Mum's Disabilty Pension

Dr Cheapo on 27/03/2017 - 09:14
Last edited 27/03/2017 - 09:28 by 1 other user

Hello fellow ozbargainers

My mother has finally left the workforce at age 63 after dibilitating arthritis has finally taken its toll on her amongst other issues

Mum maintained a full-time​ job and managed to raise three boys (1 particuly handsome haha) over her years

She has been granted the disability pension

My question to the community is what are some entitlements and benefits that she has access to?
For example the other day someone posted free rego and licence renewal for pensioners

The cost of living seems to only ever increase making it tough to get by

Neither of us are aware of any benefits

Anything that's remotely useful would be greatly appreciated

Please remain respectful as I'll send her a link to this forum

Thankyou

Financial

Comments

  • oscargamer on 27/03/2017 - 09:19
    +3

    Talk to Centrelink, they are the holders of all things "entitlementy"

  • retiredfeline on 27/03/2017 - 09:26
    +2

    Go to your local library and check if there are volunteers helping people navigate the ins and outs of such stuff.

  • nivag01 on 27/03/2017 - 09:26
    +4

    My wife has been on a DSP for a few years, so may be able to help. A concession card will get you electricity and energy and water concessions. Hearing aid subsidies are also available. Discounted PBS medications $6.20 and then free if your mum reaches the safety net. Medical appointments should also be charged at pensioner rates. I imagine there are also discounts on council rates, land tax etc if you mum is a home owner.

  • PJC on 27/03/2017 - 10:02
    +1

    Seniors Card? Gold OPAL Card?

    • retiredfeline on 27/03/2017 - 10:05

      She ought to have got those 3 years ago, provided she wasn't working FT.

      • PJC on 27/03/2017 - 10:08
        +1

        Yes, but …

        Neither of us are aware of any benefits

        … some areas didn't have Opal 3 years ago, and you get a Seniors Card by application.

      • MrBear on 28/03/2017 - 07:57
        +1

        Mum maintained a full-time​ job

        …

  • PJC on 27/03/2017 - 10:10
    +1

    Community based foodbank shops like Food War Inc.

  • retiredfeline on 27/03/2017 - 10:17

    Council may have reserved parking spots for seniors for which you need a council issued pass.

    She ought to have a disability pass too.

  • Peck on 27/03/2017 - 10:28
    +1

    If she has financial assets or income that reduce her DSP, then it may be worth talking to an accountant/tax agent. There are probably ways of setting herself up to legally maximise her pension. The rich do it all of the time and get away with 'murder'. Why shouldn't battlers.
    For example I think that you can LEGALLY 'give' away $10k per year to a max. of $30k over any 5 years. And so your children can put it into offsetting their mortgages. this equates to earning a high theoretical interest rate, tax-free, and you get a higher pension. Win-Win-Win!!
    I think that Centrelink might have free financial advisors too.

    • JimB on 27/03/2017 - 11:33
      +2

      Not too bad advice if the OP's mum isn't getting the full DSP due to her assets.

      Rich people rarely get Centrelink (assets test is much lower than before). They can however stick their money into Super while under Age Pension if they are means tested for DSP(Super isn't means tested while under Age Pension age).

      Centrelink don't offer advice on how to reduce your assets, however they can tell you yes or no if you ask the right questions. They are called Financial Information Service officers, but very distinct from a financial advisers (oh which I'm one).

    • eyeballz2770 on 28/03/2017 - 10:50

      To the OP: Make sure to ask about the financial advisors who come in once a week or so (it might vary in your area). You have to make an appointment specifically to see this person. The general staff may or may not know the ins & outs of the rules (our general staff advisor had no idea and gave extremely bad advice), while the weekly advisor is much more knowledgeable (and gave super advice that was completely different).

      Oops, saw JB1's post after posting.

  • Hipmumma on 27/03/2017 - 11:21
    +1

    https://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/individuals/financial_support_-a…

    This link has a fair bit of info for your mum :)

  • ronnknee on 27/03/2017 - 12:27
    +5

    My question to the community is what are some entitlements and benefits that she has access to?

    She has three sons. She could receive some support (spending money) from them.

    • tsunamisurfer on 28/03/2017 - 18:33

      Most Westerners do not have such Asian values.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/03/2017 - 13:44

    If she gets a disabled parking permit she will need to undergo driving test each year to make sure she can still drive.

  • weezlebub on 27/03/2017 - 13:52
    +1

    maximum 75$ / week rent assistance
    around the same for a medication allowance
    concession card for movies / transport / events / some bills (power etc)
    she can also work around 16 hours per week without it impacting on her payments …

  • ggrant on 27/03/2017 - 23:48
    +1

    Off the top of my head, so may not be 100%. And WA not Nsw.

    In WA homeowners have discount on council rates, and Water authority bills.
    Cinemas have some discounts, and I think good sammies, or Salvos have discounts on tuesday.
    Kmart used to have one day a month x% off. Spudshed 1 day per week.
    Transport by bus/train return trip annually, around state free. Transport m-f in Perth metro area 9am-3.30pm I think, weekends free all hours on metro trains and buses.
    Car rego. Natural gas supplier used to waive the base fee. Fee concession and some extra payment from Centrelink when studying.
    Bank accounts with less fees.

    These don't apply to you necessarily in NSW, but it gives an idea.

  • Seraphin7 on 28/03/2017 - 10:46

    Might sound odd, but basically everywhere you go (especially anything to do with "big business" or that is in some way related to government) ask "any discounts/arrangements for being a pensioner?"

  • eggles01 on 28/03/2017 - 16:19

    I believe a major thing to do is to visit the local Centrelink and ask to have a "online Centrelink Account" opened,once opened you can log into it and find a lot of Government information that concerns your payment,with the phone problems ringing in to ask questions etc the online account is a great time saver,I myself pay my rent,prepay $20 per f/night off my future electricity/gas accounts bills,phone bill and anything else that needs to be paid each fortnight such as NILS loans etc,cheers

  • Cash on 28/03/2017 - 20:08
    +1

    Apart from all of the Centrelink benefits, transport discounts, disabled parking permits, etc - look into the Companion Card. Gets her carer/companion into free events!

  • ozbjunkie on 29/03/2017 - 22:06
    +1

    Just quietly - my understanding from talking to a social worker friend is that for chronically ill people in DSP 'they' can't actually turn off your water or electricity if you are unable to pay the bill.

    Not a suggestion, but may be useful in case of emergency.

    Also, disability may be eligible for a home care nurse to assist with cooking, cleaning, shopping etc.

  • Dr Cheapo on 02/04/2017 - 00:53

    Thankyou for all who commented, you are all wonderful people. Some useful tips here!

  • PJC on 02/04/2017 - 02:05
    +1

    I think this is still running …
    http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/households/appliance-repla…

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