Are you eligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?
The question is a popular one among prospective retirees, and the answer can be best explained by dividing the question into four parts.
Age Pension: Is the Government ripping off our retirees?
Around 80% of retirees receive a full or part-Age Pension, and anecdotal evidence suggests that the devastating effects of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) during the past two years made thousands of self-funded retirees eligible for a part-Age Pension for the first time.
Should I retire? I’m unemployed and have debt
Q: I’m 59 years of age and in March I lost my job. I have since been trying to find work but due to my age I’m finding it excessively hard. After much discussion with my wife we have decided that the best option would be for me to retire. As she earns a decent wage, I am unable to receive government assistance…
Good news for some in Liberal Seniors policy
At the time of writing this article, four days before the 2010 Federal Election, we are still waiting for the Liberal/Coalition policy on superannuation and retirement. Perhaps they don’t have one.
Goodbye Pension Bonus: Hello Work Bonus
Hurry, hurry! Deadline approaching! If you’re working and you’re aged 65 or over (or 63.5 or over if you’re a female), or will turn 65 (or 63.5 if a female) before 20 September 2009, then you need to read this [...]
New income test for Age Pension
Although the Government has increased Age Pension rates, the income test for determining whether you can receive the Age Pension is set to become tougher for some Age Pensioners.
Light relief for SMSF lifetime pensions
Note: Draft legislation is now available on the relief outlined in this article. You can find more recent information on this issue, including changes to the relief offered to SMSFs, by reading DIY super: Age Pension relief for SMSF lifetime [...]
Six-monthly pay rise for Age Pensioners
The Federal Government has announced an increase in the Age Pension commencing from September 2009. You can find out more information on this increase in the article ‘Budget flags radical changes to age pension‘. If you’re an Age Pensioner, you [...]
