This story highlights the complexities of aged care and the financial and emotional stress that can arise for not just one person, but in this case, two. Here is a brief outline of the circumstances. Mum, Anne is 87 years of age and not in very good health. For the last 6 years she has […]
Would the rate of Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs age pension increase if the amount being paid from an account-based pension reduced? The answer is very much a case of “it depends”. There are several factors that need to be considered: 1. If the full rate of age pension is being paid (i.e. currently […]
In October 2018 the government established a Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. It commenced hearings in January 2019, provided an Interim report in October 2019, and is scheduled to provide its final report in November 2020. During the last 12 months the media has reported on several very disturbing issues of neglect, […]
Do we need to seek permission to retire? The answer is “yes”. If we have a significant other, having them in agreement is probably a smart idea. Retirement is a significant life event and all parties need to be on the same page, committed and in agreement. Having the agreement of your employer is also […]
Your age pension entitlement can be affected by your assets, whether you own your home, which is an exempt asset (homeowner), are renting (non-homeowner), and if you are single or a member of a couple. The following table provides an overview of the current asset thresholds and limits as at November 2019. Assets Test threshold […]