Receiving Centrelink/DVA support can have a significant impact on your overall financial plan. This impact can be so great that the team at 50Plus will always determine if you are entitled to receive any Centrelink/DVA benefits, as part of our financial planning process. If you are entitled to receive any benefits, we will formally advise you in writing and also show you the impact of these benefits on your financial plan. This information will then enable you to make an informed decision as to whether you wish to apply for these benefits, or not.

Centrelink/DVA generally use an Income & Assets Test to determine whether or not you qualify for any benefit. Recently, the Government made changes to the Assets Test which has the effect of enabling "Age Pensioners" to qualify for a part pension - even where their assets are worth around $840,000 (homeowner - couple) and $960,000 (non home owner - couple). This presents a wonderful opportunity to potentially access government support - which in turn will compliment the other retirement/retirement income strategies you may have in place.

As well as financial support, Centrelink/DVA also provide non financial benefits in the form of Concession Cards, including;

• a Health Care Card for low income earners
• Pensioner Concession Card - for people receiving financial support from Centrelink
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card - for people who are Age pension age, but do not qualify for financial support

Once again, these benefits can have a significant impact on your portfolio and your eligibility for any of these benefits should always be considered.

50Plus Centrelink/DVA Support Service

The team at 50Plus will provide all clients who are receiving Centrelink/DVA support with our Centrelink/DVA Support Service. This service will ensure all communications with Centrelink/DVA are managed by our office. This will require you to authorise us as your Centrelink Correspondence Nominee - which we will explain to you further as part of the whole planning process.

At 50Plus, we have a number of contact points within Centrelink and more specifically, the Financial Information Services department. This enables us to make enquiries on your behalf efficiently and effectively.

For more information on the 50Plus Centrelink/DVA Support Service, simply call our office on (03) 5444 1201.