2018 Age Pension Guide - LLEW O'BRIEN MP With compliments from - Llew O Brien MP
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2018 Age Pension Guide
With compliments from
LLEW O’BRIEN MP
Federal Member for Wide Bay
with compliments from Llew O’Brien MP 1
Contents
Age Pension 4
Age Pension Rates
Pension Pay Day
Overseas Travel
Income and Asset Tests, Transitional Arrangements 6
Income Test
Work Bonus Scheme
Transitional Arrangements
Assets Test
Gifting
Pension Supplement
Carbon Tax
Centrepay
Loans or Advances
Income Tax, Investments and Deeming
Investments and Deeming
Pension Age
Pension Bonus Scheme
Rent Assistance
Other Supplements, Payments and Allowances 15
Carer Payment
Carer Allowance
Carer Supplement
Care for the Elderly 16
Aged Care Assistance
Health Care and Concession Cards 17
Private Health Care
Support Services for the Elderly
Commonwealth Carer Respite Services
Pensioner Concession Card
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Appeals
Other Matters 21
Australian Flags
Congratulatory Messages
Vaccinations for Seniors
Translating and Interpreting Service
Community Survey 23
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to provide complete information on pensions
and the conditions that apply, which are subject to change from time to time.
2 2018 Age Pension Guide
LLEW O’BRIEN MP
Federal Member for Wide Bay
Older Australians make a wonderful contribution to their communities and our
nation has an obligation to respect their achievements for our country and ensure
they always have available the support they need in their retirement years.
It is vital that our nation gives back to our Seniors through the provision of health
care, respite and rehabilitation facilities, aged support and employment services;
together with advice and assistance for self-funded retirees.
I am proud to represent you and your interests in Federal Parliament.
This guide covers topics including:
• A comprehensive introduction to the Age Pension;
• Information regarding how overseas travel affects Age Pension payments;
• Eligibility and how assets, investments and income testing may affect Age
Pension payments;
• Information regarding the Pension Age; and
• Benefits for Carers.
This edition of the Age Pension Guide provides information on the latest terms and
conditions that apply to Age Pension. I hope you will find it helpful.
Please call my office on 07 4121 2936 or alternatively you can email me at
Llew.OBrien.MP@aph.gov.au for any further information you may require.
Yours sincerely,
LLEW O’BRIEN MP
Federal Member for Wide Bay
319 Kent Street, Maryborough QLD 4650 07 4121 2936
llew.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au llewobrien.com.au LlewOBrienLNP
with compliments from Llew O’Brien MP 3
Age Pension
Age Pension Rates Pension Pay Day
Q
What is the maximum basic rate of the Pension? Q
When will my Pension be paid?
A A
Income support payments are usually paid
fortnightly, and pensioners are able to choose
Per week Per fortnight Per year which weekday they are paid. Members of a
Single couple are paid on the same day, unless special
$413.10 $826.20 $21,481.20
Pensioner circumstances apply. If you would like to change
your pay day, please contact Centrelink.
Pensioner
Couple $311.40 $622.80 $16,192.80
(each person) Overseas Travel
The above figures do not include the Pension Supplement The international portability of income support payments
or Energy Supplement – see pages 9-10. varies depending on the type of payment you receive
and whether Australia has an international social security
Q
How are Age Pension rate increases calculated? agreement with the country you are travelling to.
A
Increases in the Age Pension are calculated
based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Q
Is my Pension affected if I travel overseas?
the Pensioner Beneficiary Living Cost Index A
You can generally be paid the Age Pension
(PBLCI), whichever is higher. Additionally, pension for the whole time you are outside Australia,
increases are then benchmarked to community regardless of whether you leave temporarily or to
living standards through a link to Male Total live in another country.
Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE).
However, the amount you receive may change at
CPI is a general measure of price inflation and certain points based on how long you have been
changes in cost of living for the household sector. away and your personal circumstances.
PBLCI is a measure of changes in purchasing
If you are paid the Age Pension under an
power for people on income support payments,
international social security agreement, the
including the Age Pension. MTAWE is the average
amount that you receive while you are outside
wage for all working males in the economy and is
Australia is determined according to that
used as an indicator of current community living
agreement.
standards.
If you are not living in a country that does not
have a social security agreement with Australia,
Q
When will the Pension rate next increase?
and you are being paid the Age Pension overseas
A
The next pension indexation will occur in for more than 26 weeks, the rate of payment may
September 2018. be modified based on the length of time you
have lived in Australia during your working life.
If you have returned to live in Australia within the
last two years and you have started receiving the
Age Pension during this period, you cannot be
paid outside Australia until the two year waiting
period has passed. This rule also applies if you
4 2018 Age Pension Guide
Age Pension cont’d
were previously paid under an international social
security agreement while you were living outside
Australia and your Age Pension continues to be
paid now you have returned to live in Australia
again.
Read more about specific rules for affected
payments and concession cards and find out when
you should tell us about your travel plans at
www.humanservices.gov.au/australiansoverseas.
The easiest way to advice about your travel plans
is to use your Centrelink online account through
myGov. You can get tailored information on how
your payments or concession cards could be
affected. You can also update and review overseas
travel details online.
with compliments from Llew O’Brien MP 5
Income and Asset Tests,
Transitional Arrangements
Income Test Work Bonus Scheme
Q
Under the pension income test, how much extra Q
What is the Work Bonus Scheme?
income can I receive before I lose my pension? The Work Bonus Scheme helps pensioners
A
A
over the Age Pension age earn more income
from work without reducing their pension.
Per fortnight Under the Work Bonus Scheme, the first $250
Pension starts of employment income earned per fortnight
reducing when Single Pensioner $168.00 is ignored under the income test meaning
your income pensioners get to keep more of their pension.
is more than
Pensioner Couple
(income free $300.00
Any unused portion of the $250 fortnightly
area) (combined income)
exemption, up to a maximum of $6,500, accrues
in an Employment Income Concession Bank
Pension cuts
Single Pensioner $1,983.20 (income bank). The income bank offsets future
out completely
when your assessable employment income.
income is more Pensioner Couple
$3,036.40
There is no need to apply for the scheme, but
than (combined income)
pensioners will need to inform Centrelink of their
These figures may be higher if you receive Rent earnings.
Assistance with your payment. The income free area is
indexed on 1 July each year.
Transitional Arrangements
Q
What happens if my income is greater than
$168.00 allowable income ($300.00 for a Q
My Pension is assessed under the transitional
arrangements. What does this mean?
pensioner couple) in any fortnight?
A There are transitional arrangements to ensure
A
Income over these amounts reduces the rate
that existing pensioners do not receive reduced
of pension payable by 50 cents in the dollar
pensions as a result of the changes to the Age
for single pensioners and 50 cents for couples
Pension that occurred from 20 September 2009.
(25 cents in the dollar for each member of a
couple).
The transitional provisions allow for the
assessment of Age Pension entitlements under
the old and the new rules. When the new rules
produce the same or a higher payment for a
pensioner, their entitlement is assessed under
the new rules immediately and permanently. If a
pensioner is worse off under the new rules, they
are paid a transitional rate.
New Age Pension recipients from 20 September
2009 are all assessed under the new rules.
6 2018 Age Pension Guide
Income and Asset Tests,
Transitional Arrangements cont’d
Q
What is the maximum rate of the Pension under Assets Test
the transitional arrangements?
A Q
Which assets are included in the Assets Test?
A
All your belongings including your car and the
Per week Per fortnight Per year contents of your home are counted, except items
such as:
Single
$373.95 $747.90 $19,445.40 • Your home in which you live and up to two
Pensioner
hectares on the same title
Pensioner
• The proceeds from the sale of a previous home
Couple $302.20 $604.20 $15,714.40
which will be used within 12 months to the
(each person)
purchase of another home
The above figures do not include the energy • Accommodation bonds paid on entry to
supplement – see page 10. residential aged care
• Special aids for disabilities and money from
the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Q
What is the Income Test for Pensioners under
• Some Income stream products depending on
the transitional arrangements?
when you purchased them
A • Certain types of interest not created by you or
Per fortnight your partner (eg. life interest)
Pension starts • Funeral bonds up to $12,750
reducing when Single Pensioner $168.00 • Any property or money in a deceased person’s
your income estate which you have not yet received
is more than
Pensioner Couple Some pensioners with larger properties on the
(income free $300.00
area) (combined income) same title may not have their properties assessed
under certain circumstances and sometimes
Pension cuts
Single Pensioner $2,073.00 compensation or insurance payments for loss or
out completely
when your damage to buildings or personal items may not
income is more Pensioner Couple be assessed.
$3,374.00
than (combined income)
For transitional or saved cases, income over these Q
I have some assets and some income. Which
test will be used to determine my eligibility for
amounts reduces the rate of pension payable by the Pension?
40 cents in the dollar (single) and 40 cents combined (20
A Your pension will be calculated separately
cents in the dollar for each member of a couple).
under both the assets test and the income test.
These figures may be higher if you receive Rent Assistance Whichever test gives the lower pension is used.
with your payment. The income free area is indexed on 1
July each year.
Allowable income is increased by up to $24.60 per
fortnight for each dependent child without reducing your
pension. Couples living together and who are both getting
a pension can each earn an extra $12.30 per fortnight each
for each dependent child.
with compliments from Llew O’Brien MP 7
Income and Asset Tests,
Transitional Arrangements cont’d
Q
If I do own the home in which I live, what value of Q
Do retirement village residents receive an extra
assets can I have before my Pension is affected? Assets Test allowance?
A A
If your village entry contribution is equal to or
less than $203,000, you are assessed as a non-
Single Couple homeowner. Your entry contribution will count
Pensioner (combined) as an asset but it is not regarded as a financial
Pension starts reducing investment under the income test deeming rules.
when you have assets $253,750 $380,500 You may also qualify for rent assistance.
worth more than
If over this amount, you will be assessed as a
Pension cuts out homeowner with the entry contribution exempt
completely when you have $556,500 $837,000 like the family home
assets worth more than
Aged care accommodation bonds are exempt
from the pension assets test entirely.
Q If I do not own the home that I live in, what
value of assets can I have before my pension Q
How much land around my home may I own
is affected? without affecting my pension?
A A
Normally 2 hectares surrounding a pensioner’s
home is considered to be part of the home and not
Single Couple counted in the home owners’ asset test. However,
Pensioner (combined)
where a person has lived for 20 years on a farm
Pension starts reducing and it would be unreasonable to sell or lease it,
when you have assets $456,750 $583,500 and where the pensioner is making effective use
worth more than of the land to generate income, the entire value
of the land on the same title as the home can be
Pension cuts out
completely when you have $759,500 $1,040,000 exempt from the Age Pension assets test.
assets worth more than
For the two previous tables, there are no income or asset
Gifting
tests for permanently blind age pensioners; upper limits
may be increased if rent assistance is paid with the pension.
Q Can I give part of my assets away?
#
he pension is reduced by $3.00 per fortnight for every
T A
Yes, you can give away money and other
$1,000 above these amounts. assets to any value you choose. However, gifts
which are of more value than the allowable
igher for illness separated couple.
*H gifting limit may affect the rate of pension or
allowance you receive.
Q
If I sell my assets now I will suffer a considerable
If you gift assets of more than $10,000 in a
loss, and I don’t have any income. Is there single financial year, or more than $30,000 in a
assistance available? five (financial) year rolling period, the amount
A
Ask Centrelink about the hardship provisions, or gifted (above either of these two amounts)
whether you can obtain the pension as a loan is added to the total value of your financial
under the Pension Loans Scheme. investments for five years. At the end of the
five year period it is disregarded.
8 2018 Age Pension Guide
Income and Asset Tests,
Transitional Arrangements cont’d
Pension Supplement You may elect to receive the ‘minimum’ amount
on a quarterly, rather than fortnightly basis, even
Q What is the Pension Supplement? if you are entitled to more than the minimum
Pension Supplement.
A
The Pension Supplement is a payment which
combines the former GST Supplement,
Pharmaceutical Allowance, Telephone Allowance Q
Is the Pension Supplement means-tested?
and the Utilities Allowance. The payment is made A
The Pension Supplement is added to a
fortnightly with the regular Pension payment. pensioner’s base rate of the pension before the
income test is applied. The minimum pension
Q
What is the rate of the Pension Supplement? supplement amount is the last to reduce
when the income test is applied. It is also the
A amount which remains payable if any Pension
Per Per Per Supplement is payable after the application of the
fortnight fortnight fortnight income and assets test.
(basic rate) (minimum) (maximum)
If you are eligible to receive some form of pension
Single payment, you will receive at least the minimum
$23.40 $36.10 $67.30
Pensioner rate of the Pension Supplement. The amount you
Pensioner receive above the minimum rate is determined by
Couple the means test.
$19.20 $27.20 $50.70
(each
person) Q What are pensioners paid under the transitional
arrangements entitled to?
Q Who receives the Pension Supplement?
A
Pensioners receiving the transitional rate have an
A
The Pension Supplement is paid to those who amount equivalent to the Pension Supplement
receive the Age Pension, Carer Payment, Wife included in their pension. It does not show as a
Pension, Widow B Pension, Bereavement separate amount.
Allowance, and Disability Support Pension
(excluding those aged under 21 without children). Q If I leave Australia, either temporarily or
All other income support recipients who are over permanently, will I be eligible for the Pension
the Age Pension qualifying age, also receive the Supplement?
Pension Supplement. A
Your rate of Pension Supplement generally
Pensioners receiving the transitional rate have the will not change if you travel outside Australia
value of the Pension Supplement added to their temporarily for less than 6 weeks.
transitional rate amount. If you can be paid your main payment for more
than 6 weeks, your Pension Supplement will
Q When do I receive the Pension Supplement? reduce to the Basic Pension Supplement after 6
weeks, or from when you leave Australia if you
A
The Pension Supplement is included
are leaving to live in another country.
automatically as part of regular fortnightly
income support payments. You do not need to
apply for the Pension Supplement and it does not
show as a separate amount.
with compliments from Llew O’Brien MP 9Income and Asset Tests,
Transitional Arrangements cont’d
Carbon Tax Centrepay
Q Will the Energy Supplement paid to pensioners Q
What is Centrepay?
continue to be paid, now that the carbon tax is
A
Centrepay is a free and voluntary service that
gone? allows pensioners to pay bills and expenses as
A
The Federal Government has delivered on its regular deductions taken from their Centrelink
election commitment to abolish the carbon tax, payments, such as for rent, electricity, gas and
but is maintaining the associated compensation rates.
payments. This assistance includes the Energy
Payments can only be made to organisations
Supplement ($14.10 per fortnight for single Age which have a contract with Centrelink. These
Pensioners and $10.60 each for a Pensioner organisations pay a small fee for the service.
couple). These rates vary for other benefits. Call Centrelink for more information.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will
receive an Energy Supplement of up to $366.60
per year for singles and $275.60 for each eligible
Loans or Advances
member of a couple.
Q
What if I need some cash for an urgent expense?
Changes to Energy Supplement for new
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card recipients A
You may be eligible for a pension advance
will apply from 20 March 2017. How changes to payment. In any six months you can only get, one
the Energy Supplement affect you depends on advance of the highest amount, or up to three
when you started getting the Energy Supplement advances of the lowest amount, or one or two
and with what payment. advances of an amount in between. Repayments
will start at the next payment date after the
If you: advance and are made fortnightly.
• Held a Commonwealth Seniors Health
Card and you were receiving the Energy Advance Amount Single Member of Couple
Supplement on 19 September 2016, you will
Minimum $428.70 $323.15
keep getting the Energy Supplement as
long you are continuously eligible for the
supplement. Maximum $1,286.10 $969.45
• Claim a Commonwealth Seniors Health Payments rates may vary depending if you are receiving
Card after 20 March 2017, and you were not a part-rate pension.
receiving an income support payment that
included the Energy Supplement continuously
since 19 September 2016, and did not claim the
card within 42 days of this payment ending,
you won’t get the Energy Supplement.
10 2018 Age Pension GuideIncome and Asset Tests,
Transitional Arrangements cont’d
Income Tax, Investments and
If your taxable income is less than $66,667,
you will get the Low Income Tax Offset. The
Deeming maximum tax offset of $445 applies if your
taxable income is $37,000 or less. This amount
Q
How much income can I earn, including the is reduced by 1.5 cents for each dollar over
Pension, before I start paying tax? $37,000.
A If you’re a Senior Australian, you may be eligible
for the Seniors and Pensioners Tax Offset (SAPTO). Q
My income allows me to still receive the full
The SAPTO can reduce the amount of tax you are pension. Do I need to complete a tax return?
liable to pay. In some cases, it may reduce your tax
liability to zero and you may not have to lodge a A
Usually, no. You should refer to the Individual
Tax Return Instructions or information provided
tax return.
by Centrelink which will advise you if you are
To be eligible for this tax offset, you have to meet required to lodge a tax return.
certain conditions relating to your income and
eligibility for an Australian Government pension
If you have paid tax during the last financial year,
then you should lodge a tax return.
or allowance. If you’re a senior, you must meet the
age requirement for the Age Pension. This includes
Further information on whether you need to
if you qualified for the Age Pension, but did not lodge an income tax return is available on the
receive it. ATO’s website, www.ato.gov.au, and insert ‘QC
21505’ into the website’s search function.
Depending on your rebate income, you may
receive a full, partial or nil offset amount. If
If this is the first time that you have not had to
you have a spouse, you will be tested on your lodge a tax return then you should notify the ATO
combined rebate income for the SAPTO eligibility. that you will not be lodging a tax return in future
The amount of the tax offset is based on your years. Complete a “Non-Lodgment Advice” form
individual rebate income. via myGov or located in the front of the Individual
tax return instructions or by searching ‘QC 51173’
In some cases, if you are both eligible for SAPTO,
on www.ato.gov.au.
you may be able to transfer your spouse’s unused
offset to you. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
If you don’t need to lodge a tax return for 2016–17
will calculate their transfer amount and include this and you have franking credits, you can claim a
amount when calculating your SAPTO. refund of franking credits by using ‘Refund of
franking credit instructions’ and application for
Q individuals 2017 (NAT 4105) and lodging your
What is the Low Income Tax Offset?
claim online, by mail, or phone 13 28 65. For more
A
You may be eligible for a tax offset if you are a information on the ‘Refund of franking credits
low-income earner and you are an Australian instructions’ and Nat 4105, go to www.ato.gov.au
resident for income tax purposes. You don’t and search ‘QC 51262’ using the website’s search
have to claim this offset. The ATO will work it
function.
out for you when you lodge your tax return.
The offset can only reduce the amount of tax
you pay to zero and it does not reduce your Q
Do I need to give my Tax File Number to
Medicare Levy. Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs?
A
In most circumstances, yes.
with compliments from Llew O’Brien MP 11Income and Asset Tests,
Transitional Arrangements cont’d
Q
Should I give my bank or building society my •
Short term asset tested income streams
Tax File Number? •
Account-based income streams purchased
A here is no requirement to provide your Tax File
T from 1 January 2015 (and some purchased
Number (TFN) to your bank. However, if your before 1 January 2015, if they have not been
bank does not have your TFN it will withhold tax grandfathered)
from your interest at the highest rate of tax. You •
Loans, including those to family trusts and
can claim a credit for the amount of tax withheld companies
when you lodge your tax return.
•
Shares in unlisted public companies
For more information on ‘Investing in bank
accounts’, go to ato.gov.au and search for ‘QC •
Gold and other bullion
22809’ •
Gifts of money or assets of more than
If you require further information on tax call the $10,000 per financial year or greater than
ATO on telephone 13 28 61. $30,000 over five financial years
Q
Investments income and Deeming What investments are exempt?
If you need to lodge a tax return then you will generally A
You may be to get a deeming exemption in some
cases. If this happens, how much you actually
need to declare investment income. Further information
earn from the investment is the income amount
on Investment income is available from the ATO’s website,
that counts for the income test. This actual
www.ato.gov.au, by inserting ‘QC 31937’ into the website’s
income could be $0. Examples of what may be
search function.
exempt include:
•
A failed financial investment
Q
What is Deeming?
•
Some superannuation if its fully preserved
A
“Deeming” is where your money is assumed by
or inaccessible
Centrelink to be earning a set rate of interest. This
assumed earning is the figure counted as income •
An account that only contains money from
on investments for the Pension income test (page a National Disability Insurance Scheme
6 or 8 depending on your circumstances) even if package
your investments have not actually earned this
amount or are earning more than this amount. Q
What investments are not exempt?
A
You can’t get a deeming exempt if an investment
Q
What assets are deemed? performs poorly. This includes:
A
Funds deposited in bank, building society and
•
Shares with negative returns
credit union accounts, as well as:
•
Companies or funds having short term
•
Cash term deposits and debentures
problem
•
Friendly society bonds
•
Managed investments
•
Assets in superannuation and rollover funds
held by anyone of Age Pension age
•
Listed shares and securities
12 2018 Age Pension GuideIncome and Asset Tests,
Transitional Arrangements cont’d
Q
What is the rate which financial investments are
Everyone born after 1 July 1952 will be affected by
deemed to earn? the transition to the new qualifying age.
A Date of Date of birth Qualifying age for Age
change between Pension (years)
First $50,200 1.75% 1 July 1 July 1952 to
Single Pensioner 65 years and 6 months
2017 31 December 1953
Over $50,200 3.25%
1 July 1 January 1954 to
66 years
Pensioner Couple 2019 30 June 1955
First $83,400 1.75%
(both receiving a pension
or one person receiving 1 July 1 July 1955 to
66 years and 6 months
the pension and the other 2021 31 December 1956
receiving a living allowance) Over $83,400 3.25%
1 July 1 January 1957
67 years
These rates are subject to regular review. 2023 and later
Q
Can I still get a partial pension if my
investments are in excess of those mentioned? Pension Bonus Scheme
A
Yes, you can still continue to receive a part Q What is the Pension Bonus Scheme?
payment until either one of the income or assets
test limits is reached. A
The Pension Bonus Scheme closed to new
registrations from 1 July 2014. Those who had
already registered for the Pension Bonus before
Pension Age this date will remain eligible.
The Pension Bonus Scheme was intended to
Q
From what age can I receive the Age Pension? reward older Australians who continued to work
A
Men and women born before 1 July 1952 are past Age Pension or Service Pension age, rather
eligible from 65 years and 6 months of age. than retiring and claiming a pension. The Scheme
was entirely voluntary.
Q
I have heard that the qualifying age for the Age
The Scheme provides a tax free lump sum to
Pension will increase, will this affect me? eligible registered members who deferred claiming
Age Pension or Service Pension and continue to
A
Changes to the qualifying age for Age Pension
work. The bonus is available when people retire,
began on 1 July 2017 when the qualifying age
but they must have been registered in the Scheme
for the Age Pension increased from 65 years to
for a minimum of one year. Only one bonus is ever
65 years and 6 months. The qualifying age for
payable. You must claim your Pension Bonus at the
the Age Pension will continue to increase by six
same time as you claim Age Pension. To accrue a
months every two years until 1 July 2023 when the
bonus the person must have worked at least 960
qualifying age for the Age Pension will be 67 years
hours each year they deferred their pension.
for both men and women.
with compliments from Llew O’Brien MP 13Income and Asset Tests,
Transitional Arrangements cont’d
Q
What is Bonus worth at March 2018 pension Rent Assistance
rates for a person who would qualify for the
maximum rate of pension? Q
How much assistance can I get to help pay my
A rent or lodgings?
A
Before Rent Assistance becomes payable, a
Number of extra Single Partnered minimum amount of rent (rent threshold) must
years of work person person (each)
be paid. Rent Assistance is then paid at 75 cents
1 Year $2,076.40 $1,569.00 for every dollar of rent paid above the rent
threshold, up to a maximum rate.
2 Years $8,305.70 $6,276.20
Pensioner
3 Years $18,687.80 $14,121.40
Single Pensioner Couple
4 Years $33,222.80 $25,104.80 ($ per fortnight) (combined,
$ per fortnight)
5 Years $51,910.60 $39,226.20
Maximum Rent
$134.80 $127.00
Assistance
Q
What is the Pension Bonus Bereavement
Minimum rent
Payment?
before Rent $120.20 $194.60
A
This is a payment that may be made to the Assistance is paid
surviving partner of a deceased Pension Bonus
Maximum Rent
Scheme participant who did make a successful
Assistance is
claim for the Aged Pension and the bonus before $299.93 $363.93
paid when rent
death. It reflects the amount of pension bonus that
is more than
might have been paid if the person claimed before
death. It has the same maximum rates as the Rates as at 20 March 2018.
Pension Bonus payment. For further information
please call 132 300. Q
What if my pension is calculated under the assets
test, would I be entitled to Rent Assistance?
A
Yes. Rent Assistance is not paid to people paying
rent to a State Government housing authority
or to people in Australian Government funded
places in nursing homes or aged care facilities.
Rates will vary if pensioners have dependent
children. Special rules also apply to single sharers,
people who pay board and lodging or who live
in a retirement village. Please be sure to include
complete details of your arrangement when
applying so that the appropriate payment may be
calculated.
14 2018 Age Pension GuideOther Supplements,
Payments and Allowances
Carer Payment a person receiving the Carer Allowance for each
child under 16 years of age being cared for.
Q
What is the Carer Payment?
A he Carer Payment is generally paid to someone
T Carer Supplement
providing constant care to a person with a
physical, intellectual or psychiatric disability Q
What is the Carer Supplement?
or to someone who is frail/aged. The person he Carer Supplement is a payment that is made
T
A
being cared for must need the care for at least to all eligible recipients of the Carer Payment, Carer
a minimum of 6 months unless the condition is Allowance, Wife Pension with Carer Allowance,
terminal. The care should be provided in the home Department of Veterans’ Affairs Partner Service
of the person being cared for. Pension with Carer Allowance and Department of
The Carer Payment is paid at the same rate as the Veterans’ Affairs Carer Service pension.
Age Pension and is subject to the same income
Up to $600 Carer Supplement will be paid to
and assets tests. However, there is an income and recipients of the Carer Allowance for each person
assets test for care receivers to qualify their carer being cared for.
for Carer Payment.
An additional $600 Carer Supplement may also
A person cannot receive the Carer Payment at the be paid where a recipient is also in receipt of one
same time as another income support payment of the above Centrelink or Service Pensions. This
such as the Age Pension, Newstart Allowance or payment is made during the month of July each
Parenting Payment. However, a Carer Payment year.
recipient may be entitled to other payments such
as Carer Allowance or Family Tax Benefit.
Q
What is a Crisis Payment?
Carers can interrupt providing constant care for
25 hours per week to work, train or study without A
A Crisis Payment is a one-off payment designed
to provide immediate financial assistance to a
losing eligibility for the Carer Payment. They may
person experiencing severe financial hardship,
also continue to be paid during up to 63 days of
who has been forced to leave their home and
respite.
establish a new home as a result of extreme
circumstances.
Carer Allowance
Extreme circumstances may include a house fire,
flood, or due to family and domestic violence.
Q
What is the Carer Allowance? It may also be paid if you remain in your home
A
The Carer Allowance is a payment made to after experiencing family and domestic violence
someone who provides daily care and attention where the alleged user of violence has been
at home to a person with a disability or medical removed.
condition.
To be eligible to receive a Crisis Payment, you
The Carer Allowance, currently $127.10 per must qualify and be payable for a social security
fortnight, is not subject to an income or assets payment or pension.
test. Carer Allowance can be paid in addition to an
A Crisis Payment is equal to seven days of your
income support payment such as the Age Pension. maximum social security pension or benefit. The
An additional annual payment of $1,000 (Child payment does not include extra allowances or
Disability Assistance Payment) is paid on 1 July to supplements.
with compliments from Llew O’Brien MP 15Care for the Elderly
Aged Care Assistance Q
What will it cost me to live in an aged care
facility?
Q
I am getting frail and need to go into an aged A
How much you pay will depend upon which
persons home. What should I do? facility you move into, how much income you
A
Before you can enter an aged care facility, have the value of your assets and the type of
your needs must be assessed by an Aged Care services you receive.
Assessment Team.
A Residential Care Fee Estimator is available on
the My Aged Care website at: www.myagedcare.
Q
How do I contact an Aged Care Assessment gov.au/fee-estimator/residential-care.
Team?
Alternatively you may wish to contact My Aged
Care by phone on 1800 200 422.
A
Your local doctor will tell you how to contact the
closest team. Referral can be through community
nurses, your doctor, from hospitals or yourself. Q
Is there any help to enable me to live at home
You may contact My Aged Care directly on for as long as possible?
1800 200 422 or through the website
www.myagedcare.gov.au.
A
There are many home and community based
services which will help you remain independent.
The Federal Government has established Carelink
Q
What will I need to pay on entrance to a Centres and the My Aged Care website, which
residential aged care facility? maintain up-to-date databases of information
about a range of agencies providing community
A
The Australian Government pays for the bulk of
aged care in Australia, however you will be asked care, support, health and aged services in the
to contribute towards your care, accommodation region, including Home and Community Care and
and daily living costs. Home Care packages. See page 18 for details.
How much you pay will depend on your financial
situation - although the Government has rules Q
Can a carer get any financial assistance to
that limit how much you can be asked to pay help care for me at home?
towards your accommodation. A
People who care for you may be eligible for the
The Department of Human Services will Carer Payment and/or the Carer Allowance.
undertake a means test covering both income Both of these payments are made through
and assets to determine your contribution for Centrelink. See page 15 for details.
your care and accommodation. The means test
assessment can also be completed prior to Q
What is the essential medical equipment
entering residential care. payment?
A
This payment provides support to holders of a
Commonwealth Government Concession Card
who are required to use eligible essential medical
equipment. The annual payment of $154.00
is provided to help meet the energy costs of
running this equipment.
16 2018 Age Pension GuideHealth Care and
Concession Cards
Private Health Care Further information on the Private Health Insurance rebate
income thresholds and rebate rates are available on the
ATO’s website, www.ato.gov.au, by inserting ‘QC 49965’
Q
What extra help is available for older Australians into the website’s search function.
to make private health care more affordable?
A
The Federal Government provides a rebate off Q
What is Lifetime Health Cover?
the premium cost for private health insurance.
This rebate is income tested which means your A
Lifetime Health Cover rules provide lower private
eligibility to receive it depends on your income. health insurance premiums for people with long
The test reduces the rebate for people who are term membership of their health funds, compared
single earning more than $90,000 and $180,000 with those who join later in life. Discuss with your
for people who have a family (including fund the impact of these rules on the premiums
a spouse). The family income threshold is you pay for private health insurance, particularly if
increased by $1,500 for each dependent child you are considering cancelling your insurance.
after the first child. he Lifetime Health Cover rules do not apply to
T
The rebates are as follows: people born before 1 July 1934.
Status Income thresholds
Q
Can I still claim the Net Medical Expenses Tax
Base tier Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3
Offset?
$90,000 $90,001 - $105,001 - $140,001
Single he Net Medical Expenses Tax Offset is being
T
or less $105,000 $140,000 or more A
phased out.
$180,000 $210,001 - $210,001 - $280,001
Family ransitional arrangements will allow claims
T
or less $280,000 $280,000 or more
for disability aids, attendant care or aged care
Age Rebate for premiums paid 1 July 2016 – 31 March 2017 expenses until 30 June 2019. After this date, the
Under offset will cease to operate.
26.791% 17.861% 8.930% 0%
65 years
Q
Can my family get any help when I die?
65–69
31.256% 22.326% 13.395% 0%
years
A
A Bereavement Payment may be paid to your
partner to provide short term assistance to
70 years
35.722% 26.791% 17.861% 0% help your partner adjust to changed financial
or over
circumstances.
Age Rebate for premiums paid 1 April 2017 – 30 June 2017
Bereavement Payment may be paid to your
A
Under partner to help them adjust to changed financial
25.934% 17.289% 8.644% 0%
65 years circumstances following your death. If your
65–69
partner is not getting a pension when you die
30.256% 21.612% 12.966% 0% they may be eligible for Bereavement Allowance,
years
which is a short term income support payment
70 years for the surviving member of a couple.
34.579% 25.934% 17.289% 0%
or over
If someone is getting a Carer Payment to care for
The private health insurance rebate percentages are you, their payment may continue for 14 weeks
adjusted annually on 1 April each year. after your death. If you do not have a partner
your carer may be paid a Bereavement Payment.
with compliments from Llew O’Brien MP 17Health Care and
Concession Cards cont’d
Support Services for the Elderly Pensioner Concession Card
Q
How can I obtain information to help meet Q
Who can get the Pensioner Concession Card?
my health needs and assist me to live
A
The Pensioner Concession Card is automatically
independently? issued to all income support pensioners including
A
The Australian Government’s My Aged Care – those receiving Age Pension, Parenting Payment,
1800 200 422, or www.myagedcare.gov.au – Disability Support Pension and Bereavement
provides a free, single contact point for information Allowance.
about local community care and health services. eople aged over 60 who have been continuously
P
It has an up-to-date database of information about receiving one (or a combination) of the following
a range of agencies providing community care, payments for more than nine months can also
support, health and aged services in the region, receive the card: Newstart Allowance, Sickness
including Home and Community Care and Home Allowance, Widow Allowance, Partner Allowance,
Care packages. Parenting Allowance or Special Benefit.
he card will generally be cancelled when a
T
Commonwealth Carer Respite recipient is temporarily absent from Australia
for longer than six weeks while their primary
Services payment is paid. The card will be cancelled if the
card holder ceases to be an Australian resident.
Q How can I obtain respite care?
A Commonwealth Carer Respite and Carelink Q What may my Concession Card entitle me to?
Centres coordinate access to respite services in
your local area. They can give you advice about A
Holders of a Concession Card have access to a
respite services and find the service closest to number of benefits, including:
you. They can also help you to access the right •
Medicines lists under the Pharmaceutical
respite services. Benefits Scheme at the concessional rate
ommonwealth Carer Respite and Carelink
C • Access to PBS prescriptions, generally
Centres work with carers to plan sensible without charge, for the remainder of the
approaches to respite and other support needs calendar year after reaching the PBS Safety
and also arrange 24 hour emergency respite Net
care. For further information call 1800 052 222. • Bulk-billed GP appointments, at the
earing aids are available through the Office of
H discretion of the GP
Hearing Services. An annual fee may apply for • A reduction in the cost of out-of-hospital
maintenance and batteries. For more information medical expenses above a concessional
call 1800 500 726. threshold, through the extended Medicare
oncessions are available for Local Council
C Safety Net
ordinary rates and domestic waste management • Free hearing assessments and hearing
service charges; water rates or charges and rehabilitation, including the supply and
sewerage rates or charges. Contact your local fitting of free hearing aids (if necessary)
council for details. • Maintenance of hearing aids and a regular
supply of batteries for an annual fee
• In some instances, additional health,
household, transport, education and
recreation concessions which may be
18 2018 Age Pension GuideHealth Care and
Concession Cards cont’d
offered at the discretion of state, territory Q
What might the Commonwealth Seniors Health
or local governments and private providers. card entitle me to?
These concessions may vary by jurisdiction
A
Holders of the Commonwealth Seniors Health
or more information call the PBS general
F Card have access to a number of benefits,
enquiries line on 132 290. including:
earing aids are available through the Office
H •
Medicines lists under the PBS at the
of Hearing Services. An annual fee may apply concessional rate
for maintenance and batteries. For more
• Access to PBS prescriptions, generally
information call 1800 500 726.
without charge, for the remainder of the
calendar year after reaching the PBS Safety
Commonwealth Seniors Net
Health Card • Bulk-billed GP appointments, at the
discretion of the GP
Q
What is the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card? • A reduction in the cost of out-of-hospital
medical expenses above a concessional
A
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card gives
threshold, through the extended Medicare
eligible Australians of Age Pension age, who do
Safety Net
not receive a pension (for example, self-funded
• In some instances, additional health,
retirees) access to cheaper medicine under the
household, transport, education and
(PBS), bulk billed doctor visits (this is up to your
recreation concessions which may be
doctor) and a bigger refund for medical costs
offered at the discretion of state, territory
when you reach the Medicare Safety Net.
or local governments and private providers.
our state or territory government and local
Y These concessions may vary by jurisdiction
council may offer additional benefits that lower
your electricity and gas bills, property and water
Energy Supplement may be payable. See the
section on the carbon tax for more information
rates, health care costs, including ambulance,
(page 10).
dental and eye care, and public transport fares.
he card will generally be cancelled after 19
T
Q
How much income can I have before I am not
weeks of a temporary absence from Australia, or
immediately if the card holder ceases to be an eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health
Australian resident. Card?
eople, who on 31 December 2016 received
P A
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders must
a social security pension into which Energy have an annual income of less than $53,799 for
Supplement had been added and who lost the singles; $86,076 for couples (combined income);
pension on 1 January 2017 because of changes and $107,598 combined for couples who are
to the assets test, were automatically issued with separated (for example, by illness or respite care).
a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and will An amount of $639.60 per year is added for
continue to receive the Energy Supplement on each dependent child. The income test includes
and after 20 March 2017 provided they remain adjusted taxable income plus deemed income
continuously eligible. from any account-based income streams. There is
no assets test.
hese figures are indexed on 20 September each
T
year. There is no asset test.
with compliments from Llew O’Brien MP 19Health Care and
Concession Cards cont’d
Q
Can I get someone to help me deal with Appeals
Centrelink?
A
You can get a person or organisation to be your Q
What can I do if I am unhappy with a Centrelink
nominee or you can give permission for someone decision?
to make enquiries on your behalf. There are two A
If you disagree with a decision made by Centrelink
different types of nominee appointments you can regarding your entitlement to a pension or benefit
make; correspondence nominee and payment you may ask for a review of the decision.
nominee.
correspondence nominee can do most things
A Q
What is the process for reviews and appeals?
for on your behalf, including informing us of
changes to your circumstances, completing A
There are four review and appeal procedures.
forms for you, making enquiries and attending 1. Original decision maker – the person
appointments with you. A correspondence who made the decision explains and
nominee also receives a copy of your mail. discusses the decision with you.
2. Review by an authorised review officer
payment nominee directly receives your
A
– a senior staff officer examines the
Centrelink payments, paid into their bank
disputed decision.
account. Your payment nominee can only use
your payments for your benefit and has to keep 3. The Social Security and Child Support
records of these payments detailing how they Division of the Administrative
spent them. Appeals Tribunal – the first tier of the
independent tribunal that can consider
If you prefer not to have a nominee arrangement,
appeals against Centrelink decisions.
but still want someone to be able to make
enquiries on your behalf, you can give permission 4. The General Division of the
to a person or an organisation to enquire about Administrative Appeals Tribunal –
you Centrelink payments and services. the second tier of the independent
tribunal, that can review decisions
If you want to authorise another person or made by the Social Security and Child
organisation to enquire or act on your behalf Support Division.
when dealing with the Department of Human
Services in relation to your Centrelink payments
Q Can the Ombudsman assist me with my
and services, you can complete the SS313 form
complaint?
“Authorising a person or organisation to enquire
or act on your behalf” which is available online, or A The Commonwealth Ombudsman can investigate
in a Centrelink shopfront. complaints about the administrative actions of
Centrelink. Complaints can be made by
aving a nominee or giving someone permission
H
phone on 1300 362 072, or by
to enquire does not take away your right to deal
email ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au, or by
with us about your Centrelink business. You can
writing to GPO Box 442, Canberra ACT 2601 or
cancel or change your appointed at any time,
online at www.ombudsman.gov.au
unless it is a court appointed arrangement.
From 1 May 2015, most tax complaints previously
handled by the Commonwealth Ombudsman
transferred to the Inspector-General of Taxation.
The Ombudsman will continue to receive
complaints concerning Public Interest Disclosures
or Freedom of Information issues about the ATO
or Tax Practitioners Board.
20 2018 Age Pension GuideHealth Care and
Other Matters
Concession Cards
Australian Flags vaccine is free for people who are over 65 and is available
from your medical practitioner or through your local
My office is able to provide an Australian Flag, the health centre.
Aboriginal Flag, the Torres Strait Islander Flag, a portrait
of Her Majesty the Queen, the Australian Coat of Arms, The Australian Government also provides free
music sheets and CDs and DVDs of the National Anthem pneumococcal vaccinations for seniors.
to eligible organisations.
From 1 November 2016, seventy-year-old Australians can
Each eligible organisation is entitled to a Flag, although now get the shingles vaccine for free, with a catch-up
consideration is given to earlier requests where weather or program available for adults aged 71 to 79 years.
other factors may have made the Flag unusable.
Individuals may also receive the portrait of the Queen, Translating and Interpreting
Australian Coat of Arms, and the music sheets and CDs Service
and DVDs of the National Anthem. Individuals may also
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
request an Australian Flag from a limited allocation
is an interpreting service provided by the Department of
available to my office.
Home Affairs for people who do not speak English and for
agencies and businesses that need to communicate with
Congratulatory Messages their non-English speaking clients to access this service
please call 1800 131 450. This service is available 24 hours,
Congratulatory messages can be arranged for special
every day of the year.
anniversaries, e.g. 50 or 60 years of marriage, 90th
and 100th birthdays. Messages from the Queen can be Centrelink provides a Multilingual Phone Service that
arranged for 60 years of marriage and 100th birthdays. enables you to speak with a skilled bilingual service
officer. To access this services please call 131 202. This
Please write to me with details at least three weeks before
service is available Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm.
the anniversary. Where a message is to be sent from the
You can also read information in your chosen language
Queen at least five weeks prior notice is required.
about our payments and services on the Department of
Where possible, a copy of the birth or marriage certificate Human Services website at: www.humanservices.gov.au/
should be supplied, otherwise a Statutory Declaration is to individuals/information-in-your-language
be provided.
Vaccinations for Seniors
Flu is caused by a virus which is passed from person to
person by coughing or sneezing or direct contact. It can
lead to illness more severe than that caused by other
respiratory viruses, such as the common cold. Some
people, especially those over 65 years and those with
chronic medical conditions, can suffer complications from
the flu.
The flu vaccine is a very important way to help protect you
from the influenza virus. The best time to be vaccinated
is Autumn, before the outbreak of the flu in Winter. The
with compliments from Llew O’Brien MP 21Notes 22 2018 Age Pension Guide
LLEW O’BRIEN MP
HAVE YOUR SAY
Your views are important to me...
The issues About politics
Please number the four issues that concern you most. Please select one of the following options: (optional)
Making the right economic choices to secure better days ahead I ALWAYS support the following party
Tackling crime and the scourge of drugs Liberal National Labor Greens One Nation
Securing Australia’s borders KAP Independent/Other
Tackling the rising cost of living OR I USUALLY support the following party
Securing more and better paying jobs Liberal National Labor Greens One Nation
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Providing a record investment in schools and education OR I don’t support any political party
Building the roads and infrastructure our community needs
Helping small business grow and prosper Your details
Please complete the following details so that I can stay in touch
Affordable and reliable energy
and keep you informed.
Supporting seniors and Aged Care
Title
Investing in innovation and science
Name
Fully funding the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Putting downward pressure on housing costs Address
In Parliament
If you could raise one issue in the Federal Parliament,
what would it be? Home ph
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Please select the option which best reflects your current situation:
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Your Occupation
Thank you for completing this survey.
Please return to: Llew O’Brien MP, PO Box 283, Maryborough QLD 4650 Email. llew.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au
LLEW O’BRIEN MP 319 Kent Street, Maryborough QLD 4650
llew.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au
07 4121 2936
llewobrien.com.au LlewOBrienLNP
Federal Member for Wide Bay
with compliments from Llew O’Brien MP 23LLEW O’BRIEN MP
Federal Member for Wide Bay
319 Kent Street, Maryborough QLD 4650
07 4121 2936 llew.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au
llewobrien.com.au LlewOBrienLNP
Authorised and printed by Llew O’Brien MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland,
319 Kent Street, Maryborough QLD 4650.
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