Minister advises seniors to check pension entitlements

7/9/00

Up to 5,000 Western Australian seniors may be missing out on Commonwealth pensions following changes that came into effect on July 1 this year, Seniors Minister June van de Klashorst warned today.
"These changes increased the amount that can be earned each fortnight and the value of assets held before seniors or senior couples become ineligible to receive a part pension," Mrs van de Klashorst said.
"For example, the income that a couple can earn before they are ineligible for a pension has increased by $383.70 a fortnight from $1,432.80 to $1,816.50 a fortnight.
"In addition, the value of assets held by a couple who own their own home before being ineligible for a pension have increased by $16,500 from $390,500 to $407,000.
"Also, the annual income for a couple to receive a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card has been increased by $1,676 from $67,000 to $68,676.
"Feedback received by the State Office of Senior's Interests indicate that many seniors, who were not previously eligible for pensions, are unaware of these changes so are missing out on their entitlements," Mrs van de Klashorst said.
Further information can be obtained by contacting local Centrelink Offices and asking for the Financial Information Services Officer.
Centrelink will also present free seminars to senior's groups on topics such as investing in shares and property, gearing, financial strategies, different types of mortgages, superannuation, preservation rules, income and assets tests, deeming and the Aged Persons Savings Bonus.
Bookings for seminars can be made by contacting the Centrelink National Seminars Booking Service on 13 6357."
Media contact: Owen Cole 9481 7810