Can you increase your income and entitlements in retirement? Last week we covered a couple of simple things people might want to consider to improve their Age Pension entitlements. Namely, paying off a mortgage, renovating the family home and gifting. Here...
Optimising your pension Many of our customers often wonder why they don’t get as much Age Pension as their friends. The obvious reason is that their financial circumstances are different but often people aren’t aware of some simple things that could change...
In Australia eligibility for the Age Pension is means tested. The rationale for this is two-fold. Firstly it helps ensure that Government entitlements go to those who need them most and secondly by putting a limit on the number of people that are eligible...
In his Federal budget speech delivered last night, the Treasurer Josh Frydenburg outlined numerous measures aimed at rebuilding a Covid-devasted economy by creating and supporting jobs and encouraging spending. So what were some of the highlights? Job Maker...
Further support for Pensioners is likely Pensioners missed out on their usual Age Pension increase in September but in good news, the Minister for Social Services, Anne Ruston, has confirmed that there will be further support for Age Pensioners in the...
The Retirement Income Review: Will there be changes to the treatment of the family home? The Federal Government is currently assessing the report of the Retirement Income Review and their response could have big implications for Age Pensioners. The...
What is assessed as income? Working out your income for the Centrelink income tests isn’t as simple as looking at your payslip or a bank statement. Your total earnings from various sources, including what is known as “deemed” income, needs to be...
When applying for the Age Pension an applicant must meet certain eligibility criteria; Residency Test Income Test Limits Assets Test Limits Whether the applicant is single or a couple is also taken into account. Couples have higher limits for the...
Perhaps the most frequent comment we receive concerns the different Age Pension entitlements received by singles and couples. Opinions are strongly divided on this issue however one sentiment is shared - The system isn’t fair. This week we have...