Age Pension

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

The standard delay was 9 weeks when I did mine late last year.
I don't think customer service is their top priority now.

---

You are correct. Nine weeks is now the benchmark. No longer Customer Service but Self Service. The client has to get on a computer and provide the claims and associated documentation. A former colleague who still labours there calls it "Help Yourself". The customers are now doing the paperwork so staff numbers have been reduced. There are no longer field officers in regional offices keeping the bastards honest or at least trying to. The boffins in Canberra are continually creating systems and procedures to reduce staff even further.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by incisor

i'm a sole trader, nothing more nothing less

no trusts, no companies, nothing flash, my income doesn't warrant it...

the fact i own two properties, one i have lived at for over 20 years and one that is only worth 80k is what has them in at this stage..

i cannot believe the drama created by living in one place for more than 20 years, it is crazy

anyway, time will tell the tale

---

If one of your properties is over 5 acres then the balance of the area, after the 5 acres are deducted, is included as an asset.
I got quite a shock or two, when I approached Centrelink with my pension enquiries, a couple of years ago.
The first shock was how polite, helpful and efficient the staff were, after hearing and reading horror stories.

The second shock was that I was entitled to Jack ****!! Zilch!! Not even a health card!.......................and 'No', I'm not a comfortably off, self funded retiree.
Now, I'm sure that some use nefarious means to rort the system but I'm not that sort of bloke.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saitch

If one of your properties is over 5 acres then the balance of the area, after the 5 acres are deducted, is included as an asset.
I got quite a shock or two, when I approached Centrelink with my pension enquiries, a couple of years ago.
The first shock was how polite, helpful and efficient the staff were, after hearing and reading horror stories.

The second shock was that I was entitled to Jack ****!! Zilch!! Not even a health card!.......................and 'No', I'm not a comfortably off, self funded retiree.
Now, I'm sure that some use nefarious means to rort the system but I'm not that sort of bloke.

---

yep

i had a call from a very well spoken and polite woman today who was processing my claim.

all she needed was my license number so she could continue the claim process

she more or less said that much of the problems people have is triggered by the name on their license being different to whats on their claim. luckily i did fill the forms out with my full name

anyway, am one step closer...

pretty sure i will get next to nothing in pension while i continue to work, but i would sure like a healthcare card...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by incisor

i'm a sole trader, nothing more nothing less

no trusts, no companies, nothing flash, my income doesn't warrant it...

the fact i own two properties, one i have lived at for over 20 years and one that is only worth 80k is what has them in at this stage..

i cannot believe the drama created by living in one place for more than 20 years, it is crazy

anyway, time will tell the tale

---

Might be time to sell the second property?
Regardless, recommend getting expert advice. You have to know the rules to play the game.
Remember, they are not there to help you. Their role is to deny you everything possible.
Don't blame the staff either. They are often quite apologetic about the orders from above.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Saitch

If one of your properties is over 5 acres then the balance of the area, after the 5 acres are deducted, is included as an asset.
I got quite a shock or two, when I approached Centrelink with my pension enquiries, a couple of years ago.
The first shock was how polite, helpful and efficient the staff were, after hearing and reading horror stories.

The second shock was that I was entitled to Jack ****!! Zilch!! Not even a health card!.......................and 'No', I'm not a comfortably off, self funded retiree.
Now, I'm sure that some use nefarious means to rort the system but I'm not that sort of bloke.

---

If your principal residence is greater than 2 hectares then the area not used for domestic purposes is an asset. Any other real estate is wholly an asset. Perhaps this is the cause of the delay. An assessor is waiting for a valuer's report.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Might be time to sell the second property?
Regardless, recommend getting expert advice. You have to know the rules to play the game.
Remember, they are not there to help you. Their role is to deny you everything possible.
Don't blame the staff either. They are often quite apologetic about the orders from above.

---

if i get a pension all well and good, if i don't it is what it is and i will apply when i need or want to retire

i can't stop yet as my wife has a few years to go till she can apply for it

like i said, i don't expect much if anything but a health care card would be nice

actually i see their role as weeding out those that try to rort the system, which makes it harder for those that don't sadly but human nature is human nature so it isn't ever going to cease

Dave
check with DSS as there is a waver on land over 5 acres depending how long you have owned it

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by muddy

Dave
check with DSS as there is a waver on land over 5 acres depending how long you have owned it

---

20 years comes to mind with that but, don't quote me!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Might be time to sell the second property?
Regardless, recommend getting expert advice. You have to know the rules to play the game.
Remember, they are not there to help you. Their role is to deny you everything possible.
Don't blame the staff either. They are often quite apologetic about the orders from above.

---

Wrong. Their role is to ensure claimants get their correct entitlement in accordance with the Social Security Act and the Guide to the Administration of the Social Security Act. This is called Duty of Care. The staff may think you are the lowest lying cheating bastard under the sun but you are still entitled to your correct payment according to the legislation. If you, the claimant do not like the rules then complain to your member of parliament. The pollies made the rules, not the staff.

I will let you know in 60 years when I get to pension age. Best of luck