Centrelink & Aged Care

It is inevitable that you will explore potential Centrelink entitlements at some stage of your life.

With nearly 30 years working with Centrelink strategies (including 13 years working at Centrelink), Scott Keeley is across all the details. While the rules often change, the fundamentals rarely do. If there is a government entitlement for you, no matter how big or small, Scott can assist you to obtain and maintain it.

Entering Aged Care is a traumatic and confusing time. Our advisers specialise in the financial impacts of entering Aged Care and can impart this to you in an easy to understand, cost effective way.

Pensions & Allowances

Obtaining and maintaining Centrelink entitlements has never been more difficult. Complex paperwork, a myriad of rules and regulations, and the practicalities of dealing with Centrelink can make this process onerous.

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Aged Care Fees

Organising aged care for a loved one is traumatic and emotional enough, even without the money side of things. Our view is that the financial aspects and implications of aged care are best talked through face to face. We can present the options quickly and in plain English.

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Centrelink & Aged Care FAQ’s

Do I have to sell my house to enter Aged Care?

What are the fees associated with Aged Care?

There are four possible fees for Aged Care accommodation:

Basic Daily Care Fee - This fee is paid by all residents and is set at 85% of the full pension. This pays for your food and care within the home.
Means Tested Fee - This fee is based on both your income and assets. For most residents this fee does not apply or is a nominal amount per day.
Accommodation Payment - This fee is set by the Aged Care facility based on the room selected and the location of the home. There are 3 ways to pay this fee:
1. Pay the RAD in full with cash.
2. Pay the Daily accommodation payment (the interest on the bond amount).
3. Or pay part proceeds up front and the rest via daily interest payments.
Extra Services Fee - This fee is set by the Aged Care Facility and is for optional extra services such as a glass of wine with meals, the daily paper etc.

When should I apply to Centrelink for the Age Pension?

The application forms for Age Pension can be quite lengthy, so we would suggest obtaining these forms from Centrelink approximately 3 months before turning Age Pension age. This will then give you plenty of time to work through the forms and seek advice if required. While the forms can be lodged anytime in the 3 months before turning Age Pension age, we would suggest lodging the forms approximately 2 to 4 weeks prior to this date.

Are your Advisers Qualified?

What are the costs for an appointment?

We offer a free no-obligation appointment to discuss your financial matters. Should you wish to utilize our services, our ongoing advice fees can be deducted from your superannuation, pension or investment portfolio.

Aged care appointments are charged at $385 and allow for 2 meetings with Scott Keeley to discuss aged care costs and how to best afford the accommodation needs for your family member entering an aged care facility.

Do you have a different question?