Government Benefits

The government has a range of benefits available to certain categories of people to financially assist them if they need it.  Some of the most common we deal with regularly include the Age Pension, the Disability Support Pension, Newstart Allowance and Family Tax Benefits.

Eligibility for these payments can be confusing as they are often governed by an Asset Test and an Income Test.  Some of these tests can be quite punishing.  For example, the Newstart Allowance has an Asset Test and if you exceed the allowable limit by a single dollar, you lose the whole benefit.

By understanding the rules, it is often possible to avoid the traps which reduce or prevent people from receiving a payment they otherwise would be eligible for.  This is because different assets are often treated differently for income and/or asset test values and it can be important whose name an asset is in.

We are also able to assist clients with lodging an application for the various benefits and keeping Centrelink updated about changes to as they occur.