Maximise Centrelink Entitlements
When you meet with a financial planner from Cotter Financial Services, the opportunity to receive some Centrelink benefits will be assessed.
Aged Pension Clients are surprised when they discover that they can have considerable assets and still receive the Aged Pension. Cotter Financial Services will provide advice and assistance on whether you can, and how to, apply for the Aged Pension. We will also look at strategies on how to maximise the aged pension through gifting, funeral bonds and the transfer of assets.
Cotter Financial Services will also provide advice and assistance on the Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Work Bonus Scheme
If you are past pension age and still working, we will look at whether you can benefit from the Work Bonus Scheme. If eligible, the first $250 per fortnight of employment income is excluded from assessment under the income test for the age pension.
Carer Allowance and Carer Payment
The Carer Allowance pays $110 per fortnight and is not subject to an asset or income test. Subject to conditions, if you are looking after a person aged 16 years or over who has a disability, medical condition or who is frail aged and needs attention on a daily basis you may be eligible.
The Carer Payment is paid when constant care is provided to someone over the age of 16 with a severe disability, medical condition or are frail aged. It has the same income and assets test that aged pensions have.
Disability Support Pension
The eligibility criteria for the disability support pension has recently been made stricter. There are strategies to increase the payments which we can provide advice on. The disability support pension is subject to the income and asset test that Aged Pensions are.