Social Security – Centrelink

Income for the retired

Retirement benefits include the age pension and the wife pension.
The partner of a pensioner who does not qualify for an age pension can apply for NewStart allowance, a carer payment or disability support pension, depending on his or her personal circumstances.
The age pension is available once you are over 65.
Generally you must have lived in Australia continuously for 10 years, at least five of these years in one period. Social security agreements with some countries may mean that residency of another country may count in this test.
The age pension is subject to both income and assets tests, unless the applicant is permanently blind.

Income support for the disabled and sick

o Disability support pension

People who cannot work due to illness or injury before they reach age pension age may qualify for this pension to bridge the gap to age pension age. In broad terms, if you are unable to work more than 15 hours a week in the next two years you will qualify for disability support pension. If you can work more than 15 hours a week you will qualify for NewStart allowance.
Applicants of this pension must be aged 16 or over and less than age pension age.
The applicant must have a physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition preventing them from working more than 15 hours a week.
The person must be unable to undertake education, vocational or on the job training likely to reskill them.
The person is required to undergo regular medical examinations.

o Carer payment

o Carer allowance

o Sickness allowance

o Mobility allowance

o Newstart Allowance

Payable to people who are temporarily unemployed and still of working age. People who retire before age pension age or who are retrenched may find this allowance useful.
Applicants must be prepared to enter into a preparing for work agreement and satisfy activity tests (attending interviews, training or community work of at least 20 hours a week)
This is subject to income and assets test

o Austudy payment

Provides mature age students with income support while they study. Some retirees or pre retirees may wish to return to study to enhance their job prospects or for personal satisfaction.
Must be full time student aged 25 years or over and an Australian resident
Assets test applies

o Widow Allowance

Provides a non activity tested income to a woman who was a member of a couple but has been widowed, divorced or separated.
Must be over age 50 and under age pension age, and have no recent workforce experience.
Income and assets tests apply.

o Rental Assistance

Individuals who pay rent to a private body or landlord may be entitled to rent assistance.
This is non taxable and not counted as income for pension purposes

o Concession cards

Pensioner concession card
- This is issued annually to pensioners as well as to people over 60 who are receiving some other Centrelink allowances or benefits.
Commonwealth Seniors Health card
- This card is available to people of age pension age who do not receive a pension
Health care card
- This card is issued to people receiving NewStart Allowance and most other Centrelink payments where the cardholder is not eligible for the pensioner concession card.

You should seek financial advice from a financial advisor or speak to Centrelink direct regarding your personal circumstances