Centrelink

Centrelink uses a glad bag of rules when assessing super: Here are some of them.

Super funds need more access to members’ financial data, says expert.

Illness is pushing Judy out of the workforce, but she cannot yet get an Age ...

Can she take paid ‘time out’ if her husband were to die?

Rental manager driven to help elderly tenant reclaim pension and pay back debt.

If I gift my three grandchildren, will my Age Pension be affected?

Does Susanne qualify to have the card reinstated?

Couple in their 80s seek advice on how to cover costs.

Ellie fears security breach after her bankcard was copied.

You may qualify for a Low Income Health Care Card if your income falls below ...

The new payment rates and limits for rent assistance.

Changes to income and asset thresholds will take effect from 20 March 2018.

From 20 March 2018, Newstart rates and thresholds will be indexed.

How much more Age Pension will you receive?

Ann sold her home to downsize and deposited the funds in the bank before buying ...

Technology is the problem, not staffing, says agency.

Will Wayne still be eligible for the pension after living in the Philippines?

The move that allows you to pass property to your kids without upsetting Centrelink.

What are the rules when a husband and wife each own a home?

How would Centrelink - another government department - assess Barnaby's affair?

A frustrated Colin has a warning for others in his position.

Gerald wants to know if he’ll lose his Pensioner Concession Card.

Part of making retirement affordable requires fully understanding your entitlements.

John hasn’t received his Pensioner Concession Card and wants to know where it is.

Changes to Centrelink’s Express Plus mobile app will require PIN numbers.

Centrelink allowed retailers to take money from Centrelink recipients’ payments.

Kate wants to know if she needs to declare an inheritance to Centrelink.

Centrelink admits to bungling $2.84 billion of welfare payments last year.

The Federal Government to push ahead with drug tests of Logan welfare recipients.

Federal Treasury report on cost of Age Pension alienates older Australians.

Some lump sums are excluded from assessment, but which ones?

Centrelink reporting and payment dates for the Christmas and New Year period.

Maryanne wants to know if she can retire in the UK and still receive an ...

Marcy is confused about how living overseas affects her Age Pension.

Who better to inform you about your Age Pension and entitlements than Centrelink?

Leigh is selling the family home but is concerned she’ll lose her Age Pension.

Centrelink snitches raise nearly $40 million in welfare debt.

Ellenora is considering upping the amount of pension she receives from her super.

Overseas travellers who stay away for six weeks may lose Pension Supplement.

Total Age Pension payments have inched up slightly to $44.4 billion.

John is unsure how purchasing shares will affect his Age Pension.

The type of relationship you have with your carer will decide what they are paid.

What concessions do you get if you have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?

Centrelink announced it will outsource its strained call centre to a foreign company.

More than 90,000 concession cards will be reinstated to former part-pensioners this week.

A pension advance payment could help Tracy deal with a couple of unexpected bills.

Turnbull Government admits to 20,000 incorrect robo-debt notices.

From 20 September 2017, the income limits that apply to the CSHC will change.

The new payment rates and limits for rent assistance.

Changes to income and asset thresholds will take effect from 20 September 2017.

From 20 September 2017, Newstart rates and thresholds will be indexed.

How much more Age Pension will you receive?

Millions will receive an increase to their pension payments on 20 September 2017.

Gozitano wants to know if working overseas will affect his Age Pension.

The PM has declared the Government’s cashless welfare card trial a “success”.

Alex wants to know how his assessable assets affect his Age Pension.

Ben asks Debbie how much he can earn before his Age Pension is reduced.

Will June’s estranged husband’s income and assets affect her Age Pension claim?

Janne is contemplating renting out a room to cover maintenance costs.

Centrelink is in the hot seat again, for sending ‘threatening’ letters to vulnerable clients.

Will Albert lose his Age Pension when he returns overseas?

How will Centrelink assess two singles living under the same roof?

What financial issues should you consider before taking the plunge?

Graham wants to know how Centrelink assesses offset accounts.

Positive reviews for improvements to myGov site, despite budget blowout.

David speaks out about the unfairness of Pensioner Concession Card reinstatement.

We clarify the confusion as to who will have their PCCs reinstated and why.

Annual indexation of income and asset thresholds will take effect from 1 July 2017.

Sharyn has heard of a service provide by Centrelink which can help her spread the ...

Inquiry finds litany of Centrelink errors has caused extensive harm.

Bert has been left with no documentation to support his Age Pension claim.

Carol is concerned that her partner’s income will stop her getting an Age Pension.

Do you need to be a live-in carer to receive the Carer Payment?

Martin is unsure how holiday pay will affect his claim for the Age Pension.

Carol would like to know of any payments available to her from Centrelink.

As a general rule, how is an inheritance assessed by Centrelink?

The one-off Energy Assistance Payment is due to hit bank accounts soon.

DHS advised to lower Centrelink's customer satisfaction targets.

Many people rely on the one-off Carer Supplement so will it be paid this year?

Debbie explains what, and how much, the Pension Supplement is.

From 2025, the pension age is planned to increase to 70, but not for politicians.

In the past 10 months, 42 million calls to Centrelink received an engaged signal.

Alan Tudge labels Australia’s social security system as “poison” for the unemployed.

Joe is unsure whether he would be better off remaining on the DSP.

Pensioners could be the next group to be hit with robo-debt letters.

You have until the end of the financial year to claim the Low Income Supplement.

How does the Government plan to reduce painfully long Centrelink call wait times?

Can Toni claim New Zealand Super if he doesn't qualify for an Age Pension?

A proposal to target job seekers might eventually target all welfare.

Claims Minister illegally shared private details won’t be investigated.

Average wait times for Centrelink's business phone lines were nearly 27 minutes in January.

Is there an affordable way to borrow money?

Budget measures are expected to crackdown on Newstart rort.

May is unsure how selling her home will affect her Age Pension.

Will Janet be able to claim Rent Assistance on site fees?

Customers treated unfairly, system lacks transparency, says Ombudsman.

Centrelink debt collectors still chasing debts that are under dispute.

Leaking of Centrelink client’s personal information may be a criminal offence.

Ben is unsure how lost super will affect his Age Pension

How do the rules surrounding granny flat agreements affect pension payments?

The time it takes to talk to a Centrelink operator is longer than the DHS ...

Will having a younger partner stop Maeve from being able to claim her Age Pension? ...

Community sector representatives have called Centrelink’s debt recovery system inhumane.

How can Catherine tell if a Human Services email is a scam?

How much more Age Pension will you receive?

Legal guidelines used to justify the release of recipient's personal details were incorrect.

If Anne takes full ownership of a house, will her Age Pension be reduced?

Centrelink releases recipient’s private information to defend itself.

In this quick guide, Anne Rady explains whether you will qualify for an Age Pension.

If you don't receive an Age Pension, can you gift as much money as you ...

Sue is seeking clarification on the assessment of income from a defined benefit pension.

Ken is confused about how his Age Pension and income stream are taxed.

Public backlash over the debt-recovery program has lead to strike action.

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz says Centrelink system has “let down the Australian people”.

If you’re confused about pension payments overseas, this should clarify.

Reports shows that the cashless welfare card is having a positive effect on the community.

Bob is confused about the status of his wife’s super balance.

The Government won’t disclose actual debt recovered. DHS admits further faults.

If you’re struggling with money, accessing super may seem the ideal solution.

Centrelink will be closed on Australia Day.

Parliamentary memos show that the ‘robo-debt’ system will target pensioners next.

The Government is seriously slipping in public opinion polls.

Reports reveal that the Government knew the Centrelink debt-recovery system was flawed.

How does super and the Age Pension affect your retirement income?

Human Services Minister Alan Tudge has defended Centrelink’s debt recovery system.

Overworked Centrelink staff are bracing for an onslaught of customer appeals.

The Government has pushed ahead with a system that is fundamentally flawed.

Denise is confused as to whether or not she needs to apply for a pension ...

When selling items on eBay or similar, does Centrelink monitor this income?

Australians who owe Centrelink money could be prevented from leaving the country.

Buried in yesterday’s MYEFO was a statement that should have pensioners concerned.

It’s easy to forget that the Age Pension changes were actually the preferred option.

Letters advising changes to Age Pension payments couldn’t have come at a worse time.

We clarify what you need to do before the asset threshold changes.

Human Services Minister threatens to jail those who owe Centrelink money.

There's only fours days until Parliament rises, but what will be passed before then?

A number of Australians are considering equity release products, to manage finances.

Much-trumpeted August increase in term deposit rates have now been reversed.

Who will receive more in Age Pension from January 2017?

Payday loans can seem like the easy way out.

Having problems getting through to Centrelink on the phone?

Peter would like to know if he can be assessed as single age pensioner.

YourLifeChoices publisher Kaye Fallick spoke to 6PR's Chris Ilsley.

Retirees may not find out until just before Christmas if their Age Pensions will be ...

Should Michael make a pension claim even though he’ll fail the income test?

Here is clarification of how the asset threshold changes will be applied.

Simplified and concise information on retirement and the Age Pension.

From 20 September 2016, the income limits that apply to the CSHC have been indexed.

In accordance with indexation, Age Pension rates will increase on 20 September 2016.

Will Neville have to wait two years before returning overseas?

Where can qualified nurses use their skills as volunteers?

The Government plans to reintroduce legislation to raise the pension age.

Paul is considering a funeral bond, but can he cash it in?

What is the best way to spend an inheritance to save your Age Pension?

Robert is planning on retiring but isn’t sure when he should apply for an Age ...

Will renting space in her home cost Lyn under the asset test?

ACOSS is prepared to fight the Government over proposed welfare changes.

Will the proposed changes to super have an impact on your retirement income?

Will running a home business make Rod’s house an assessable asset?

Will charging his children board and lodging affect Seth’s Age Pension?

How will the purchase of a new car affect Diane’s Age Pension?

New savings of $2.3 billion are coming from an additional crackdown on welfare recipients.

How will a monetary gift of $10,000 affect the recipient’s Age Pension?

Does Centrelink have the power to check your bank account?

Does the Work Bonus make part-time work worthwhile? That is, will it affect my Age ...

Tony would like to know how his Age Pension might be affected by providing homestay.

A testament to Mareena Purslowe Funerals’ customer service and professional care.

A testament to White Lady Funerals’ customer service and professional care.

We clarify for Kay what the Age Pension asset threshold changes mean.

Will the Age Pension payment be reduced?

If you have responsibility for your grandchildren, what help is available?

Simon Cowan explains why the family home should be assessed.

Deeming rates can be higher than actual interest paid.

Will your pension payment be affected by DHS strike action?

In accordance with indexation Age Pension payment rates will increase.

Is Martin entitled to an extra payment from Centrelink when he retires?

Hundreds of Australians are sleeping in their cars due to having nowhere else to go.

How does a de facto relationship affect an Age Pension Claim?

Watch out home owners – they’re coming to get you!

Watch out home owners – they’re coming to get you!

Concessions can be a vital component to being able to survive on a fixed income.

Drew explains how to boost your privacy settings on social media.

Centrelink is monitoring social media accounts to catch welfare cheats.

Centrelink has put on notice welfare recipients trying to defraud the system.

Frank doesn’t understand how the income and asset test is applied overseas.

What should you consider before making the move to the Age Pension?

Scott Morrison has outlined the government’s vision for a new retirement income system.

Not all people who need Centrelink support are as lucky as Ms Smith.

Florence wants to know if she can claim an Age Pension from overseas.

The ACCC has issued a warning of a new scam primarily aimed at pensioners.

What will changes to the defined benefit rules mean to pensions?

Amanda and her husband are considering making the move back to the UK.

More than 22 million phone calls to Centrelink were blocked in the past year.

Do you meet the criteria to qualify for an Age Pension?

How can downsizing the family home affect Age Pension payments?

Leia has noticed that her Seniors Supplement hasn’t been paid.

When is it worthwhile to ask Centrelink for a reassessment?

Wife of wealthy mining boss, Hamish Bohannan, will be jailed for $62,000 fraud.

Brian would like to know why his assets are not devalued more regularly.

Joan wants to know what payments she will receive if she moves to the UK.

The two-year residency rule is causing Dale some confusion.

Brenda isn’t sure how the 10-year residency rule is applied.

When is an Age Pension payment assessed under the income or asset test?

There is a cost-effective and legitimate means by which to decrease your assessable assets.

As of 1 July, the Government has increased its efforts to wipe out welfare fraud.

Telstra has lost millions of dollars on its phone line deal with the DHS.

Frank has a few questions on how his super might affect his Age Pension.

Changes to pension asset thresholds and taper rate will pass through the Senate.

The government will trial a cashless welfare card in some areas later this year.

Gaye would like to know if super is a good alternative to a high-interest account.

Richard is seeking clarification on how his assets and income will be assessed.

June would like to sell her home to her son as a vendor financier.

Almost a quarter of the 57 million calls made to Centrelink last year went unanswered.

Proposed Age Pension changes announced in the 2014 Budget have been scrapped.

Joyce is considering moving in with her daughter, but how will this affect her Age ...

Budget changes could see 200,000 part-pensioners lose their entitlements.

An estimated one-in-10 welfare recipients were overpaid.

Can Chris make a retrospective claim under the Pension Bonus Scheme?

Means-testing the family home could result in a $6000 increase to pensions.

What is retirement? What does it mean to you?

The Easter holiday period may mean altered reporting and payment dates.

Hold Mr.Abbott to his promise that there would be "no changes to pensions".

Should you take out a reverse mortgage or line of credit?

Review undertaken by Patrick McClure has found welfare system needs restructured.

Offset accounts are a useful way of helping to reduce the interest you pay on ...

Will buying a more expensive property increase pension payments?

Are you eligible for assistance?

Mariam can’t understand why her Age Pension reduces when her husband earns money.

Information provided by Centrelink People of Age Pension age (or their ...

Michael would like to know how overseas trips will affect his payments.

Craig Hall explains how the Work Bonus can help your claim for the Age Pension. ...

The rules have changed for those on DSP intending to travel overseas.

The assessment process of claims for the Disability Support Pension changed on 1 January.

The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.

Would extra super payments be assessed by Centrelink and affect the Age Pension?

Human Services officers will commence industrial action on 11 December.

John believes many of the rules surrounding the changes to deeming rules are detrimental.

How will granny flat arrangements and gifting an inheritance advancement affect the pension?

How will the increased working-life residency requirement affect those from New Zealand?

As Deborah has realised, there can be penalties when you receive a compensation payout.

If you’re claiming Newstart Allowance then the chances are that you are considered a dole ...

A bill to abolish the Senior Supplement is due to be introduced to the upper ...

Does a wife’s claim for the Newstart Allowance affect her husband’s Age Pension?

Beth wants to know if a lump-sum withdrawal will affect her Age Pension.

Will building her daughter a flat on her property affect Lyn’s Age Pension?

The DHS has been forced to rethink its plans for a customer service revamp.

Robert would like to know if the rate at which a pension is reduced has ...

Could George and his wife be reassessed as singles?

Many pensions ‘grandfathered’ under existing rules could lose their special exemption.

Included in the legislation to repeal the mining is changes to the SGC.

Could Jenny use her super to pay out her mortgage and still get an Age ...

An official from Centrelink has left behind personal details of 23 clients at a railway ...

Will downsizing be a blessing in disguise for Graham?

Annie isn’t sure if the allowable earning threshold is applied to her Age Pension.

Can you get the Age Pension if you stop working before 65?

From 1 August 2014 you will be able to complete your Income Stream Review online.

Those aged over 50 will have to undertake 15 hours per week of approved activities.

Jeff would like to know if he will receive a single or couples' Age Pension. ...

James wants to know if he should be getting a bi-annual bonus from Centrelink.

Will the Carer’s Supplement be paid this year and if so, when?

When you leave Australia your rate of payment may change after 26 weeks.

If you’re on a pension, a personal load may not be accessible, nor the most ...

How will changes to pensions announced in the Federal Budget 2014 affect you?

Changes to indexation could see Disability Support Pension (DSP) rates cut.

Richard shares his strong opinion on why a pension cut would be a mistake.

Ann isn’t sure how her British pension will affect her claim for the Australian Age ...

A convicted murderer has mistakenly been paid a Disability Support Pension for nine months.

A miscalculation has cost Russ dearly and he doesn’t want others to be caught out.

Elise is unsure how the proceeds of her house sale and gifting may affect her ...

Increased thresholds applied to the Newstart Allowance may mean you now qualify.

From 20 March 2014 3.6 million pensioners should see a rise in their payments.

How will a casual income affect Peter’s part Age Pension?

As a New Zealand citizen, Barry is unsure if he is entitled to an Australian ...

Altered reporting and payment dates.

Paul's mother has just received an insurance payout and is unsure whether it will affect ...

Is the money Brian received from his son a gift or income?

Legislation has been introduced which will result in the deeming of account based income streams.

Will Ruth’s three-month cruise affect her Age Pension?

John needs urgent financial assistance but is reluctant to approach Centrelink.

Debbie McTaggart explains why your money may not be stretching as far as you would ...

When is a post office not a post office?

Marion is considering having her parents come to live with her.

Paula wants to know if paying for a family member’s surgery is considered gifting.

Glen is planning ahead for his retirement and would like to know what is included ...

Merv would like the Centrelink ruling on payments outside Australia clarified.

A quarter of all call centre workers at Centrelink will lose their jobs by Christmas

This case study provided by NICRAC may help you calculate aged care fees.

Ebe has just been advised by Centrelink that he and his wife both owe $15,000 ...

Margaret was recently contacted by someone claiming to be from the ATO handing out ‘Hardship ...

Will it pay Richard to keep on working?

What are the implications on the Age Pension of any rental income received?

Waren would like to know if he will receive a carer bonus payment this year.

Do you have to report your income to Centrelink once you get an Age Pension?

When applying for an Age Pension you must meet residency requirements

What will happen to Tom’s Age Pension if he uses his super to buy a ...

UK pension reforms are set to affect those living outside the British Isles.

The week before the Federal Budget is usually a time of rash predictions

A pilot program will be introduced to assist older Australians to downsize their home.

How much could you lose by having an overseas pension?

How do you know if you’re eligible for the Pension Bonus?

I believe one can get free glasses if you have the PCC, is that right? ...

Maria is considering moving to Queensland. Will it affect her Age Pension if he pays ...

If you meet the criteria, the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) could be a godsend

The Government has announced a reduction in pension deeming rates

Peter would like to know how additional income will affect his Age Pension

Will coming into an inheritance cancel out YOURLifeChoices member Madeline's Age Pension?

Debbie McTaggart explains whether you are entitled to a pension when travelling or living overseas.

Charlie has stopped receiving his Centrelink statements in the mail and wants to know why

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Pam is her husband’s carer but they are married in name only. She ...

You may not think it's important to advise Centrelink when you're going on holiday, but ...

Which payment is more financially supportive?

YOURLifeChoices member Lee is worried that if she chooses to marry, she will ...

It seems that tensions at Centrelink offices are boiling over.

YOURLifeChoices member Sharon is having a difficult time transferring her fathers Carer payments to her. ...

Linda is considering releasing some of the equity in her home but is unsure how ...

Understanding Centrelink entitlements has become difficult.

A Queensland woman went on a spending spree with $2 million of Centrelink’s money

One in ten Australians living on the dole cannot afford a substantial meal each day

How will changes to the Centrelink website affect your dealings with this government agency?

Centrelink asked Bill to put in a claim for the Age Pension, only for it ...

Recently released figures show that 105 Victorians have been out of work for more than ...

Ron wishes to stay in Philippines as cannot live on the DSP in Australia.

Dennis has continued to work past the age of 65 but isn’t aware of any ...

Australia's ageing population is not to blame for the nation's rising health bill.

Medicare rebates will now be paid electronically. How will this money be assessed?

Q. Pauline I am 63 and hoping to transition to retirement from ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Kerri is keen to know which income year will determine ...

Understand your Centrelink entitlements once you enter retirement.

Selling on eBay? You may be forced to declare this extra income

Barry is keen to find out if he needs a statement of earnings from Centrelink.

As tax time fast approaches, YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Dianne, would like to know ...

Income support rules for Australians travelling overseas have been tightened.

Ever wondered why you can't report assets to Centrelink online?

Paul's local Centrelink office told him that he could only claim online.

The cost of living for pensioners rose only 1.1 per cent, 0.5 per cent below ...

Tuesday’s budget may very well include cuts to welfare payments received by pensioners.

Media reports suggest Centrelink are about to start charging for mailed statements.

There are many advantages in being able to search for information on Centrelink’s website.

We all know the importance of having regular health checks with our doctor or ...

Subscriber Gary is keen to find out if his CPAP machine will ensure his ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Casper hasn’t noticed the Telephone Allowance being paid.

Areas of Queensland and New South Wales have been adversely affected by flooding since ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Mary is lucky enough to be heading off on a ...

The recent flooding in Queensland and New South Wales has caused closures to some ...

Despite the importance of getting good financial advice, there are people who simply cannot ...

We all lose things now and again and Seniors Cards are no different. ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Ronnie is based in the US and would like to ...

Under the Pension Sustainability Reforms in 2009, the Federal Government announced an increase in ...

Often paid as a result of difficult circumstances, compensation payments can seem like a godsend. But, as YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Deborah, has realised, there can be penalties. Q. Deborah Three years ago I lost my Mum in a tragic accident. Because of ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Von is concerned that when she moves to the Age ...

If you are receiving Centrelink benefits volunteering can be a great alternative to paid ...

With which would Ron be better off?

Age Pension age for social security purposes is 65 years for men. ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Carol, does a fantastic job looking after her elderly parents ...

An estimated 285,000 self-funded retirees who do not qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health ...

What will you receive? A one-off lump sum advance Australian recipients of an Age Pension or Disability Support Pension who reside in an aged care facility will receive assistance in two ways. Firstly, a separate Clean Energy Advance will be paid to pensioners. ...

What will you receive? A one-off lump sum advance Australian ...

Receive assistance in two ways

As of 1 July 2011 the Carer Supplement of $600 will be paid to ...

Q. How do I apply for an Age Pension? I will reach Age Pension age early next year but don’t know how to start the process of retirement. I have never had any dealings with Centrelink and don’t know whether I need to contact them, ...

In today’s society grandparents may find themselves being the primary care-giver for their grandchildren. As with any caring, there is a cost involved - as well as support available. Knowing what you may be entitled to is vital if you are considering taking over the ...

Save yourself the long phone calls and queues by using Centrelink online services. Once ...

If you have paid National Insurance contributions in the UK then you may be ...

Having a pension fund across the world may not be financially beneficial in terms ...

Q. Tom I will reach Age Pension age early next year but don’t know how to start the process of retirement. I have never had any dealings with Centrelink and don’t know whether I need to contact them, if they will contact me or if I ...

Large bills can take the wind out your sails when they arrive unexpectedly in the post. Finding the money to pay such bills when you’re on a budget can be a struggle. Centrelink can help factor your bills into your budget. Centrepay is a free service ...

A recent news item in the Age is very useful in highlighting the difference between the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) living cost indices. Confused? Read on for our plain-English explanation and how this affects those on an Age ...

A life on the open road beckons for YOURLifeChoices subscriber Johnson. But where does this leave him with his Centrelink payments? Q. Johnson I have a query which Centrelink doesn’t seem to be able to confirm, I keep getting different answers, ...

While a gift of money may seem like blessing, you should take into consideration how it will affect your Centrelink payments. Q. Allison My mother is helping me purchase a car by gifting me a sum of money. My son suggested investing this ...

Q. Rewa Can you please advise how a part British pension is treated when you apply for an Australian pension. As an Australian I worked in the UK for 14 years and now at the age of 61 have an entitlement to approximately $100 a week ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber, George, loves his life on the open road but is confused as to why his mobile home is classed as an asset. Q. George I noticed one of the answers in the Q&A stated that the primary home is ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Heidi, has recently moved her mother into an aged care facility. What is Centrelink’s two year ruling on the sale of her mother’s home. Q. Heidi My mother has just entered residential high level care in an aged care ...

YOURLifeChoices subscribers, Glenn and Jennifer, would like to gift money to their children but are keen to know the limits? Q. Glenn and Jennifer One is allowed to gift to our children $30,000.00 over five years. After the five years elapses ...

Will a one off $5600 share payment affect my Widow's Allowance?

Strict residency requirements exist for those wishing to claim the Age Pension. YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Jamie, would like to know if he can claim the Age Pension from the Philippines. Q. Jamie I am an Australian citizen currently residing in the Philippines. ...

Understanding your Centrelink entitlements may be made easier by first reading the host of publications provided by Centrelink, all available for download. A guide to Centrelink concession cards Pension Bonus Scheme A guide to Australian Government payments ...

Q. Heather Recently I was speaking to Centrelink (telephone discussion) to update some personal details. I was advised that the value of contents is added to any investments, e.g. bank account interest, to work out if there has been an income from these “investments”. Could you ...

You can take a number of breaks from caring, up to 63 days per calendar ...

If you are forced to give up work it can be difficult to ascertain your entitlements and how you can access these benefits, as YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Dianne, and her friend has realised. Q. Dianne I have a friend who is 60 ...

Q.Juanita I am a 75-year-old widow and grandmother who has been offered part time work at my grand daughter's school. I am very excited at the thought of rejoining the work force (thank goodness someone thinks I’m still useful!), but wonder how much income I can ...

As of 1 July 2009, the Government implemented changes to superannuation concessions. If you’re still salary sacrificing into your superannuation fund, you need to make sure this is still the best way to maximise your super. The annual cap on concessional superannuation contributions will be ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Tom, would like to know which income streams are classed as exempt assets? Q. Tom I purchased an income stream product eight years ago and would like to know will it be considered an asset when I apply for ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber Guy, would like to know what effect withdrawing money from his wife’s superannuation would have on his Age Pension. Q. Guy I am a pensioner and I get Centrelink payments as single. My wife will be 60 shortly and ...

Under the Solar Energy Rebates Scheme it seemed that what was being given by one, was being taken by another. The news isn’t all bad and there is still hope of utilising the rebate without it affecting your pension.

Maureen is contemplating a move to over 50s accommodation.

If you’re a self-funded retiree, you may have suffered considerable financial losses as a result of the global financial crisis. With some smart accounting, you may be eligible for Centrelink benefits. As the end of the current financial year looms, now is the time to consider ...

Q. Graham My position is I am 64 next birthday and have been living in Thailand for 4 years. I brought 80,000 AUD here and have been living on this money. I have money invested in Aust. and am still paying tax. I have been told to ...

Rhonda’s question concerns whether she will be able to claim a carer’s allowance

Q. Tom My wife and I have just been at Centrelink and we are now very confused. I am about to turn 65 and my wife is 62. I have supported her for the last 10 years as she has not worked. Centrelink is now telling ...

Q. Stuart My parents are currently on the full pension and would not survive too well without it. They now live in a unit in Yeronga which they own. It is not a very pleasant unit as it is very closed in, dark and cold in ...

Q. Ken I asked about a year ago how Centrelink calculates income from allocated pensions but am still mystified and haven't seen any response to that poser. I still can't work out how an asset valued at $415,320 which was then producing ...

YOURLifeChoices subscriber, Jeff, would like to know how best to structure his post-separation funds and how to achieve his dream of a life on the water. Q. Jeff We have just sold our house and have decided to go our separate ...

As YOURLifeChoices subscriber Allan considers his options for retirement, he’s keen to ...