Social Security
Gifting for future generations
At this time of year, when giving is particularly on our minds, some might turn their attention to how best share their wealth or an unexpected windfall with their loved ones. You might be thinking about handing over a lump sum to help them with a major purchase or business opportunity, or be keen to…
LP Financial Planning: Proudly Leading the Way in Aged Care Advice
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you! One of our founding directors, Brad Monk, was invited to participate in a national webinar hosted by Challenger Limited, a leading company in retirement and aged care income solutions. The webinar, titled “1st July 2025 Aged Care Advice Opportunities,” was a significant event with over…
Federal Budget 2024-25 Analysis
What does the Federal Budget mean for me? Treasurer Jim Chalmers has high hopes that his 2024 Federal Budget will rein in inflation earlier than expected, ease cost-of-living pressures and build a stronger economy in the future. It’s a Budget for the here and now, he says, but also for the decades to come. More…
Simpler means-testing forms
Simplification in aged care rules is always a positive outcome. The government has just released new means-test forms for clients accessing residential or home care services which may make the process much quicker and simpler. The new forms are the outcome of a government taskforce which included a number of organisations, including Jacqui Hayes from…
Pensioner concession card reinstated
Did you, or a member of your family, have the Pensioner Concession Card cancelled because of the changes to the asset test? If so, it’s time to check your letterbox for a pleasant surprise. If you’re retired or close to retirement, you’ll probably recall that the government changed the assets test for pensioners in January…
Understanding the Medicare Levy
Medicare is Australia’s publicly funded national healthcare system. The Federal Government funds the system by charging taxpayers a levy on top of their annual income tax. Thanks to this levy, all Australians can enjoy access to quality health care. Medicare provides access to a wide range of health care and hospital services, including: Free or…
Centrelink impact of renting the former home
Residents who move into residential aged care from January 1, 2017 and rent their former home will receive less generous Centrelink/Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) assessments due to changes that are now effective. The Omnibus Bill, which received Royal Assent on September 16, 2016, saw the changes first announced in the 2015 Mid-Year Economic and…
New asset test rules in effect
The new Centrelink/Department of Veterans’ Affairs asset test rules came into effect on January 1, 2017. This increases the taper rate back to the pre July 1, 2007 rate of $3 per fortnight for every $1000 of assets over the lower threshold. As a result, many part-pensioners may have seen a reduction or complete loss…
Pensioner winners and losers
The biggest changes to the pension asset test in 10 years will occur on 1 January next year. Whenever the government makes such drastic changes it creates winners and losers (and some that stay the same, but worry about the changes nonetheless). The important thing is to know which bucket you fall into and make…
Changes passed to Centrelink impact of renting the former home
Residents who move into residential aged care from 1 January 2017 and rent their former home will receive less generous Centrelink/DVA assessments due to changes now passed into law. The Omnibus Bill which received Royal Assent on 16 September 2016, saw the changes first announced in the 2015 MYEFO passed as law. The rental income…
Centrelink Asset Thresholds are Changing
If you are over, or close to, 65 years of age, it is important that you and your Financial Adviser have a plan in place in preparation for any impact the changes the Government has introduced to the age pension assets test might have on your financial situation. If you haven’t already, contact your Financial…
Changes to the Social Security Asset Test
Important changes to the social security asset test effective 1 January 2017 have passed through parliament. The Government has called the changes ‘rebalancing the asset test’ as they aim to increase entitlement for those with lower levels of assets and reduce entitlement for those with higher levels of assets. For those who will see a…