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With a Netplan subscription, you get access to our entire catalogue of over 100 articles, Q&A responses and webinars.

August 20th, 2024

New Centrelink Rates for July 2024

August 20th, 2024

New Centrelink Rates for September 2024

As you may remember from Netplan Session 4, September is the other month (March being the first) where pensions are indexed. It’s also the month when the annual income test limit for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is increased. While those already on a full or part Centrelink Age Pension will see an increase in their fortnightly payment (About $28 for singles and a combined $40 for couples), the most significant issue is that it shifts the upper cut-off threshold. In simple terms, many of you who may currently miss out, might now qualify. Even if you’re a whisker under, it’s worth lodging a claim because the minimum you can receive under the rules is a single payment rate of $58.90 and for couples, a combined $88.40 a fortnight when both are eligible. Also included is the valuable Pension Concession Card. While each State varies, you’ll generally get discounts on a range of State government services and utilities. The Association of Independent Retirees has previously valued the discounts at up to $7,000 per household. Here are the new rates, effective from September 20.

May 20th, 2024

5 Tips to reduce your assets and increase your pension [Updated May 24]

When it comes to your pension, it’s essentially impacted by two tests, the income test and the asset test. The asset test is harshest of the two tests and sees the pension reduced by $3 per fortnight for every thousand over the thresholds.

March 19th, 2024

How to claim the UK pension in Australia [Updated March 2024]

For our Netplan fans who may have worked in the UK sometime in their lives, here’s a very special article to sink your teeth into. This article provides information on a lifetime retirement pension scheme called the UK State Pension, backed by the UK Government, for Aussies and ex-pat Brits who have worked in the UK. Imagine an investment that generates more than 100 percent per annum! Normally, the dodgy alarm bells should be ringing loud and clear, but when it’s backed by the Government of the United Kingdom… (This is another example of what we’re about here at Netplan. We’re not here to flog you a new investment or an expensive management service but rather, provide rock-solid information you can use.) Aussies and ex-pat Brits who worked in the UK, have just a few weeks to take advantage of what is arguably, one of the world’s most extraordinary financial opportunities.

March 5th, 2024

Legally minimising your assets for Centrelink [March 2024]

This guide emphasizes the importance of updating Centrelink records before an upcoming payment rate increase to ensure recipients receive their full entitlements. It covers checking and updating valuations for assets and investments, as well as maintaining accurate bank records via my.gov.au. Taking these steps can prevent potential reductions in payments due to changes in asset values.

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