James Coyle

How Centrelink expertise can help you

We call Steven our Retirement Essentials’ Guru for many reasons. We recently interviewed him so you can understand why he got this name. It’s the first of four interviews with our advisers Megan, Nicole and Sharon and Steven, who is Head of Customer Services. They all work ‘at the coalface’ so to speak. This means that each and every day they are helping our members in video meetings, phone calls or replies to website questions and feedback. We asked Steven five quick questions about the work he does and how it helps customers maximise their Age Pension income.

Age Pension explained: All the basics you need to know

by James Coyle | Centrelink Age Pension

The Age Pension remains the backbone of Australia’s retirement income system. It was first legislated in 1908 when life expectancy for men exceeded the pension age of 65. Women were only added to these entitlements two years later, but could qualify from age 60. Since that time there have been extensive changes to this vital source of retirement income, but it continues to deliver extremely reliable income support for older Australians. It is administered by Services Australia (the Department of Social Services) and delivered through its agency, Centrelink. Over time the face-to face-dealings with Centrelink staff have given way to digital communications. This happens through the myGov website which amalgamates many Commonwealth Government services, including Centrelink, Medicare and the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

Top-5 articles in 2023

by James Coyle | Planning for Retirement

To say that the rules of retirement income are dynamic is an understatement. In compiling this ‘Top-5’ list, the first thing that jumped out was how often rules, terms and conditions can change. Over the course of the past year we’ve reported on two Age Pension increases, two increases to asset and income limits, the extended freeze on deeming rates, new concession card and superannuation rules, the Work Bonus credit and a whole lot more. We’re delighted that you value the weekly Retirement Essentials enewsletter so much (awarding it an 83% satisfaction rate according to the most recent Retirement Pulse). We hope you enjoy this ‘digest’ of ‘most read’ articles in 2023 and that you will be happy to share this list [DP – do we have a link?] with friends and family who may also benefit from these important updates.

Here’s the articles that you’ve rated the best this year.