Australian Government Directory of Services for Older People 2012-2013
Other payments and services
Table of contents
Advance payments - DVA pension
From 1 July 2010, pension advance payments were made more flexible for people receiving payments from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). This includes Age Pension paid by DVA, Service Pension, War widow(er)s Pension and Disability Pension (for veterans).Pension advance payments allow pensioners to receive a portion of their future pension entitlements earlier, as a lump sum. These changes improve pensioners’ capacity to budget and to meet large or unforeseen costs.
Advance payment minimum and maximum amounts are linked to pension payments so they keep pace with adjustments in pension payment rates each March and September.
Pensioners may obtain up to six minimum advances each year. The amounts can be taken as one advance or drawn down by two or three advances in a six-month period and repaid over 13 fortnights. Once repaid, further advances for the following six months can be requested.
To be eligible for a lump sum advance, you must:
- have been receiving a pension from DVA for three months before applying for the advance
- be able to repay the advance without suffering financial hardship
- be an Australian resident living in Australia at the time of application.
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Assurance of Support
Applicants for the following visas are required to have an Assurance of Support:
- Parent
- Aged Parent
- Contributory Parent
- Contributory Aged Parent
- Aged Dependent Relative
- Remaining Relative.
Each Assurance of Support can cover up to two adults and an unlimited number of their dependent children. If the migrant or their dependants claim a recoverable social security payment while covered by an Assurance of Support agreement, the assurer must repay the full amount back to the Government.
Payment of a bank guarantee is also required. Assurers should be prepared to deposit money with the Government’s nominated bank to cover the value of the guarantee.
To become an assurer, the applicant must meet following requirements:
- have income greater than the threshold for the current financial year
- have income greater than the threshold for the previous financial year
- be an Australian resident
- be 18 years or older
- provide proof of identity
- be able to lodge a bond, if required
- be able to lodge a bank guarantee, if required.
There are no exemptions from the Assurance of Support provisions.
If the assurer meets the requirements, the Department of Human Services will accept the Assurance of Support. Human Services will notify the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) directly that an Assurance of Support has been accepted. This will allow DIAC to finalise processing the visa application.
Phone: 13 27 17 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au
Bereavement Allowance
Bereavement Allowance is paid by the Department of Human Services. You may be eligible if:- your partner has died
- you were living with your partner immediately before your partner's death
- you do not have a new partner
- you have income and assets below a certain amount
- you meet residence requirements.
Phone: 13 23 00 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/bereavementallowance
Bereavement Payment
Bereavement Payments are available to couples, single pensioners, parents and carers who were receiving an eligible social security payment or DVA pension at the time of the death. It provides short-term assistance to help people adjust to different financial circumstances following a death. It may include continuation of existing payments (some for 14 weeks) and/or a lump sum. The payments are made by the Department of Human Services and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).If the deceased was a single pensioner, or was a pensioner whose surviving partner is not reliant on income support, the deceased’s estate receives a bereavement payment in the form of the final pension payment.
If the deceased was a member of a couple, where both received pension payments immediately before the date of death, the survivor’s rate is adjusted to the single rate and a lump sum may be payable.
Where loss of the survivor’s entitlement occurs as a result of a death (e.g. Wife Pension or Carer Payment), the survivor remains qualified for the payment for up to 14 weeks after the death.
A lump sum may be payable to Carer Payment recipients upon the death of a care receiver. Bereavement Payments are also available to long-term benefit recipients who have been receiving a social security benefit for a minimum of 12 months before their partner’s death.
Single principal carers receiving Newstart Allowance, whose only qualifying child has died, will continue to receive payment, including Family Tax benefit if eligible, for 14 weeks following the child’s death. Family Tax Benefit may be paid as a lump sum.
Customers receiving Parenting Payment (single) whose only qualifying child dies will continue to receive payments, including Family Tax Benefit, for 14 weeks from the child’s death. Family Tax Benefit may be paid as a lump sum.
Phone: 13 23 00 (Centrelink services)
Websites: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au
Veterans’ families wishing to apply for Bereavement Payment should call DVA.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Broadband for Seniors
Broadband for Seniors is an Australian Government initiative aimed at supporting seniors to gain confidence and skills in using new technology, and building community participation and social inclusion amongst older Australians.Around 2,000 Broadband for Seniors kiosks have been established across Australia. Kiosks are hosted by community organisations that provide existing services to seniors and are located in places that seniors regularly visit, such as community centres, retirement villages, nursing facilities, libraries and community clubs.
Online and face-to-face training courses aimed at improving seniors’ skills in using the internet, email and basic word processing are provided free to participants. These courses are developed by seniors for seniors and delivered by volunteer tutors, many of whom are also seniors.
To locate the nearest kiosk, or for further information, please call the Broadband for Seniors Helpline.
Phone: 1300 795 897 (Broadband for Seniors Helpline)
Email: Broadband for Seniors
Website: Broadband for Seniors at www.necseniors.net.au
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Carer Allowance
Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment made by the Department of Human Services that may be available to carers who provide daily care for an adult or child with disability or severe medical condition, or for an adult who is frail aged.Carers who do not live with an adult care receiver are eligible, as long as they can demonstrate that they provide at least 20 hours, personal care a week.
The person being cared for must have their disability or medical condition assessed by their treating health professional. A single assessment process now applies across Carer Payment and Carer Allowance for children.
Carer Allowance may be automatically paid where the child being cared for is under 16 years and the carer has qualified for Carer Payment for that child. Carer Allowance is not taxable or income and assets tested. It can be paid in addition to a social security income support payment such as Carer Payment or Age Pension.
A Carer Allowance customer is eligible for a Health Care Card (HCC) for a child care receiver. If the carer of a child is ineligible for Carer Allowance, they may still be entitled to a HCC for the child if the child needs ‘substantially more care and attention’, compared with a child of the same age who does not have a disability or medical condition. This requirement is generally satisfied when the child has additional care needs of at least 14 hours per week. The HCC can also be claimed by 16 to 25 year old full-time students whose carer held a Carer Allowance HCC on the day before their 16th birthday.
You can start the claim process over the phone by contacting the Department of Human Services.
Please refer to the ‘Support for carers’ section in Chapter 2 for further information on carers.
Phone: 13 27 17 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/carers
Carer Payment
In situations where an adult or child needs full-time care, a carer may qualify for income support in the form of Carer Payment from the Department of Human Services. The payment is available to carers who are unable to support themselves through substantial paid employment or from other income sources (including a partner's income) because they provide constant care to a person who has a disability or severe medical condition, or who is aged and frail. Carer Payment can be paid to more than one carer for the same care receiver if the care receiver has sufficiently high care needs and each carer personally provides constant care.The carer does not have to live with the care receiver to qualify for Carer Payment. However, care must be provided in the care receiver's home and both the carer and the care receiver must be Australian residents living in Australia. Carer Payment is income and assets tested. If the care receiver is not receiving an Australian Government income support payment, they must also meet a special care receiver's income and assets test.
Care receivers must have their disability or medical condition assessed by their treating health professional in terms of a functional assessment of their care needs. The carer must also provide details on the impact of the care load as part of the assessment.
Once qualified for Carer Payment, a carer can undertake work, study or training for up to 25 hours a week (including travelling time) without losing their eligibility for Carer Payment. However, any income earned may reduce the payment amount.
Most Carer Payment recipients receive the Pension Supplement. More information about the Pension Supplement can be found under the entry on Pension Supplement earlier in this Chapter. Carer Payment recipients receive a Pensioner Concession Card.
Carers may also be eligible for a number of additional payments such as Rent Assistance or Pensioner Education Supplement.
A customer cannot receive Carer Payment and another income support payment at the same time. The carer should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each payment with The Department of Human Services before deciding which best suits their circumstances.
You can start the claim process over the phone by contacting the Department of Human Services.
Phone: 13 27 17 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/carers
Carer Supplement
Carer Supplement is an ongoing annual payment to assist with the costs of caring for a person with disability or medical condition.The Carer Supplement is paid to carers who were paid one of the following payments for a period that includes 1 July of that year:
- Carer Allowance - adult or chid
- Carer Payment
- Wife Pension with Carer Allowance
- Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Carer Service Pension
- DVA Partner Service Pension with Carer Allowance.
Carers who receive Carer Allowance receive up to $600 for each person being cared for. If a carer is receiving a part rate of Carer Allowance due to shared care arrangements, the Carer Supplement is paid at the same proportional rate.
Depending on their individual circumstances, a person can receive more than one component amount of the Carer Supplement.
The Carer Supplement is automatically paid to eligible customers.
Phone: 13 27 17 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/carers
Child Disability Assistance Payment
The Child Disability Assistance Payment is intended to assist families caring for a child with disability to purchase assistance for that child - for example, to purchase a wheelchair, install a hoist in the family home, modify the family car, or to purchase respite care or therapy. This money can be spent however the family chooses.The Child Disability Assistance Payment is a $1000 annual payment made to parents and carers of a child aged under 16 years who receive Carer Allowance (child) on 1 July each year.
If a carer is receiving a part rate of Carer Allowance due to shared care arrangements, the Child Disability Assistance Payment is paid at the same proportional rate.
The Child Disability Assistance Payment is automatically paid to eligible customers.
Phone: 13 27 17 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/carers
Clothing Allowance
You may qualify for a Clothing Allowance if you have war or defence-caused blindness; multiple amputations of limbs; one leg amputated causing essential hip disarticulation; or an injury or disease of another kind which causes exceptional wear and tear of, or damage to, clothing. The rate payable depends on the type of incapacity.§ Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Commonwealth Financial Counselling
People who are experiencing personal financial difficulties may be able to get free financial counselling from a CFC service. The Australian Government funds community and local government organisations to provide these services across Australia, including regional and rural areas. Some services are available by phone.The financial counsellor can:
- provide advice and information
- carry out individual advocacy
- make referrals.
To contact a financial counselling service near you, phone the national financial counselling helpline or use the 'Find a financial counsellor' map on the MoneySmart website.
More information can be found under ‘Money Management Services’ later in this section.
Phone: 1800 007 007 (Free national Financial Counselling Helpline) Calls from mobile phones may incur a charge
Website: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs at www.fahcsia.gov.au/cfcp
MoneySmart at www.moneysmart.gov.au (Search for "map")
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) may be claimed by people of Age Pension age who do not qualify for the Age Pension. Claimants must have adjusted taxable income under $50,000 for a single person, $80,000 for a couple (combined) and $100,000 for a couple (combined) who are separated due to certain circumstances, such as illness.CSHC holders may receive:
- pharmaceuticals listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme at the concessional rate
- bulk-billed GP appointments, at the doctor’s discretion
- Seniors Supplement
- discounted fares on Great Southern Railway services.
In some instances, additional health, household, transport, education and recreation concessions may be offered by state/territory and local governments and private providers. However, these providers offer the concessions at their own discretion, and they may vary from state to state.
If you think you may qualify for the CSHC, please check with the Department of Human Services, or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs if you are a veteran or the partner of a veteran.
Phone: 13 23 00 (Centrelink services)
13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/healthcarecard
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Crisis Payment
Crisis Payment is a one-off payment designed to help people who are in severe financial hardship. There are four categories of Crisis Payment:- extreme circumstance forcing a departure from home
- remaining in the home after a family member has been removed due to domestic or family violence
- release from prison or psychiatric confinement
- humanitarian entrants who arrive in Australia for the first time on a qualifying humanitarian visa.
The Crisis Payment is half the fortnightly "maximum basic rate" of the income support payment - that is, a flat rate of one week's payment.
A person may receive up to four Crisis Payments in a 12-month period, with the exception of newly released prisoners who can receive additional payments if eligible. Humanitarian entrants cannot be paid more than once on the same qualifying humanitarian visa.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) pensioners should contact DVA.
Phone: 13 23 00 (Centrelink services)
13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/crisispayment
Decoration Allowance/Victoria Cross Allowance
You may qualify for a Decoration Allowance if you receive a Disability Pension and you received an eligible decoration during a war or warlike operations. In addition to decoration allowance, Victoria Cross recipients are entitled to receive an annual Victoria Cross Allowance.
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Defence Service Homes loan scheme
You may qualify for a Defence Service Homes (DSH) loan, which is available through Westpac, if you:
- served with Australian defence forces for specified periods of service, either before 15 May 1985 or in Namibia
- are a widow or widower of someone who served with Australian defence forces during the periods of qualifying service covered by the DSH Scheme
- were part of the British Commonwealth forces, welfare organisations, or merchant marines in certain circumstances.
These portable loans are intended for:
- buying a house or unit
- buying land and building a house
- completing a partly built house or unit
- enlarging, modifying or repairing a house
- re-financing an existing mortgage, charge or encumbrance on a house or unit
- building, completing, enlarging, modifying or repairing retirement village accommodation, or discharging its debt.
Phone: 1800 722 000 (Defence Service Homes)
Email: DSHSubsidyVIC@dva.gov.au
Eligible Defence Service Home loan recipients are also eligible for Defence Service Homes Insurance domestic building and contents cover.
Phone: 1300 552 662 (Defence Service Home Insurance)
Website: Defence Service Home at www.dsh.gov.au
Digital Switchover Household Assistance Scheme
The Digital Switchover Household Assistance Scheme (the Scheme) provides practical in-home assistance to households anticipated to experience the most difficulties in switching over to digital TV.The Scheme involves a government-contracted installer visiting eligible households to supply, install and demonstrate a set-top box, at no cost to the recipient. The installer will undertake any necessary upgrades to the household’s cabling or antenna.
A household may be eligible for assistance where they own a functioning TV, do not already have access to digital TV and at least one resident is receiving a maximum rate Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Service Pension or DVA income support supplement. In addition, a household must be located within a TV licence area switching over to digital TV.
The Scheme is available for six months before and one month after the switch to digital TV in each TV licence area. Information about when individual TV licence areas will be switching over to digital TV is available from Digital TV Switch Australia at www.digitalready.gov.au.
Phone: 1800 201 013 (Digital Switchover Taskforce)
Email: Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy switchover@dbcde.gov.au
Website: Digital TV Switch Australia at www.digitalready.gov.au
Postal: Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Digital Switchover Taskforce
GPO Box 4112
Sydney NSW 2001
Disability Bereavement Payment
The surviving member of a couple whose deceased partner was receiving Disability Pension may receive a equal to 12 weeks of the rate of Disability Pension received at the time of death. This is a non-taxable payment that helps a bereaved partner meet financial demands that may follow the death of a partner.A bereavement payment may also be made to the estate of a single veteran who was receiving a Disability Pension at the Special Rate or the Extreme Disablement Adjustment, and who dies in indignant circumstance.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Disability Pension - veterans
A Disability Pension is paid to compensate you if you have injuries or diseases caused, or aggravated, by war service or certain service in Australia’s defence forces. To be eligible you must have served:
- in a conflict as a member of the Australian Defence Force
- in the Australian merchant navy during World War II
- as a peacekeeper representing Australia overseas before 1 July 2004
- in the Australian Defence Force while undertaking hazardous service overseas before 1 July 2004
- as one of certain civilians who assisted the Australian Defence Force in wartime before 1 July 2004
- in the Australian Defence Force within Australia (after serving three years unless medically discharged sooner) from 7 December 1972 to 6 April 1994.
The amount of Disability Pension paid depends in the first instance on your level of incapacity. The effect of disabilities on your capacity to work may also affect the amount paid.
The Disability Pension is not taxed and is not counted as income for the Service Pension income test. It is counted as income when assessing eligibility for Rent Assistance, hardship provisions and by the Department of Human Services.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
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Emergency relief
For people in financial crisis, and unable to meet basic needs, short-term emergency relief may be obtained through a community or charitable organisation.The Australian Government provides funding to community and charitable organisations to help them provide emergency relief to people in financial crisis. Assistance is generally for a one-off purpose and is usually in the form of food or purchase vouchers, part-payment of an outstanding account or sometimes cash.
Emergency relief is not an income support payment and providers use their own criteria for assessing requests for assistance.
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) in each state or territory can provide the names of emergency relief providers in local areas. The Department of Human Services can also refer you to an emergency relief provider in the local area.
Phone: 1300 653 227 (FaHCSIA)
Website: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs at www.fahcsia.gov.au
Essential Medical Equipment Payment
The Essential Medical Equipment Payment is an annual payment of $140 to eligible people covered by a Commonwealth concession card who experience additional increases in home energy costs from the use of essential medical equipment to manage their disability or medical condition. Payments started from 1 July 2012.You may be eligible for this payment if you or the person in your regular care at home holds or is included on one of the following cards:
- Health Care Card
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold or White Card.
- use of medical equipment at home that is on the approved list of essential medical equipment
- heating and/or cooling in the home to manage a specified medical condition and regulate body temperature as there is a serious risk of detriment to that person’s health.
You will need to apply for this payment. There will be no need to reapply in future years unless your personal circumstances change. To receive this payment, you will also need to be in Australia on the date that you apply for the payment and on the anniversary of this date in subsequent years. Dependent children are not able to claim this payment.
Phone: 13 24 68 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/cleanenergy
Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment
The Australian Government recognises that there are exceptional circumstances such as severe drought, which are beyond the control of farmers and agriculturally dependent small businesses. In these circumstances, farmers or small business owners may be able to get an Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment to help with their everyday living expenses.You may receive:
- a fortnightly payment at the same rate as Newstart Allowance
- a Health Care Card.
The payment continues while the exceptional circumstances declaration is in force.
Phone: 13 23 16 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au
Family Assistance Payments
Australian Government family assistance payments are available to all eligible Australian families, including grandparent carers, to assist with the costs of raising children. These payments include Family Tax Benefit Part A and B, Child Care Benefit*, Child Care Rebate, Double Orphan Pension, Baby Bonus, Paid Parental Leave and Maternity Immunisation Allowance. In addition, grandparent carers can also obtain a non-income tested foster child Health Care Card for the children in their care.*An eligible grandparent carer in receipt of an Income Support Payment can also receive Grandparent Child Care Benefit, which covers the full cost of Child Care Benefit approved child care for up to 50 hours per child, per week.
Phone: 13 61 50 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/families
Funeral Benefit
A Funeral Benefit is a one-off payment of up to $2,000 that is designed to defray the funeral costs of veterans and certain dependants. Automatic payment of the benefit is made on application when the veteran was:
- a prisoner of war
- receiving a Special Rate Disability Pension
- receiving an Extreme Disablement Adjustment
- receiving a Disability Pension plus an allowance as a multiple amputee.
Funeral Benefit may be paid for the funeral of an eligible dependant who was in severe financial need.
A Funeral Allowance may be payable in respect of people covered by the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 who died as a result of their accepted condition.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Defence Service Homes at www.dsh.gov.au
Health Care Card
A Health Care Card (HCC) is issued automatically by the Department of Human Services to people who do not qualify for a Pensioner Concession Card but who receive:- certain social security benefit payments such as Newstart, Sickness, Partner and Widow Allowance
- certain social security supplementary payments or are in specific circumstances, such as those entitled to receive the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A by instalment, parents caring for children with certain illnesses/disabilities and receiving Carer Allowance (child) and those caring for foster children.
All HCC holders, and in some cases their dependants (that is, a partner and dependent children), may receive pharmaceuticals listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme at the concessional rate and bulk-billed GP appointments, at the doctor’s discretion.
HCC holders are also eligible for the lower Extended Medicare Safety Net threshold ($598.80 in 2012).
In some instances, additional health, household, transport, education and recreation concessions may be offered by some state/territory and local governments and private providers. However, these providers offer these concessions at their own discretion, and their availability may vary from state to state.
Sickness Allowance recipients may also access:
- certain Australian Government hearing services
- a 50 per cent concession on mail redirection services through Australia Post.
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/healthcarecard
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Home Support Loans
A Home Support Loan of up to $10,000 may be available to you if you are:
- an eligible person under the Defence Service Homes Act 1918
- an Australian veteran entitled to benefits under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986
- the widow or widower of one of the above.
- the cost of maintenance to your home
- the purchase of granny flat accommodation on another person’s property (in this situation you must also apply for a Certificate of Assignment)
- the cost of any other housing-related purpose that encourages independent living.
Email: Defence Service Homes
Eligible DSH loan recipients are also eligible for Defence Service Homes Insurance domestic building and contents cover.
Phone: 1300 552 662 (Defence Service Homes Insurance)
Website: Defence Service Homes at www.dsh.gov.au
Household Assistance Package
The Household Assistance Package started from May 2012, with an initial payment, followed by tax cuts in July 2012. Ongoing assistance will be added to regular entitlements between March 2013 and early 2014.The package includes:
- an initial payment paid automatically to eligible people receiving government payments between May and July 2012
- increases to regular payments commencing between March 2013 and early 2014
- tax cuts effective from July 2012
- extra assistance available from July 2012, as well as extra support for Australians relying on essential medical equipment at home.
The Household Assistance Package is part of the Australian Government’s plan for a Clean Energy Future.
Phone: 13 24 68
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/householdassistance
Income Support Bereavement Payment
This is a non-taxable payment that helps a bereaved pensioner meet financial demands that may follow the death of a partner who had been receiving a Service Pension, Defence Force Income Support Allowance, Income Support Supplement or social security payment.A pensioner who is the surviving member of a couple, and whose partner was receiving one of the above income support payments, may receive a bereavement payment equal to 14 weeks of the income support pension received by the deceased at the time of death.
If the deceased pensioner did not have a partner, one pension instalment is paid to the estate.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Income Support Supplement
You may qualify for an Income Support Supplement if you are receiving a War Widow(er)s Pension or are in receipt of wholly dependent partner’s compensation from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). This supplement is subject to the income and assets tests. However, if you are blind, you are exempt from means testing. Income support supplement is generally taxable income. However where the supplement is paid to a person on the basis of invalidity, it is not taxable.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Loss of Earnings Allowance
You may qualify for this allowance if you lose salary, wages or earnings while you:
- are receiving treatment for a war or defence-caused disability (including waiting for the supply or repair of an artificial limb or other surgical aid)
- have used part or all of employer-provided sick leave for a war or defence-caused disability, and now have no benefit to cover an absence for another illness
- attend an appointment arranged by the Department for the investigation of a claim for disability pension.
The amount of Loss of Earnings Allowance payable is the lesser of:
- the difference between the special rate (formerly known as TPI) and the veteran’s present disability pension
- the amount of salary, wages or earnings actually lost (including loadings or other allowances that would have been payable).
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
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Low Income Supplement
To assist with the cost of living impact of the carbon price, the Low Income Supplement assists households with low incomes who do not receive sufficient levels of household assistance through tax cuts or other clean energy payments. The Low Income Supplement is an annual payment of $300. Payments started from 1 July 2012.Individuals who meet residence, income and tax requirements may be eligible. You will need to apply on an annual basis to receive this payment.
You may be eligible if:
- you are an Australian resident and are residing in Australia on the date of the claim, and have been in Australia for at least 39 weeks of the relevant financial year
- your tax liability is $300 or less. Your tax liability is the amount of tax you are required to pay the Australian Taxation Office. It is calculated on the income you have made for the previous financial year
- your accepted adjusted taxable income does not exceed:
- $30,000 (for singles without a dependent child)
- $45,000 (for couples without a dependent child)
- $60,000 (for singles and couples with a dependent child)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/cleanenergy
Military compensation
Permanent Impairment
If you served in the Australian Defence Force you may be eligible for Permanent Impairment compensation for any condition or injury that is related to your service.Permanent Impairment compensation is paid for the medical impairment, pain and suffering and the lifestyle restrictions which are a result of the accepted injury or disease.
Permanent Impairment compensation can be paid as a fortnightly periodic payment, a lump sum, or a combination of lump sum and periodic payments.
Incapacity Payments
If your service related injury or disease results in you suffering an economic loss, you may be eligible for Incapacity Payments.Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Money Management Services
If you need practical support to help build better longer-term capability to manage your money and increase your financial resilience, you may be able to get support through your local Money Management Service. These services are available in over 200 remote locations across the Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales and far north Queensland. Services are delivered through a mixture of central hubs and outreach services.Money Management Services can help increase your confidence in managing money; and increase your budgeting, savings and goal setting activities. They can help show you where to go for financial help, and how to shop around for the best price. They can also refer you to other services including financial counsellors. These services are free, friendly, confidential and open to the community.
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) in each state or territory can tell you if there is a Money Management Service provider in your area. The Department of Human Services can also refer you to the Money Management Service provider or a financial counselling service in your area.
Phone: 1300 653 227 (FaHCSIA - for the names of Money Management Service providers in your area)
Website: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs at www.fahcsia.gov.au
National Information Centre on Retirement Investments
The National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI) is an independent body funded by the Australian Government to provide the public with free information on financial investments, financial industry services and saving for retirement. NICRI does not represent Government or the financial industry. NICRI provides financial information, not financial advice.NICRI delivers its services to the public through a toll-free telephone enquiry service, a website and presentations at external seminars, including Financial Information Service seminars conducted by the Department of Human Services. NICRI also provides an extensive range of information leaflets, which can be obtained from the NICRI website.
NICRI also has an online financial education tool known as Moneymap. Moneymap has a number of calculators to work out loan, investment and savings scenarios. It also has links to relevant government departments, consumer-based organisations and NICRI leaflets.
Phone: 1800 020 110 (NICRI)
13 14 50 (Translating and Interpreting Service)
Email: National Information Centre on Retirement Investments
Website: National Information Centre on Retirement Investments at www.nicri.org.au
Postal: National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI)
PO Box 1339
Fyshwick ACT 2609
No interest and low interest loans and matched savings schemes
People on a low income and in need of access to a small loan, or those who require savings for their child’s or their own educational costs, may be eligible for a no interest or low interest loan or matched savings through one of the schemes partially funded by the Australian Government. These schemes, funded under the Financial Management Program (FMP), include Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service’s No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) and StepUP schemes, as well as the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Saver Plus program.No interest or low interest loans can be assessed for a range of purposes, including the purchase of essential household items, car repairs, medical items or educational expenses.
The Saver Plus matched savings and financial education program offers people who meet their savings goal a matched savings rate of dollar-for-dollar, up to $500. It can be accessed for costs related to people’s own vocational training or their children’s schooling, including uniforms, books, computers and TAFE fees.
Phone: 1300 653 227 (FaHCSIA)
Email: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Website: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs at www.fahcsia.gov.au
Postal: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
PO Box 7676
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610
Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment
Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment is a tax-free lump sum payment for the surviving partner of a deceased Pension Bonus Scheme member who did not make their claim for Age Pension and Pension Bonus before they died.To qualify you must satisfy residence and other requirements. The amount of the payment will depend on the amount of Pension Bonus that would have been paid to your deceased partner, had they claimed Age Pension and Pension Bonus before they died.
Phone: 13 23 00 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au
Pension Bonus Scheme
The Pension Bonus Scheme was closed to new members from 20 September 2009. However, people who met the age and residence qualifications for the Age Pension or certain DVA pensions before 20 September 2009 may still be able to register.The scheme provided incentives for older Australians to defer claiming Age Pension or certain DVA pensions for up to five years if they continued working.
The scheme pays a tax-free lump sum to entitled members who are registered in the scheme, when they eventually claim and receive Age Pension or certain DVA pensions.
Phone: 13 23 00 (Centrelink services)
13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au
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Pensioner Concession Card
A Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) is automatically issued by the Department of Human Services to all social security pensioners (except for people who receive Carer Payment due to either episodic or short-term care of a child), who are resident in Australia. Department of Veterans’ Affairs service pensioners and war widows who receive the income support supplement are also eligible.The PCC is also issued to certain social security benefit recipients who meet specific criteria, including older long-term recipients, those with a partial capacity to work, or single principal carers of dependent children. It is also issued to certain customers who are participating in the Pension Loans Scheme or Community Development Employment Projects.
PCC holders (and in some instances, their dependants) may receive:
- pharmaceuticals listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme at the concessional rate
- assistance with certain hearing services
- bulk-billed GP appointments, at the doctor’s discretion
- discounted fares on public transport, rates such as council and water, utilities such as electricity, telecommunications service providers and motor vehicle registration charges
- a 50 per cent concession on mail redirection services through Australia Post
- discounted rail travel on Great Southern Rail services, and in most states, at least one free rail journey a year within the state of residence
- additional health, household, transport, education and recreation concessions that may be offered by some state/territory and local governments and private providers. However, these providers offer the concessions at their own discretion, and they may vary from state to state.
- PCC holders are also eligible for the lower Extended Medicare Safety Net threshold ($598.80 in 2012).
13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Websites: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/pensionercard
Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Pharmaceutical Allowance
Pharmaceutical Allowance (PhA) is paid by the Department of Human Services to certain income support recipients to assist with the cost of pharmaceutical medicines.PhA is paid fortnightly to recipients of Parenting Payment (Single) who are under the qualifying age for Age Pension; to Sickness Allowance, Disability Support Pension recipients who are aged under 21 without dependent children; and to certain other benefit recipients in particular circumstances.
Pensioners, as well as income support recipients over the qualifying age for Age Pension, receive the Pension Supplement, not Pharmaceutical Allowance.
Please refer to the Centrelink payments and allowances section in Chapter 4 for information about the Pension Supplement.
Phone: 13 23 00 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au
Postal services
Australia Post provides postal services for all Australians.Australia Post is required by law to provide a universal letter service which is reasonably accessible to all Australians and, in addition, to provide a standard letter service at a uniform price from anywhere to anywhere in the country.
Australia Post deliver to 10.9 million addresses every day. Mail can be lodged at one of our retail outlets or at more than 10,000 street posting boxes across the country.
With more than 4,000 retail outlets across the country, Australia Post is able to offer a range of packaging, bill payment and agency banking services. We also act on behalf of other organisations to process applications, view documents and complete identification checks (such as passport applications).
Phone: 13 13 18
Website: Australia Post at www.auspost.com.au
Postal: Australia Post
Customer Contact Channels
GPO Box 9911
Melbourne VIC 3000
Recreation Transport Allowance
You may qualify for a Recreation Transport Allowance if you suffer from severe and permanent war or defence-caused disabilities that affect your mobility. The Allowance is provided so that you can be transported to recreational activities. The Allowance is paid at a higher rate or a lower rate. The rate you receive depends on the extent of your incapacities. It is not paid in respect of any time when you are being cared for at public expense in a hospital or other institution.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Rehabilitation for former ADF personnel
If you have been medically discharged from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) because of a compensable injury, rehabilitation may help you return to normal daily functioning and suitable employment. You are also eligible if you are a former ADF member who has been in civilian employment, but because of your compensable injury or illness, you are finding it difficult to manage your injury and function at home or in the workplace. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs can arrange a rehabilitation assessment for you. If the rehabilitation assessment indicates that you may benefit from rehabilitation, assistance available to you may include:
- development of an individual rehabilitation program covering medical or allied health, vocational and or psychosocial services
- provision of aids, appliances and/or home and workplace modifications
- assistance in moving from defence to civilian life.
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Remote Area Allowance
Remote Area Allowance (RAA) is paid by the Department of Human Services to income support recipients who permanently reside within the following Remote Tax Zones:
- Tax Zone A
- Special Zone A
- Special Zone B.
RAA is non-taxable and is not subject to an assets or income test. The amount of RAA received will reduce the Income Zone Tax Offset (formerly Zone Rebate).
Phone: 13 28 50 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/remoteallowance
Veterans who may be entitled to the Remote Area Allowance should call the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
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Rent Assistance
Rent Assistance gives extra help to people on low incomes who are receiving an income support payment, and who rent their accommodation in the private or community rental market. You may be able to get Rent Assistance if you pay:
- rent to private or community landlords
- lodging, or board and lodging
- site fees for a caravan, tent or mobile home that is your principal home
- fees to moor a vessel that is your principal home
- fees for accommodation in a retirement village or hostel (if you are not considered a home owner)
- nursing home fees (accommodation in non-government funded bed).
Rent Assistance is generally not paid to people who pay rent to a state/territory housing authority (such as a Housing Commission), people who own or are buying the home in which they live, or people who are overseas for more than 26 weeks.
Phone: 13 23 00 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/rentassistance
Veterans and Income Support Supplement recipients who may be entitled to Rent Assistance should call the Department of Veterans’ Affairs:
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Senior’s passport
If you are travelling overseas and are aged 75 years or over, you have the option of applying for a five-year senior’s passport. The cost of a senior’s passport is approximately half the cost of an ordinary, or frequent-traveller, adult 10-year passport.For passport applications, the term ‘senior’ specifically refers to Australians aged 75 or over. The threshold of 75 years was adopted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in consultation with community groups, as it was considered to best suit the passport needs of older Australians who wish to undertake overseas travel.
Passport application forms may be completed and printed online. Passport renewal forms with your personal details pre-printed can be requested from the Australian Passport Information Service (APIS) and mailed to you. Blank passport application forms are available from most Australia Post retail outlets and Australia Passport Offices in Australia. Completed application forms should be lodged at an Australia Post outlet that conducts passport interviews.
For further information, please visit the Passports website or telephone APIS from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call between (AEST) 8 am and 8 pm weekdays, and 8.30 am and 5 pm weekends and public holidays (closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday).
Phone: 131 232 (Australian Passport Information Service)
Websites: Australian Passport Office at www.passports.gov.au
Current passport application fees: www.passports.gov.au/web/queries/fees.aspx
Seniors Supplement
The Seniors Supplement, paid by the Department of Human Services, is available to Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders and certain Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card holders. It is a quarterly payment to assist eligible seniors with general living expenses and is paid in March, June, September and December each year.Phone: 13 23 00 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/olderaustralians
Service Pension
You may qualify for a Service Pension if you are a veteran with qualifying service or are the partner of a veteran with qualifying service. Qualifying service generally means service in war-like operations.A Service Pension can be paid to veterans on the grounds of age or invalidity, and to eligible partners, widows and widowers. It is paid five years earlier than the Age Pension. Invalidity Service Pension may be granted at any age up to age pension age.
The Service Pension is subject to income and assets tests, unless you are blind. For a veteran, it is taxable income unless you are receiving your service pension on the basis of invalidity. If you are receiving a partner service pension, your service pension is taxable if your veteran partner's Service Pension is taxable, or if you are over age pension age.
You cannot receive a Service Pension as well as an income support payment from the Department of Human Services.
If your income or assets prevent you from receiving or reduce the rate of your Service Pension, you may be able to receive financial assistance through the Pension Loans Scheme or the hardship provisions.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Single Income Family Supplement
The Single Income Family Supplement is an additional payment of up to $300 for middle income families with a dependent child or children and with one primary earner whose income is between $68,000 and $150,000. If there is a secondary earner in the family, their income must be below $18,000. Payments will be available from 1 July 2013.The Single Income Family Supplement provides extra help to families with one primary earner who will get less tax assistance than dual income families.
Eligible customers who receive Family Tax Benefit will not need to apply for the Single Income Family Supplement as the payment will be calculated based on circumstances known for Family Tax Benefit purposes and will be included in their entitlement at the end of the year. Eligible customers who do not receive Family Tax Benefit will need to apply to receive this payment.
Phone: 13 24 68 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/cleanenergy
Special Benefit
Special Benefit helps if you are in severe financial hardship due to circumstances outside your control and unable to get any other Centrelink payment.To qualify you must:
- be in financial hardship
- be unable to earn a sufficient livelihood for yourself and your dependants because of age, physical or mental disability, domestic circumstances or for any other reason beyond your control
- not be receiving or entitled to a Centrelink payment or a Service Pension
- be a permanent Australian resident or the holder of an approved visa
- be residing in Australia during the period of payment, except under certain circumstances.
The maximum rate payable depends on your individual circumstances. Generally it is the same as Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance. The value of any in-kind support such as free board and lodgings and income, is directly deducted from the maximum rate payable. For information regarding current rates visit the Department of Human Service’s website.
Phone: 13 23 00 (Financial Information Service)
13 63 57 (Financial Information Service seminar bookings)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/specialbenefit
Telephone Allowance
Telephone Allowance (TAL) is paid by the Department of Human Services to certain income support recipients who are telephone subscribers, to assist with maintaining a telephone or mobile phone service.TAL is paid to Disability Support Pensioners who are under 21 without dependent children, recipients of Parenting Payment (Single) who are under the qualifying age for the Age Pension, and certain other benefit recipients in particular circumstances, if they or their partner are a telephone subscriber.
TAL is non-taxable and paid quarterly in January, March, July and September each year. The amount of TAL is shared between both members of an eligible couple.
People over the qualifying age for the Age Pension getting Parenting Payment (Partnered), Widow Allowance, Partner Allowance, Austudy or Special Benefit receive the Pension Supplement, not TAL.
More information about the Pension Supplement can be found in the Pension Supplement section earlier in this Chapter.
Please note: the quarterly payment of TAL is not related to any concessions or discounts offered by telephone service providers.
Phone: 13 23 00 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/phoneallowance
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Utilities Allowance
Utilities Allowance (UA) is a quarterly payment paid by the Department of Human Services to assist with regular household utilities costs such as gas, electricity and water. It is paid to recipients of Disability Support Pension who are aged under 21 without children, and Widow Allowance and Partner Allowance recipients who are under Age Pension age.UA payments are made in March, June, September and December each year.
People over the qualifying age for the Age Pension getting Parenting Payment (Partnered), Widow Allowance, Partner Allowance, Austudy or Special Benefit receive the Pension Supplement, not UA.
More information about the Pension Supplement can be found in the Pension Supplement section earlier in this Chapter.
Phone: 13 28 50 (Centrelink services)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au
Vehicle Assistance Scheme
VAS provides financial assistance to purchase a new motor vehicle and, if required, for modifications to that car. It also provides a running and maintenance allowance which may be used towards the cost of registering and insuring the vehicle.You may qualify under this scheme if you have been incapacitated by a war-caused or defence-caused injury or disease that has resulted in multiple amputations, complete paraplegia or a condition accepted by the Repatriation Commission as being of similar effect or severity.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Veteran and Community Grants
Veteran and Community Grants provide seeding funds for projects that support a healthy, quality lifestyle for members of the veteran community to help keep them living independently in their homes. Grants also fund initiatives that reduce social isolation, support carers and improve access to community care services. Funding is available to eligible ex-service and community organisations, veteran representative groups and private organisations that can demonstrate a contribution to the welfare of members of the veteran community.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers).
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
War Widow(er)s Pension
War Widow(er)s Pension is paid to compensate widowed partners of Australian veterans who have died as a result of war service or eligible defence service. To claim a War Widow(er) Pension, you must have been legally married, or in a de facto relationship with the deceased veteran immediately before his/her death and have not since remarried, married or entered into a de facto relationship with another person. This pension is not taxable income and is not subject to means testing. If you are granted a War Widow(er)s Pension, you will receive a Gold Card. You may also be entitled to:
- Income Support Supplement
- concessions on the costs of public and private transport and public
- utilities
- a funeral benefit in respect of the veteran’s death.
Phone: 13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Veterans' Affairs at www.dva.gov.au
Work Bonus
From 1 July 2011, the first $250 of income per fortnight that an age pensioner earns from employment is not counted under the income test.Age pensioners accrue any unused amount of the $250 fortnightly exemption in an Employment Income Concession Bank, up to a maximum of $6500. Any credit in the bank offsets future employment income that would otherwise be assessable. The Income Bank credit balance carries across financial years.
The Work Bonus operates in addition to the income test free area.
Phone: 13 23 00 (Financial Information Service)
13 63 57 (Financial Information Service seminar bookings)
13 32 54 (veterans - capital city callers)
1800 555 254 (veterans - regional callers)
Website: Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/olderaustralians
Service Pensioners and Income Support Supplement recipients over DVA pension age have access to similar arrangements. If you receive your Age Pension through DVA, or are receiving a Service Pension or Income Support Supplement, you should contact the Department of Veterans' Affairs regarding the Work Bonus.