) new message 25

HEALTHHave you reached the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net threshold? 26

Assistive Listening Devices—helping life sound better 27

Introducing a new national number for aged care information 28

Need to see a doctor to renew your driver’s licence? 28

News for Seniors advertising enquiriesContact: CouchCreative Email: [email protected]

Centrelink and the Commonwealth of Australia do not endorse and are not responsible for the views, products or services offered or provided by advertisers.

Australian Government organisations should contact:Email: [email protected] Mail: Editor, News for Seniors, PO Box 7788, Canberra BC, ACT 2610 News for Seniors incorporates information for service pensioners, war widows and widowers.

Ambassador for Ageing, Noeline Brown (pictured) is one of Australia’s best loved actors. Noeline helps promote activities that ensure our communities value and respect older people. The role of the ambassador is to promote healthy, positive, and active messages within the community to help support older Australians.

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Hello and welcome to News for Seniors Issue 86, 2011.

In this issue of News for Seniors we focus on lifestyle, and have provided some practical tips on health and wellbeing, including information on how to keep both physically and mentally active as we grow older.

As we reflect on this theme, we also feature some fantastic good news stories from our readers who are active in the community.

During Queensland Seniors Week in August, we came across Bob Loveridge, from Townsville, Queensland. He shares with us his experiences after retirement working at a local university. You can read more about Bob’s story on page 7 and the Work Bonus on page 19.

From the EditorWith our recent amalgamation into the Federal Department of Human Services (Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support and CRS Australia), I also wanted to remind you about our commitment to privacy which you can read more about on page 14.

In addition, I have received some letters from you expressing your concern about scams. To help you avoid them we have provided some useful information on what you should keep an eye out for on page 22.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish readers, their families and friends a safe and happy festive season and happy new year. I look forward to bringing you more editions of News for Seniors in 2012.

Hank Jongen, Editor — News for Seniors Mail: PO Box 7788 Canberra BC ACT 2610 Email: [email protected] for feedback on the magazine.

Letter to the EditorDear Hank,

I would like to advise News for Seniors readers that some Australians and United Kingdom (UK) citizens may be entitled to a non-means tested UK pension if they have worked in the UK and paid funds into the UK’s state system, for as little as one year in some cases. Moreover, people receiving an Australian pension will only have their Centrelink pension reduced by a maximum of 50 cents for each dollar they receive from the UK.

For more information contact British Pensions in Australia (BPiA). BPiA is a non-profit, volunteer, expat pensioner organisation working to inform British expats of their potential UK age pension entitlements. BPiA’s mission is to secure improved annually indexed British pension entitlements for British pensioners resident in Australia.

To become a member of BPiA, contact us on 1300 308 353 (local charge) or email [email protected]

Kind regards

Jim TilleyHon. Chairman, British Pensions in Australia

Editor’s note: remember to advise us of the outcome of your UK pension claim and continue to report any changes to your personal circumstances.

In addition to the contact details above, you can find out more about UK pensions by calling Centrelink International Services on 13 1673 or contacting:• International Pension Centre, Tyneview Park,

Newcastle upon Tyne, England NE98 1BA, United Kingdom. Phone international 0011 44 191 218 7777, fax 0015 44 191 218 7021 or visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/BritonsLivingAbroad/Moneyabroad/DG_4000013

EDITOR

mailto:editornfs%40centrelink.gov.au?subject=To%20the%20Editor

CENTRELINK NEWS FOR SENIORS ISSUE 86 2011 5

MINISTER’S MESSAGE

Message from the MinisterWith summer here, it’s a great time to get out and about and do some of the things you love like gardening, taking a walk or even just talking to a friend.

In this edition of News for Seniors we promote positive ageing through the stories of some inspirational older Australians. It’s all about enjoying a healthy, active and independent life. There are many opportunities and resources out there to help you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I hope you feel inspired to get involved and improve your lifestyle in a way that suits you.

You may have heard in the media recently, that the Australian Government has developed a comprehensive plan to support a secure and clean energy future.

The Clean Energy Plan is about how we will manage climate change through the introduction of initiatives such as the carbon price, renewable energy, energy efficiency and action on land. The plan supports households, business and the community to move to clean energy. There will be assistance for pensioners

and self-funded retirees. You can find more information about this on page 8.

I also wanted to share with you some positive changes in the way that you will receive support and services from Centrelink. On 1 July 2011, I announced a major milestone for government service delivery in Australia, with Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support and CRS Australia becoming one department—the Federal Department of Human Services.

We will be working together to continue our focus on improving government service delivery and putting you at the centre of our business. To make it easier and quicker to access our services, we are creating one-stop shops, where you can access our services under one roof. This will boost the number of Medicare offices from 240 to 500 locations over the next four years. We are also providing you with more self-service options and one-on-one customer support when you need it the most.

Most importantly, there will be no disruptions to your payments and services as we make the transition. The Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support and CRS Australia names will remain as you see them today, so you can easily identify what services you need from us.

You can find more information about the department’s service commitments on page 14.

I welcome your thoughts on how we can improve our service delivery to better suit your needs.

I hope you and your families enjoy a relaxing summer break and a safe 2012.

Tanya Plibersek MPMinister for Human Services Minister for Social Inclusion

Age Pension rate increases From 20 September 2011, the maximum rate increased by $19.50 a fortnight for single pensioners and by $29.60 a fortnight for pensioner couples combined. This brings the total pension to $748.80 a fortnight for maximum rate singles and $1129 a fortnight for maximum rate couples combined.

6 CENTRELINK NEWS FOR SENIORS ISSUE 86 20116 CENTRELINK NEWS FOR SENIORS ISSUE 86 2011

FEATURE STORY

Noeline Brown—retire from work, but not life

For the past three years, Noeline Brown has been in the role of the Ambassador for Ageing to help promote healthy, positive and active ageing within the community and explain government programs and initiatives to the public that assist older people.

As the Ambassador for Ageing, Noeline hopes to help improve ‘the value of older people in the community and establish a culture that recognises the positive contributions that seniors make in society every day’.

Older Australians experience many challenges and Noeline has a deep appreciation of the concerns of seniors.

‘Participation in the workforce is a key issue affecting seniors today. Everybody is concerned about planning for the future, their finances and having enough money to support themselves with dignity in their old age’, says Noeline.

Keeping your independence is something Noeline believes is very important to older Australians. ‘Having people do more for you means that you do less for yourself. It is good if that means it helps you stay in the family home longer and you have reliable support to do that—like someone helping out with the house cleaning. However, it’s important to be in charge of your own decision making and be the master of your own choices—especially if you’re considering leaving the family home and finding aged care that meets your needs’.

‘I want to remind the community to consider older people. We are not invisible and we have a voice’.

‘Of course health issues are always one of our major concerns. Staying healthy and active while maintaining a good diet is huge on our agenda’, says Noeline.

Noeline maintains a very active lifestyle. Walking her dog Mini is one of her favourite pastimes, as well as going to the gym and using the skipping rope at home when she feels the need.

The Ambassador for Ageing is a role that Noeline Brown takes very seriously. She sees herself as an advocate for older Australians—a role that she personally values being an older person herself.

As we come into the warmer months Noeline suggests drinking plenty of water and taking in some early sun for Vitamin D, but avoiding being out during the hottest part of the day.

Keeping a connection to people is very important to Noeline. ‘I am an amateur cook, I love looking after people and serving up good food for my guests’.

‘My husband and I have friends from all walks of life and ages. It’s always fun taking on the challenge in understanding people’s differing opinions, you’re always able to learn so much from others, whether they’re young or old’, says Noeline.

How else does Noeline keep busy? ‘I really enjoy volunteering. It’s a fantastic activity to do especially as you grow older, it also helps keep a healthy mind’, says Noeline.

‘The best thing about being a volunteer is giving back to the community and getting involved in something you really love. For me, I have been the chair of the Actors Benevolent Fund of New South Wales which helps support actors who are dealing with age, illness or accidents. It’s a great way for me to maintain connection to other actors and the performance industry, while helping people in need at the same time.’

When thinking about the upcoming holiday season, Noeline suggests working on sustaining good relationships. ‘Don’t be alone. Make sure you reach out to someone for companionship during this time’.

‘Remember, just because you are retired from the workforce, does not mean you are retired from life.’

CENTRELINK NEWS FOR SENIORS ISSUE 86 2011 7

YOUR STORIES

From law enforcement to exam rules

After a long career with the Queensland Police Service, Bob Loveridge (pictured) didn’t plan to go back to work after retirement, but found that there were lots of opportunities out there to do interesting and meaningful casual work for people aged 70 plus.

‘I first started doing some work for the university on a research project just after my retirement, from there I got involved as a volunteer patient and now as an exam supervisor’, says Bob.

Bob works a day here and there at James Cook University in Townsville, as an examination supervisor. He does the bulk of his occasional work twice a year helping out with general exams, but also working as a volunteer patient in the medical school and supervising periodic quizzes throughout the semesters.

‘Working after retirement has helped me keep committed and connected, particularly working with young people. Certainly you can play golf and bowls and things like that but work helps to keep you in touch with people and keeps the brain active’, says Bob.

The experience of working after retirement has been very beneficial and positive for Bob. ‘It’s great. It keeps the mind active. That’s the important thing otherwise you sit around and stagnate. It keeps the body active too and keeps you fit. It also gives you the chance to interact with people you wouldn’t necessarily come into contact with if you weren’t working’.

Bob first learnt about the Work Bonus from a previous edition of News for Seniors. ‘The latest changes to Work Bonus are new. From what I understand it will increase my opportunities to do more work and there is more flexibility’.

‘Before I had to be careful when I worked, consider the number of shifts and so on. There’s often also a gap between when you do the work and when you actually get paid. It did get fiddly. Work Bonus can fix all that.’

There are many benefits of working after retirement. ‘The extra money is definitely a bonus on top of all the other benefits. It also helps you afford those little luxuries every now and again. I can’t say that I’d like

to go back to permanent work but being able to do some work now and then, and being able to keep more of the earnings is really great’.

So what are Bob’s tips for other News for Seniors readers who would like to do occasional work? ‘I’d just suggest people learn more about Work Bonus and take advantage of what it offers’.

Read more information about the Work Bonus on page 19.

Bob Loveridge from Townsville, Queensland, talks about life after retirement working at James Cook University and the Work Bonus.

Moving to a clean energy futureThe Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future plan will introduce a carbon price to cut pollution in the cheapest and most effective way and to drive investment in clean energy sources such as solar, gas and wind.


NEWS

A carbon price is not a tax on households—around 500 of the biggest polluters in Australia will be required to pay for their pollution under the carbon pricing mechanism, and every dollar raised will be used to support households, jobs, and to invest in clean energy and climate change programs. To assist households with price impacts, there will be tax cuts and increases in pensions, allowances and benefits. Tax reform will also mean that over one million individuals will no longer need to file a tax return.

On top of this financial assistance, households that improve their energy efficiency will be able to save money, while also helping to reduce carbon pollution. Households that become more energy efficient will still get to keep all of their tax cuts and payment increases, which means the carbon price package will still provide them with a financial incentive to do their bit for the environment.

Becoming more energy efficient is one key way that you can play your part in reducing carbon pollution while also helping you save money on your energy bills. There

are some small things that you can do to help make your home more energy efficient:• wash clothes in cold rather than hot water • make sure your home is not over heated or cooled

— setting the temperature cooler or warmer by one degree could save heating and cooling energy use by up to 10%

• switch from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights could save around $115 per year

• use a clothesline instead of an electric dryer once per week could save around $40 per year

• switch off appliances at the power point could save a household up to $80 per year in standby power

• replace your electric hot water system with a solar hot water system.

Support for Self-funded retireesThe Government is committed to supporting senior Australians that have planned for their future retirement needs, and do not receive a pension.

Self-funded retirees who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card will receive an additional payment with their Seniors Supplement, of up to $338 for singles, and $255 for each eligible member of a couple. This is the same amount of assistance pensioners will receive through their pension payment.

Assistance to Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will be delivered through a Clean Energy Advance, which will be paid as an up front lump

sum payment of up to $250 for a single and $190 for each eligible member of a couple. This payment will be provided to eligible seniors by the end of June 2012 to help meet additional costs for the nine months from July 2012.

From March 2013, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will start accruing entitlement for a new Clean Energy Supplement, which will be paid quarterly, from June 2013, at the same time as the Seniors Supplement.


NEWS

Clean Energy Household Assistance payments

Who will receive payments

Estimated annual amount of assistance

is…

… which will be paid in May to June 2012 as

an up-front, tax-exempt lump sum Clean Energy

Advance of…

...then paid as an ongoing Clean Energy

supplement which commences from…

Pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Holders

Single Up to $338 Up to $250 March 2013 (fortnightly) or June

2013 (quarterly)Couple (each) Up to $255 Up to $190

Families

receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A (per child) Up to $110 Up to $110 July 2013 (fortnightly)

or October 2013 (quarterly)receiving Family Tax

Benefit Part B (per family) Up to $69 Up to $69

People may be eligible for other Household Assistance including:

Household Assistance Amount of Household Assistance Commencing from

Low Income Supplement $300 per year July 2012

Essential Medical Equipment Payment $140 per year for each piece of equipment in up to two residences July 2012

Tax Reform Taxpayers earning less than $80 000 will also receive tax cuts July 2012

Assistance for self-funded retirees through the personal tax system

In addition to the household tax cuts outlined above, the tax package will also increase the thresholds for the Senior Australians Tax Offset, providing additional tax cuts to self-funded retirees. For example, a self-funded retiree with taxable income of $40 000 will receive a tax cut

of $199 from the changes to the Senior Australians Tax Offset, in addition to the $303 tax cut provided through the Government’s other tax reforms.

Further, self-funded retirees in low income households who do not receive sufficient assistance through the tax or transfer system may be eligible to claim the annual Low Income Supplement of $300 from 1 July 2012.

Case study

Cynthia and Andrew retired a few years ago. They’re spending time with their two dogs and working in their garden. They are worried about climate change, and feel that it is important to do their bit to help.

Cynthia receives around $50 000 and Andrew around $20 000 in investment income.

Their expected average cost of living increase is around $466 per year. They are not eligible for a

pension, but they are Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders.

The tax cuts will mean that Cynthia and Andrew have an extra $303 per year. They will also get an extra $510 through the Seniors Supplement.

In total, Cynthia and Andrew will receive $813 in assistance, which is $347 more than their expected price impact.

To find out how you might benefit, go to the online estimator at www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au


NEWS

Support for senior Australians receiving a pensionThe Government’s Clean Energy Future plan will boost pensioner budgets through a combination of extra payments and special initiatives. This means that around 2.2 million age pensioners will receive financial help.

All pensioners (including part pensioners) will get assistance that at least offsets their expected average cost increases under a carbon price. The Government will give assistance to pensioners equivalent to a 1.7 per cent increase in the maximum rate of the pension — this is an increase of up to $338 for singles and $510 for a pensioner couple combined.

The assistance is more than the expected average cost of living impact of the carbon price on pensioners and provides a buffer for pensioners who have higher than average costs.

Assistance will be paid as a supplement to the pension, and will commence with the first nine months worth of assistance being paid as an up-front lump sum payment of up to $250 for singles and $190 for each member of a couple. This will be paid by the end of June 2012, and ensures pensioners have cash assistance in their hands from the start of the carbon price.

From March 2013, assistance will be delivered through an additional supplement. Pensioners will have the choice of receiving the supplement either fortnightly or quarterly.

What do I have to do?

Pensioners who will receive this assistance include adult recipients of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Service Pension and Wife Pension. The payments will be automatic and pensioners don’t need to lodge a special application. Importantly, this is permanent assistance that will increase over time.

Assistance for pensioners through the personal tax system

From 1 July 2012, all taxpayers with income up to $80 000 will get a tax cut, with most getting a cut of at least $300. These tax cuts will be delivered by an increase in the tax free threshold from $6000 to $18 200, and an associated reduction in the Low Income Tax Offset to $445.

The Pensioner Tax Offset will also be rolled in to the Senior Australians Tax Offset, with the new offset called the Seniors and Pensioners Tax Offset. For a taxable part-rate pensioner under Age Pension age with a taxable income of $40 000, this will provide an additional financial benefit of around $279 in 2012–13 compared to 2011–12. This is over and above the tax cuts provided through the Government’s other tax reforms.

Case study

Leslie and Alex are both retired and receive the full Age Pension.

They often look after their grandchildren, and help at the local community centre, but don’t receive any extra income from this work.

The introduction of the carbon price is expected to increase their average cost of living by $284 per year.

They will receive an increase in their pension of up to $510 per year to help them with these increased costs.

On average, Leslie and Alex will be $226 per year better off after the introduction of carbon pricing.

To find out how you might benefit, go to the online estimator at www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au


NEWS

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Second anniversary of Pension Reforms20 September 2011 marked the second anniversary of the Pension Reforms—which delivered significant and sustainable improvements for older Australians.

The package contained a range of measures aimed at strengthening the financial security of seniors, carers, people with disability and veterans. Around 3.4 million pensioners continue to benefit from the Pension Reforms today. What have the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reforms delivered?• Immediate financial benefits through an initial

pension rate rise on 20 September 2009, as well as a higher wages benchmark and new indexation arrangements for the base pension that better reflect changes in pensioners’ living costs.

• Since September 2009, the maximum single rate of pension has increased by around $148 per fortnight and the maximum rate of pension for couples combined has increased by around $146 a fortnight.

• The Work Bonus which has been further enhanced from 1 July 2011, allows Age Pension recipients to keep more of their fortnightly pension if they choose to do paid work. You can find more information about the Work Bonus on page 19.

• Advance Payment arrangements that are more accessible and provide greater flexibility to help pensioners deal with unexpected costs.

• A Pension Supplement, a Seniors Supplement and a $600 Carer Supplement.

• Increases to the pension age from 2017, rising to 67 by 2023, and increases to the pension income test taper, ensure the pension system remains sustainable now and into the future.

For more information about the Secure and Sustainable Pension Reforms visit www.fahcsia.gov.au

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NEWS

Public holiday reporting and payment arrangements

During the Christmas, New Year and Australia Day public holiday period Centrelink offices will be closed. Centrelink will not make any payments on these dates.

If you are meant to be paid on a national public holiday, you will be paid before that day.

An early payment is not an extra payment. You may have to prepare for a longer period between payment dates.

If you are due to report on one of these days, you will be given an earlier day to report to avoid a delay of your payment. You can check your new reporting date on your reporting statement, or from your Online Services or Phone Self Service account.

When you report, you must include estimates of earnings or other changes for your normal 14 day assessment period. While your reporting date is different, the assessment period remains the same. You can wait to lodge your report until after the end of your reporting period if you want to be sure of your earnings or other changes, but if you do wait, you will not be paid until you report.

Centrelink services

All Centrelink offices will be closed on:• Christmas Day public holiday

—Monday 26 December 2011• Boxing Day public holiday

—Tuesday 27 December 2011

• New Years Day public holiday —Monday 2 January 2012

• Australia Day —Thursday 26 January 2012.

More information about public holiday payment arrangements can be found at www.centrelink.gov.au

Medicare services

For Medicare office holiday closures, go to www.medicareaustralia.gov.au

Child Support Agency

The Child Support Agency (CSA) will be offering a limited phone enquiry service over the holiday period.

For more information about CSA services over the holiday period visit www.csa.gov.au

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NEWS

CENTRELINK NEWS FOR SENIORS ISSUE 86 2011

Working together for you and all AustraliansThe Federal Department of Human Services—Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support and CRS Australia is now working together to support you. To do this, we have developed a set of service commitments so you know what you can expect from us. There are also some simple ways that you can help us support you too.

Our service commitments to you

Respect—we welcome you and will listen to you and work with you to understand your individual and cultural needs.

Easy access to services—we will give you quick and easy access to the right services.

Quality information—we are committed to providing consistent and accurate information.

Fair and transparent services—we will be open and honest with you and follow through on our commitments.

Genuine consultation—we value your feedback and we will work with you to understand how to improve our services.

Efficiency—we will simplify the way we deliver services to you.

How you can help us• Tell us when your personal circumstances

change: by letting us know quickly if you have a change in your circumstances. For example, if you let us know about a change to your income, your address, your living arrangements or other changes, we can ensure that you are receiving your correct entitlement.

• Always treat staff and customers with respect and courtesy: treating people the way we wish to be treated promotes an environment of mutual respect.

• Tell us if you need help to use our products and services: if you are experiencing difficulty using our services please speak to a staff member.

• Talk to our staff if you are not happy with the outcome: if you disagree with a decision we have made let us know so that we can resolve the issue as soon as possible.

• Provide complete, accurate and timely information: decisions we make are based on the information you provide us. Tell us as soon as possible if you have made a mistake, or if you think we have made a mistake.

We will protect your personal information

If you are concerned about the security of your personal information, we want to reassure you that your personal information is protected by law.

We cannot look at, use or disclose any personal information we have about you unless it is allowed under the Privacy Act 1988 and the confidentiality provisions in the laws that are administered by the department.

If you think that there has been a breach of your privacy or confidentiality, you can make a complaint to any Customer Service Centre representative, or contact us by phone FreecallTM 1800 132 468 (free call except from mobile phones) (complaints and feedback) or online at www.humanservices.gov.au

Would you like to find out more?

If you have a question about privacy, confidentiality, access or disclosure of information, ask to be put in touch with the privacy officer at any Customer Service Centre.

You can find out more about the services the department provides by contacting us on 13 2468 or online at www.humanservices.gov.au


Don’t forget to stay in touch!Staying in regular contact with people is important for your mind. It can help ward off the blues, and feelings of loneliness and depression. Not only does it help you keep mentally active but also engaged with the wider community.

LIFESTYLE

What are News for Seniors readers doing to stay in touch in the community?

Harvey, 70, from Stirling, Western Australia has been actively involved over the past few years donating hundreds of ‘less than perfect’ toys. Harvey sources, repairs and cleans the toys himself and describes his experience as ‘doing something most challenging at times, but always rewarding’ for children at his local hospital and community centres.

Mary, 91, from Bentleigh, Victoria has recently achieved her lifelong dream of being a published author. She recently launched her life writings called Armchair Memoirs.

Noeline Brown, Ambassador for Ageing said, ‘Staying in touch is more than just having a chat over the backyard fence with an old mate or girlfriend, though these things are very important too’.

‘Older Australians have so much to offer, not just to friends and family, but to the wider community’.

‘You have spent the better part of five decades or more developing various skills and talents. Just because you’re retired, doesn’t mean your skills and talents can’t be put to good use’.

Staying active and engaged with friends and family or your local community organisation can improve your quality of life. Keeping active through pursuing different interests and talents is a great way to stay social in the community and can provide you with a rewarding physical or creative outlet.

So how can you get involved and stay in touch with your community?Consider your own skills and talents—get involved with a community organisation or social group, or start your own. You could join a choir, creative writing or reading group.

Consider volunteering—helping other people can help you lead a healthier and active life. Many people mind their grandkids for a few hours a week, or help out with charities or look out for a neighbour who may feel isolated or be without a family.

Find out more For more information on a range of aged care services and support available, nationally or in your local area call FreecallTM 1800 200 422 (free call except from mobile phones) or visit www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

For information about social groups and community organisations in your local area, get in touch with the Council on the Ageing (COTA) FreecallTM 1800 182 324 (free call except from mobile phones) and National Seniors Australia 1300 765 050 in your state or territory, or your local council.


Australia has a National Carer StrategyMany people do not realise the enormous contribution carers make to Australian society.

The National Carer Strategy is the government’s long-term commitment to carers. It explains the things that we are doing now to help carers and also explains our plans to help carers in the future.

We are providing new money under the National Carer Strategy to support carers, including $58 million to help more people access a range of income support payments and $1.6 million to run an information campaign to tell people what carers do.

The National Carer Strategy will help people who care for older people by offering more respite during the day and promoting opportunities for carers to participate in paid work.

For more information, or to download a copy of the National Carer Strategy, go to www.fahcsia.gov.au or call 1300 653 227.

POLICY

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POLICY

Are you having trouble paying for your aged care expenses? Financial Hardship Assistance is a supplement paid to an aged care provider on your behalf to help with the costs of your aged care daily fees, income tested fees, the accommodation bond or charge.

You may be eligible if you:• do not have income or assets which you can use to

pay your aged care fees• have essential ongoing high pharmaceutical costs.

Your home may be exempt from calculations if at the time of assessment:• your partner or dependent child occupied the

home, or • a carer occupied the home for at least two years

and is eligible for an income support payment, or• a close relative occupied the home for at least five

years and is eligible for an income support payment.

You may not be eligible if you:• make the choice not to use a particular asset

which could help with the payment of care fees, e.g. investment saving

• gift money or an asset leaving you unable to pay for aged care fees

• if you choose not to use finances or an asset that you intend to use for inheritance purposes.

Applications can take up to 28 days to process. Therefore, anyone who wants to receive approval before entering respite or permanent care should, as far as possible, lodge an application well in advance of the planned aged care dates.

For more information about the hardship provisions, or applying, please call FreecallTM 1800 200 422 (free call except from mobile phones) or visit www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

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POLICY

More options for paid work—thanks to improved Work Bonus

Mary works each fortnight in a bakery

Mary earns $200 each fortnight which is below the $250 fortnightly exemption. Mary is able to keep all of her pension because none of her employment income is assessed under the income test. She also accrues $50 each fortnight ($250 – $200) in Work Bonus balance. After 12 months Mary accrues $1300 (26 x $50), giving her the option to earn more employment income for a period of time with little or no effect on her pension.

John works as a Santa Claus at Christmas time

John earns $2000 as Santa in the fortnight before Christmas. As he didn’t earn any employment income in the previous 12 fortnights, his Work Bonus balance has accrued to $3000 (12 x $250). In the fortnight when he works, John’s employment income is first discounted by his fortnightly $250 Work Bonus concession, leaving $1750 ($2000 – $250) as income. However, John keeps his entire pension because this income amount is offset by his accrued Work Bonus balance of $3000. John’s Work Bonus balance therefore reduces to $1250 ($3000 – $1750) that can offset future employment income.

If you do paid work, you can now keep more of your pension each fortnight, or you can work every now and then with little or no effect on your pension.

The Work Bonus is an incentive to encourage older Australians to work if they wish.

Improvements to the Work Bonus from 1 July 2011 mean that:• your first $250 of employment income each

fortnight is not assessed under the income test, and• any unused amount of your $250 fortnightly

exemption accrues as the Work Bonus balance, up to a maximum of $6500. You can use that balance to offset your future employment income that would otherwise count under the income test. It also carries across financial years.

Important points on the Work Bonus• The Work Bonus is in addition to the pension

income test free areas, currently $150 a fortnight for single pensioners and $264 combined for a couple. This means that if you are for example, a single pensioner, and your only income is employment income, you could earn $400 ($150 income test free area for single + $250 Work Bonus) a fortnight before your pension is affected.

• If you do any work, you still need to tell us. • The Work Bonus balance is an incentive and

cannot be cashed out. • The Work Bonus is not available to self-employed

people including sub contractors as their income is not earned from an employer/employee arrangement.

Need more information?

For more information on changes to the Work Bonus visit www.centrelink.gov.au call the Centrelink Seniors Line on 13 2300 or visit your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre.


POLICY

Are you a member of a community group, club or association? Help us spread the word and encourage diversity—include older people with disability in your group.

Social isolation as a result of ageing is a serious issue for seniors and can affect an individual’s health and wellbeing. It is particularly an issue for older people with disability, who are at a higher risk of social isolation, especially after retiring from work.

How can community groups, clubs and associations help?

It is important that all older people have the opportunity to be socially connected and, if they wish, to participate in community life. Getting involved in clubs and associations with people of similar ages and interests has been seen to have many benefits, especially for seniors with disability who are considering retirement or who have recently retired. Participating in walking groups, knitting clubs, or the local men’s shed has proven successful in

enabling older people with disability to be part of a community and participate in meaningful activity.

Many of you are members of community groups and can offer opportunities for seniors with disability to participate. Do you want to boost your volunteering numbers? Are you looking for people who can contribute arts, crafts or baked goods for your next local fundraising event? Or do you just want to diversify your membership? Older people with disability have as much to contribute as you do.

Many people with disability are unaware of what is available to them in the community. If you can provide opportunities for older people with disability to participate more fully in community activities contact your local Australian Disability Enterprise or other disability organisations and let them know what services or activities are available.

For more information visit www.australiandisabilityenterprises.com.au

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FINANCE


Planning for the future care needs of your familyParents and other immediate family members often make arrangements for the care and accommodation needs of someone in their family who has a severe disability through a Special Disability Trust.

A Special Disability Trust can be used to pay for the current and future care and accommodation needs of a member of the family with severe disability or medical condition.

Anyone can contribute to this type of trust, except the beneficiary and their partner. If you are an immediate family member such as a parent, grandparent, sibling or legal guardian and make a contribution, and if you are receiving a pension (and are of age pension age), you may receive up to $500 000 (combined) in concessions from the gifting rules.

Funds spent administering the trust and up to $578 500 (indexed annually) in assets of the trust is excluded from the means test limits for the beneficiary. The principal residence of the beneficiary is considered a Special Disability Trust asset, which is also excluded from the beneficiary’s means test limits.

Recent changes to both social security and tax rules have made it easier to set up and use a Special Disability Trust.

If you contribute to a Special Disability Trust, there were new changes from 1 January 2011:• a beneficiary may work up to seven hours a week

at or above the relevant minimum wage

• the trust can pay for medical expenses, including private health fund membership, and maintenance expenses of the trust’s property, and

• the trust can spend up to $10 250 in a financial year (indexed annually in July) on items or services not related to care and accommodation needs.

If the Special Disability Trust is already established, you will need the trust deed to be amended to incorporate the above changes and to ensure the trust remains compliant.

Changed taxation legislation also allows unexpended income of a Special Disability Trust to be taxed at the beneficiary’s personal income tax rate, rather than the highest marginal tax rate which is imposed on other types of trusts.

Before you set up a trust If you or your family are thinking about setting up a Special Disability Trust, it is important to talk to Centrelink first. The beneficiary will need to be assessed against certain criteria to be granted eligibility.

For more information about these and other changes to Special Disability Trusts go to the Special Disability Trusts page on www.centrelink.gov.au or call Centrelink’s Special Disability Trust team on FreecallTM 1800 734 750 (free call except from mobile phones).

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FINANCE

Be aware of the latest scamsEvery year thousands of older Australians fall victim to scams. To avoid being hurt financially and emotionally, here is some information and tips on how to avoid two of the latest scams.

Carbon pricing compensation scamWith the recent discussions around carbon pricing, it has been reported that scammers have been contacting members of the public offering compensation payments.

What is the scam?

The scammer reportedly:• makes contact out of the blue and claims to be a

representative from the Australian Government or a government department

• offers a compensation payment as part of the Australian Government's carbon pricing initiative, and

• asks for your bank account details to transfer the money.

What should you do if you think you have been targeted?Do not provide your bank details, as they could potentially gain access to your money and any personal details linked to your bank account.

The Australian Government will never call you to ask for your bank account details or offer you carbon pricing assistance.

The clean energy advance and supplement will be paid automatically into the bank account Centrelink uses for existing payments.

For more information about the carbon pricing payment scam call the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Infoline on 1300 300 630 or visit www.moneysmart.gov.au

Romance and datingSome of you may use internet dating websites to meet and interact with other people. Scammers often prey on people looking to meet friends or potential partners through these websites.

What is the scam?The scammer reportedly:• sets up a fake profile on an internet dating website• professes strong feelings for you and suggests

making personal contact through email, instant messaging or over the phone, and

• gains your trust, creates an elaborate story and asks for money.

What should you do if you think you have been targeted?Think twice before sending money to someone you have met online and not in person. Be careful how much personal information you share with people online and don’t use the same passwords e.g. email and banking.

For more information, or to report an incident, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Infocentre on 1300 302 502 or visit www.scamwatch.gov.au

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Robyn has some good advice… Robyn Maker, one of our many Financial Information Service officers, talks about her work in Toowoomba and what you may want to think about if you are considering the move to a retirement village ‘Toowoomba is a large rural city, and the surrounding area consists of many rural towns and farming communities’, says Robyn (pictured).

‘I see a wide range of people with an equally wide range of financial issues, so the questions I get are diverse. The questions come from farmers, retired people looking to invest their money safely, or people still working who want to develop a savings plan and understand the different types of investments.’

‘Toowoomba has a large retirement community so I often speak to retirees or their family members about choosing accommodation options like retirement villages.’

Retirement villages as an accommodation option

Retirement villages are popular with people who feel they need more security, support or company but want to maintain their independence. They generally accommodate people, singles and couples, aged over 55.

Residents may be in good health and live in self-care units where they can look after themselves. Some villages offer serviced units, which usually means you can have meals, house-cleaning, laundry and some personal care provided.

It is important to look around at a number of villages to see which best meets your requirements. You may want to talk to family and friends—including people who have recently moved into a retirement village.

Retirement villages are funded by residents’ payments, loans or donations (also known as entry contributions) and by ongoing fees and charges. These payments are not set by the government but by the agreement between the resident and the operator of the retirement village.

Before you sign the contract• It is important that you also seek expert legal

advice first. In particular, you should get a solicitor’s opinion on the contract before you sign it.

• Make sure you understand all the fees and charges.

• Check how much of your entry contribution and any capital growth in the value of your unit will be refunded if you leave the village.

• Check how long you would need to wait for the refund. At a later stage you might need money to pay an accommodation payment to an aged care home.

For more information

If you would like more information, the publication Accommodation Choices for Older Australians and their Families: What older Australians and their families need to know is available free of charge. It contains practical information about the many aged care accommodation options available, information on financing and how living arrangements may impact on pension payments. It also provides practical advice on selling the family home whilst on the pension, as well as moving in with family or having to live apart from a spouse.

To obtain a copy, visit www.fahcsia.gov.au or call the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs publication line on FreecallTM 1800 050 009 (free call except from mobile phones).

For more information on how moving to a retirement village may affect your pension please call the Centrelink Seniors Line on 13 2300 and ask to speak to a Financial Information Service Officer.

FINANCE

CONNECT


Did you know you can now transfer to the Age Pension online?

A cheaper way to connect to family and friendsWhen talking to your children or grandkids about computers, it often feels like they’re speaking a different language.

Lodging your claim online is easy. If you are currently receiving an eligible income support payment you may choose to complete your transfer to Age Pension online, instead of filling out a paper form.

This will save you time and reduce the amount of paper work you need to complete.

Even if you’re not receiving another government payment, you can still apply for the Age Pension online.

To avoid delays in receiving the pension, you can do this three months before turning age pension age.

Both of these options provide you with new ways to claim an Age Pension from the comfort of your own home. It can also reduce how many times you need to see us in person.

To submit your online claim visit www.centrelink.gov.au and click on ‘Online Services’.

Age is no barrier to getting online, and using a computer can help connect you to a whole new world of information, connection, functionality... and fun!

A great way to stay connected to family and friends while saving money on your phone bill is to use Skype. Imagine if you could call your grandkids that may be living interstate or overseas, as often as you want at no cost—that’s what Skype allows you to do.

Skype is a free tool that means anyone with a computer and broadband internet connection can make video calls to other Skype users, subject to your download limits.

Aside from being free, another advantage of Skype is that the call quality is mostly determined by your internet connection, so you don’t need to spend thousands on the latest computer to use it.

So what are you waiting for? Visit www.skype.com and get chatting!

Article supplied courtesy of WorkVentures which offers special deals on refurbished PCs to Centrelink cardholders. For more information visit www.workventures.com.au or FreecallTM 1800 112 205 (free call except from mobile phones).

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25CENTRELINK NEWS FOR SENIORS ISSUE 86 2011 25

You’ve got (1) new message Do you worry about missing a Centrelink appointment or forgetting to lodge paperwork? Subscribe to Centrelink’s SMS and email reminder service to get reminders, so you don’t forget to see us or your paperwork again. You’ll only receive messages relating to your circumstances and you don’t need to respond to any of the messages we send. You’ll receive: • appointment reminders • reminders to update your information, and • reminders to provide documents.

You’ll automatically receive reminders from us if you update or provide a new mobile number or an email address to Centrelink. If you haven’t done this recently and you want to receive reminders from us, there are a few ways you can subscribe.

If you’re already registered for Online Services, log on and go to ‘Reminders and Letters’ and then ‘Reminders and Letters Subscriptions’. If you’re not registered, you can register by visiting www.centrelink.gov.au then go to ‘Register’ and log on with your Customer Access Number (CAN). You can also subscribe by phoning us on the Centrelink Seniors Line 13 2300 or by visiting your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

If you do not wish to receive SMS and email reminders, you can opt out by logging on to Online Services and going to ‘Reminders and Letters’ and then ‘Reminders and Letters Subscriptions’. You can also opt out by calling us or visiting your local Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

If you are living permanently outside Australia, you can only receive messages by email. Some conditions apply. To find out more visit www.centrelink.gov.au or call us on the Centrelink Seniors Line 13 2300.

CONNECT

Are you

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HEALTH

Have you reached the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net threshold? You may be eligible for free or low cost medicine.

What is the PBS Safety Net?

If you or your family need a lot of medicines in a calendar year, the PBS Safety Net helps you with the cost of your medicines.

The 2011 PBS Safety Net threshold for concession cardholders is $336.00 and for all other patients it is $1317.20 (the threshold is updated on 1 January each year).

What happens once I reach the Safety Net threshold?

Once you or your family’s out of pocket costs have reached the Safety Net threshold, you can apply for a PBS Safety Net card. With this card your PBS medicine will be less expensive or free for the rest of the calendar year. If you choose a more expensive brand

of medicine, or your doctor prescribes one, you may need to pay more.For more information go to www.medicareaustralia.gov.au or call FreecallTM 1800 020 613 (free call except from mobile phones).

Keeping track of your PBS medicinesYou need to keep a record of your PBS medicine on a Prescription Record Form, which you can get from your pharmacy. Each time you have a PBS medicine supplied, give the form to the pharmacist so it can be recorded. Your pharmacist might be able to keep a computer record for you, but if they can’t or if you visit different pharmacies, it is best to keep your own records.


HEALTH

Assistive listening devices—helping life sound betterIf you have difficulty hearing, there are a range of assistive listening devices (ALDs) available to help you hear and communicate better in your daily life.

ALDs help improve listening and understanding in situations that can be a challenge for your hearing, such as watching the television, using the telephone, travelling in the car and attending social gatherings.

ALDs are a perfect alternative, or complement, to a hearing aid to help you hear in various listening situations, including surroundings with background noise or distance.

There is a great range of ALDs available including:• FM systems that deliver sound directly to your ears

and are ideal for use in the car, at busy restaurants or for watching the TV when one on one communication is important, but can be difficult because of background noise.

• Specialised telephone devices that amplify the ring of the telephone and have a volume control to increase the loudness of the incoming voice, making phone conversations easier.

• Television devices (headphones) that allow users to set the TV volume at their own preferred level, improving the experience for both the hearing impaired and their family.

• Alert systems for the door that let you know there is someone at the door via a remote control flashing signaller.

• Safety devices that let you know there is smoke in the house via a remote control flashing signaller.

• Alarm clocks that vibrate, flash and play sounds to wake you up, so you never have an excuse for sleeping in!

For more information on ALDs or hearing aids contact your local Australian Hearing centre on 13 1797 or visit www.hearing.com.au

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• Will not rust• Will not rust• Will not rust• Energy saving• Energy saving• Energy saving• Fully assembled• Fully assembled• Fully assembled• Fully assembled• Fully assembled• Fully assembled• Two year warranty• Two year warranty• Two year warranty• Two year warranty• Two year warranty• Two year warranty• Two year warranty• Two year warranty• Two year warranty



NFS G87W x 120H FED.indd 1 20/07/2011 1:50:51 PM


HEALTH

Introducing a new number for aged care information ‘Who do I talk to?’ is often a question asked by older people, their families and carers, when trying to find information about aged care options. It can be a confusing time finding out about what aged care options are available, as well as other support and services.

Need to see a doctor to renew your driver’s licence?You can claim a Medicare benefit for that!

If you need a health or age related medical examination to either get or renew your driver’s licence, you can claim a Medicare benefit for the consultation.

To claim from Medicare you need to visit your doctor and ask for an examination to have your licence renewed. Your doctor must use the relevant consultation item number.

You can then claim at your doctor’s if they offer electronic claiming, online at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au using Online Services, or by visiting your local Medicare office.

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A new phone number for aged care has been introduced to make it easier for older Australians, their families, and carers to get the information they need about aged care. The national aged care website has also been simplified and improved.

When calling the new aged care number you will speak to experienced staff who will provide you with free and confidential information on a range of aged care services and support, available locally and nationally. They can also provide advice and coordination for access to respite services, counselling and emotional support for carers.

So when it’s time to ask ‘who do I talk to about aged care?’ please start by calling FreecallTM 1800 200 422 (free call except from mobile phones) or visit www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au

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* Loves having sleepovers with granddaughters, Cass and Nat

* Is rarely seen without her gardening gloves on

* Early morning dog walker

* Wears Depend

Anne Taylor

For a FREE SAMPLE call 1800 028 334 or visit www.depend.com.au

KIM236B_NFS_HPH_120x180.indd 1 31/08/11 3:37 PM


RATES

Pension and Rent Assistance Rates and Thresholds

SINGLE COUPLE combined

COUPLE one eligible

partner

COUPLE separated due

to ill health

How much pension Per fortnight Per fortnight Per fortnight Per fortnight each

Maximum basic rate 1 $689.00 $1038.80 $519.40 $689.00

Maximum pension supplement 2, 4 $59.80 $90.20 $45.10 $59.80

TOTAL4 $748.80 $1129.00 $564.50 $748.80

Rent Assistance 3 Per fortnight Per fortnight Per fortnight Per fortnight each

Maximum rate Rent Assistance $119.40 $112.60 $112.60 $119.40

Maximum payment if rent above $265.40 $322.93 $322.93 $265.40

No payment if rent below $106.20 $172.80 $172.80 $106.20

Allowable Income 1a Per fortnight Combined Combined Combined

Full pension up to $150

up to $264

up to $264

up to $264

Part pension 4 less than $1 647.60

less than $2 522.00

less than $2 522.00

less than $3 259.20

Allowable Assets 5 Single Combined Combined Combined

Full pension—Home owner $186 750 $265 000 $265 000 $265 000

Full pension—Non-home owner $321 750 $400 000 $400 000 $400 000

Part pension—Home owner 4 $686 000 $1 018 000 $1 018 000 $1 263 500

Part pension—Non-home owner 4 $821 000 $1 153 000 $1 153 000 $1 398 500

Deeming Rates and Thresholds Single Combined Combined Combined

Threshold $44 600 $74 400 $74 400 $74 400

Rate below threshold 3% 3% 3% 3%

Rate above threshold 4.5% 4.5% 4.5% 4.5%

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) Single Combined Combined Combined

Income limit (per annum) 6 $50 000 $80 000 $80 000 $100 000

Seniors Supplement (per annum) 4, 7 $837.20 $1 263.60 $631.80 $837.20 each

Pension Bonus Scheme Maximum Rates Effective 20 September 2011

SINGLE PARTNERED (each)

Registration in the Pension Bonus Scheme* is limited to those who met the age and residence requirements for Age Pension before 20 September 2009. Registered members with unregistered partners may wish to contact Centrelink’s Financial Information Service on 13 2300 to discuss how this change might affect them.

Maximum Bonus after Year 1 $1 735.00 $1 311.90





If you are receiving or have received Age Pension, you are not eligible for a Pension Bonus.


RATES

Pension Reform Transitional Arrangements Rates and Thresholds

SINGLE COUPLE combined

COUPLE one eligible

partner

COUPLE separated due

to ill health

How much pension Per fortnight Per fortnight Per fortnight Per fortnight each

Maximum rate $667.20 $1 077.60 $538.80 $667.20

Allowable Income Per fortnight Combined Combined Combined

Full pension $150 $264 $264 $264

Part pension $1 818.00 $2 958.00 $2 958.00 $3 600.00

Allowable Assets Single Combined Combined Combined

Full pension—Home owner $186 750 $265 000 $265 000 $265 000

Full Pension—Non-home owner $321 750 $400 000 $400 000 $400 000

Part Pension—Home owner $631 750 $983 500 $983 500 $1 155 000

Part Pension—Non-home owner $766 750 $1 118 500 $1 118 500 $1 290 000

These figures are a guide only. Effective 20 September 2011 unless otherwise stated.1. Rate of payment is calculated under both the income and

assets tests. The test that results in the lower rate (or nil rate) is the one that is applied. There is no income or assets test for customers who are permanently blind, unless they wish to apply for Rent Assistance. Some assets are deemed to earn income and there are special rules for other types of income.

a) Income over allowable amounts for full pension reduces pension by 50 cents in the dollar for singles and 25 cents in the dollar each for couples; for those paid under the transitional arrangements the pension reduces by 40 cents in the dollar for singles and 20 cents in the dollar each for couples. Contact Centrelink on 13 2300 for information on transitional arrangements.

b) Each fortnight, the Work Bonus disregards up to $250 of employment income earned by eligible pensioners over age pension age (unless paid Parenting Payment Single). If employment income is less than $250, the unused Work Bonus is banked up to a maximum amount of $6500. This bank then discounts future employment income that exceeds $250 per fortnight. If eligible for a transitional rate, Centrelink will compare the transitional rate (which has no Work Bonus) to the new rate (which has the Work Bonus). The transitional rate is paid whenever it pays the higher rate.

2. Pension Supplement Basic Amount per fortnight ($20.90 single, $17.40 partnered, each) is paid for temporary

absences after 13 weeks and all permanent departures overseas.

3. Rent Assistance is not payable to people paying rent to a government housing authority. Special rules apply to single sharers, people who pay board and lodging or live in a retirement village. There are additional rates for those who have dependent children. Rent Assistance is generally paid with Family Tax Benefit if there are dependent children or with the pension if there are no children. For temporarily separated rates, call 13 2300.

4. These amounts only apply to pensioners in Australia or absent for a continuous period not exceeding 13 weeks.

5. Single and combined couple rates are reduced by $1.50 per fortnight for every $1000 of additional assets above the allowable assets limits for full pension. Certain assets, including a person’s home, are not included in the assets test.

6. Income test for the CSHC is annual adjusted taxable income.

7. To obtain the daily rate of Seniors Supplement, divide the annual amount by 364. The quarterly amount is then calculated by multiplying the daily rate by the number of days Seniors Supplement is payable in that quarter.

Note: absences from Australia may affect your payments. If you are planning on travelling outside Australia please contact Centrelink for more information on 13 2300.

For more information visit www.centrelink.gov.au

Pensioners receiving payments at 19 September 2009 who would have received a lesser payment because of the changes made to the pension system from 20 September 2009 (including changes to the income test taper rate, the Work Bonus and removal of higher income test free area for pensioners with dependent children) were instead paid a

transitional rate until the new rules provide an equal or better outcome for them, or their pension otherwise ceases to be payable. The transitional rate (which is only payable to a minority of pensioners) is based on the income test rules that applied before 20 September 2009. Transitional rates are indexed to the CPI.

RTO10.1111

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